An Analysis of Thailand's Opportunities and Benefits from Rail Development Plans Under the Master Plans on ASEAN Connectivity

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) certainly brings new opportunities to the ASEAN market where transportation is one important element of developed and developing countries. This study analyzes the opportunities and benefits from rail development plans in Thailand under the Master Plans on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC). The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze costs and benefits from rail development plans in Thailand under the MPAC and to examine how, and to what extent, the Thai rail project fits in with the MPAC and also to recommend the opportunities, benefits and impacts of Thai rail development plan under the MPAC. This paper is based on documentary research method. The researcher found out that if Thailand upgrades its antiquated railway system to High Speed Rail (HSR) and link with bordering countries, Thailand will gain tremendous benefits from rail development project in many aspects. This includes time savings and travel comfort, reduction of road and airport traffic congestion, becoming a regional hub, as well as the promotion of wider economic benefits to less developed cities