Thailand has pushed back the start date for construction of a multi-billion dollar rail line to link Bangkok to south-west China after a disagreement over the cost of the project, the Thai transport minister said on Friday. The project is part of China's plan for a network of links across Southeast Asia as its economic and political clout in the region grows. Eventually, rail lines should connect Kunming in south-west China with Singapore.
Thailand will begin the first phase of construction, a section that links Bangkok to the north-eastern town of Nakhon Ratchasima, in August or September, Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told reporters on Friday.