Thailand's National Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and China on railway cooperation.

The MoU, endorsed by the cabinet late last month, will allow China to build two dual-track rail lines, which will span 734 km and 133 km respectively and connect northeast Thailand's Nong Khai province, capital Bangkok and eastern Rayong province.

The project, which is estimated to cost about 350 billion baht (10.6 billion U.S. dollars), will use the 1.435-meter standard gauge and trains will be operated at speeds of 160-180 km per hour.

China will be responsible for the construction and development of a new train system, according to the MoU put forwarded by Transport Minister Prajin Juntong.

Survey for construction is expected to start in January or February after China and Thailand sign the MoU, according to Prajin.

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