Nakhon Ratchasima High-Speed Rail Project Stalled, Contractor Abandons Work
The Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project is severely delayed and stalled, with a contractor abandoning work on a key 12-kilometer section that's only 18% complete. A local politician is now demanding parliamentary answers on wh
Nakhon Ratchasima — Following a meeting of the Provincial Land Transportation Management Subcommittee, a representative from the Department of Rail Transport reported that the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project (Phase 1, 250.77 kilometers) is 55.272% complete as of June 2025, falling 32.93% behind schedule. In Nakhon Ratchasima province, seven contracts are active, with two completed and five under construction. Contract 3-5 (Khok Khuad-Nakhon Ratchasima, 12.38 kilometers) is particularly problematic, with only 18% progress and an 81.92% schedule delay.
The contractor's financial difficulties, labor shortages, material supply issues, and site access problems have caused delays. Additionally, a design change from ground-level to elevated track (Elevated) through community areas requires cabinet approval. The latest estimate suggests full operations will not begin until 2025.
Representative Chatthawan Suphattrawanit (Pheu Thai, District 1) conducted a site inspection after receiving public complaints via Facebook and Line. He found the work site abandoned for over two months, with temporary worker camps dismantled and equipment removed. The infrastructure—electrical, water, and utilities—has been stripped and cleared. Suphattawan announced he would file an interpellation in parliament's August session, demanding the Prime Minister or Transport Minister explain the repeated delays and provide a concrete timeline for when Nakhon Ratchasima residents can use the rail service. Contract 3-5, valued at 7.75 billion baht and running from January 26, 2021 to January 10, 2024, covers construction of ground-level track over 7.85 kilometers.
