Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha on June 21 said the Thailand-China high-speed rail project needs support of Thai people for its implementation, according to local media.

Construction of Thailand-China rail project is scheduled for August or September 2017.

The premier made the call amid local increasing criticism after the government was determined to speed up the 179 billion THB project by ignoring many legal regulations related to foreign workers, site clearance, agricultural land use and approval of foreign-invested projects.

Prayut affirmed that the use of Article 44 in the 2014 Constitution is for Thailand’s national interest.

He stressed the project is significant to develop Thailand’s traffic system and Thai companies will be given favourable conditions to join the project.

Noting huge economic benefits for areas along the route, he said the Thai Government has sufficient financial ability to implement the project.

The same day, Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the project includes two parts, with infrastructure and people’s welfare accounting for 75 percent of the investment.

Thai contractors will build infrastructure while Chinese ones will be responsible for rail installation and trains. China has also agreed with conditions regarding transfer of technology and designs for Thailand.

The project will be submitted to the cabinet this month and its construction is scheduled to start in August or September.

(Source: VNA)