High-speed railways between China and Thailand approved

A high-speed railway project linking China and Thailand has reportedly been approved by Thai authorities.

The project involves two lines inside Thailand, and investments of 23 billion US dollars.

The construction will be carried out by Thai companies, starting next year.

China is said to supply technologies and equipment, in exchange for imports of rice from Thailand.

This project is part of the Trans-Asian Railway, linking southwest China's Kunming city and Singapore.

The railway will pass through Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia and finally Singapore.

However, the section in Myanmar was allegedly suspended by the Myanmar authorities last month.