AGENDA

Thailand Railway Modernization Virtual Roundtable

May 11, 2021 9 - 11 PM EDT USA

May 12, 2021 8 - 10 AM Thailand

The Thailand Railway Modernization Virtual Roundtable brings together U.S. and Thai rail sector stakeholders to discuss upcoming projects and initiatives in Thailand, as well as the potential strategies and best practices to support rail sector modernization.

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USA EDT /Thailand Local Time

9:00 PM / 8:00 AM       Welcome and Introductions

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                 Enoh T. Ebong, Acting Director, USTDA

       Sorapong Paitoonphong, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of                       Transport  (MOT) - Thailand

 9:20 PM/ 8:20 AM        Rail Project Opportunities in Thailand

Representatives from SRT will provide an overview of upcoming projects and initiatives that could benefit from U.S. technology and best practices. This will include a moderated Q&A session.

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Pichet Kunadhamraks, Deputy Director General, Department of Rail Transport, Ministry of Transport

Athaphon Kawprasert, Superintending Engineer, Construction Center, Special Project and Construction Department, SRT

10:05 PM/9:05 AM        Short Break

10:10 PM/9:10 AM        U.S. – Thailand Rail Modernization Roundtable:

                                          Strategies for Rail Sector Modernization

This is a moderated discussion on topics including technologies, business models, financing options, and best practices that drive successful rail modernization. 

Moderator: Doug Shuster, Principal, Tuatara Group 

Speakers:

David Burns, Independent Rail Sector Expert

Jim Blaze, Railroad Economist & Contributing Editor, Railway Age

Joseph Palese,  Senior Scientist, University of Delaware

Michael Iden, Locomotive and Railroad Consultant, Tier 5 Locomotive LLC (and former General Director, Car & Locomotive Engineering, Union Pacific Railroad)

Pichet Kunadhamraks, Deputy Director General, Department of Rail Transport, Ministry of  Transport

Athaphon Kawprasert, Superintending Engineer, Construction Center, Special Project and Construction Department,  SRT

09:50 PM /10:00 PM        Final Comments and Close

                   Verinda Fike, Regional Director for the Indo-Pacific, USTDA

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Attend the Virtual Roundtable to: 

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• Learn about upcoming project opportunities and bidding processes

• Understand the landscape of Thailand’s rail sector

• Engage with SRT and MOT Officials. 

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REGISTRATION 

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There is no fee to attend the virtual roundtable. It is open to U.S. and Thai participants, but advanced registration is required.

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Register Here​

• Participants must register to receive access to the extensive background materials developed to help participants prepare for the roundtable. These include background materials and presentations on both the Thai and U.S. rail sectors. 

• Participants are encouraged to review the materials and send questions in advance of the roundtable.​

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• The link to the virtual roundtable will be sent out prior to the event. ​

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• ​Registration to this event is limited to U.S. and Thailand individuals, firms, or  consultants as defined by USTDA’s Nationality Source and Origin Requirements available on USTDA’s website at www.ustda.gov. 

BACKGROUND

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SRT, Thailand’s state-owned rail operator, maintains over 2,700 miles of railway tracks. Although Thailand has a relatively comprehensive rail network based on its geography and population density, SRT is restrained by its meter-gauge track, low axle loads, and only 216 miles of double-track lines. Thailand seeks to reduce transport costs and improve efficiency by shifting additional passenger and freight traffic from road to rail.

As part of a new plan to improve its rail infrastructure, SRT is constructing new rail lines, converting existing lines to double track, and improving rail connections to neighboring countries. SRT also plans to refurbish and purchase new locomotives and other rolling stock to transport additional freight and passengers, electrify the more heavily used routes in the Bangkok area, improve station design, and deploy high-speed rail. 

These improvements and the associated procurements provide opportunities for U.S. suppliers across the rail sector, including suppliers of rolling stock, specialized freight cars, rail signaling, safety and ICT systems, and track monitoring and maintenance equipment.

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SRT Website

REVERSE TRADE MISSION

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USTDA is hosting a delegation from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and other Thai rail stakeholders on a reverse trade mission to the United States.

The delegates will meet with U.S. suppliers of state-of-the-art rail equipment and services and participate in site visits and meetings with U.S. rail sector stakeholders.

The reverse trade mission is tentatively planned for fall 2021 and will include stops in Indianapolis, IN,  Champaign and Chicago, IL, and Washington, DC.

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As part of the itinerary, USTDA will host a business briefing for U.S. companies to learn about upcoming project opportunities in Thailand’s rail sector and to provide an opportunity for companies to meet one-on-one with the delegation. The briefing will take place in Chicago, IL. 

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ABOUT USTDA

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USTDA helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

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USTDA

1101 Wilson Boulevard

Suite 1100

Arlington, VA 22209

Phone: +1-703-875-4357

www.ustda.gov

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