Thailand Gives Train Engine to Cambodia

KHMER TIMES
CHEA VANNAK



Thailand will provide a train engine to Cambodia for the transport of goods and tourists between the two countries, according to a government official.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made the promise to provide the train engine in response to efforts to increase trade and tourists between the two Kingdoms, said ruling CPP lawmaker Hun Many on Monday after wrapping up an official trip to Thailand where he met with Mr. Prayut.

Mr. Many, the youngest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, said the train engine would be used on the new rail line once a connection is made, which is scheduled to occur before the end of the year.

“In a nearly hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, His Excellency said the train engine would be delivered soon,” Mr. Many said.

Last week, Transport Minister Sun Chanthol confirmed that the official railway link between Cambodia and Thailand would be made by year’s end. He added that Mr. Hun Sen and Mr. Prayut would cross the border together by train at the official inauguration ceremony.

However, the date of the ceremony has yet to be revealed.

Ly Borin, undersecretary of state at the Transport Ministry, said he had not been informed about Thailand providing the train engine, but he welcomed the gift as it will facilitate the transport of goods and people between the countries.

According to Mr. Borin, Cambodia has an existing train running from Battambang province to the border in Banteay Meanchey province.

“We already have an existing train and after connecting the rail line, it will run from Battambang to the border with Thailand,” he said, declining to give further details.

“As I have heard, the two leaders will take a train brought from the Thai side and they will take it across the border and shake hands on that train in the official linking ceremony.”

Cambodia now has an operating rail service from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk province under the control of Toll Royal Railway, a private company. The service resumed operations in April after 14 years of suspended use due to poor track conditions.

King Norodom Sihamoni is scheduled to take the train from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihnouk province later this month. The king’s trip to the country’s southwestern coastal province is seen as an effort to increase the allure of train travel.

Ho Vandy, secretary-general of the Cambodia National Tourism Alliance, said the king’s trip would contribute to the railway sector, which he described as the safest form of transportation.

“Information of the king’s tour [to Preah Sihanouk province] by train will encourage people and foreign tourists to choose the train as a mode of transportation,” Mr. Vandy said. “The railway connection will boost the efficiency of transporting goods and particularly tourists.”