Khon Kaen University to Launch a New High-Speed Rail Engineering Program
March, 11 2021
The Chinese Consul General in Khon Kaen has attended meetings on the High-Speed Train International Collaboration Project, following the progress of this new academic program at Khon Kaen University.
Program Highlights
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, the curriculum is designed to support Thailand’s mega infrastructure project—the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail line, which is part of the Thailand-China Railway Cooperation.
The Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail will serve as a key link between Thailand, ASEAN, and China. The project is expected to be completed by 2025 and operational by 2029.
The construction is divided into two phases:
- Phase 1: Bangkok – Nakhon Ratchasima
- Phase 2: Nakhon Ratchasima – Nong Khai
This railway will connect with the China-Laos high-speed rail, running through Nong Khai, Khon Kaen, and Bangkok.
Workforce Development for High-Speed Rail
As the high-speed rail industry expands across Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Malaysia, Khon Kaen University recognizes the importance of training skilled professionals to support this development.
The high-speed rail sector will play a major role in driving economic growth and industrial transformation. Therefore, Thailand must strategically plan for human resource development to meet future labor market demands.
The High-Speed Rail Engineering curriculum is currently under review, with discussions ongoing to finalize the course structure and content.