Piphath Meets Russian Ambassador, Establishes Transport MOI Framework to Elevate Thai Logistics to International Standards
Deputy PM Piphath met Russia's ambassador to establish a transport cooperation framework aimed at modernizing Thailand's rail and logistics systems to international standards, with possible signing during the ASEAN-Russia Summit in June 202
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Piphath Ratchakij welcomed Russian Federation Ambassador to Thailand Yevgeny Tomichin to discuss strengthening the 128-year Thailand-Russia relationship.
The talks aimed to prepare for signing a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on transport cooperation, with a key focus on knowledge exchange and technology transfer to elevate Thailand's transport system to international recognition and maximum public benefit.
The main objective is to move forward with joint transport cooperation, with Thailand and Russia seeking an appropriate timeframe this year—possibly during the ASEAN-Russia Summit in June 2025 in Kazan, Russia—to enable effective implementation of the cooperation framework.
Piphath emphasized Thailand's government position that the country welcomes technology from all nations equally, but the most important aspect is knowledge transfer and development of domestic personnel capabilities. Imported technology must be integrated and connected with Thailand's rail network to maintain uniform standards, ensuring the public can access modern, safe, and efficient public transport services comparable to developed nations.
The Russian ambassador expressed readiness to participate in Thailand's rail system development projects, including construction of a new locomotive maintenance depot in Kaeng Khoi, Saraburi province, and procurement of diesel-electric locomotives and container wagons with spare parts.
However, to ensure sustainable transport development, the ministry emphasized the government's policy prioritizing cost-effective infrastructure investment while minimizing public debt impact. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) was tasked with reviewing locomotive and wagon procurement options, including reducing initial purchases by 50% or adopting a private sector leasing model, with further details to be discussed between SRT management and the Russian embassy.
Regarding airport development, the ambassador proposed interest in the Smart Car Park project at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to improve convenience and service quality. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AoT) was tasked with negotiating further details.
Both sides also discussed approaches to upgrading water transport using clean energy to drive environmentally-friendly logistics systems, reduce air pollution, and sustainably improve public health.
