UPCOMING EVENT
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is hosting a virtual roundtable with representatives from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Ministry of Transport (MOT) to discuss upcoming project opportunities, best practices and solutions in Thailand’s rail sector. The event is planned for the evening of May 11, 2021 9:00 to 11:00 PM EDT in the U.S. and the morning of May 12, 2021 8:00 to 10:00 AM in Thailand.
The roundtable will bring together Thai and U.S. stakeholders from the public and private sectors in advance of an anticipated USTDA reverse trade mission to the United States in fall 2021.
There is no fee to attend the virtual roundtable. It is open to U.S. and Thai participants, but advanced registration is required. Registrants will receive materials to review prior to the roundtable.
If you have registered, but have not received your Zoom meeting login link yet:
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Please check your junk mail folder or contact Faith Stackpole at faith@webstergroupinc.com to receive one.
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If you are having difficulties connecting to the Zoom meeting, please contact Faith Stackpole at faith@webstergroupinc.com for assistance.
Why You Should Attend
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Learn about upcoming project opportunities and bidding processes
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Understand the landscape of Thailand’s rail sector
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Engage with SRT and MOT Officials
Business Opportunities
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Locomotives, flat cars and specialized freight cars
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Rail signaling, train planning control systems and safety systems
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Track maintenance and inspection equipment
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.
USA EDT /Thailand Local Time
9:00 PM / 8:00 AM Welcome and Introductions
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.
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
Attend the Virtual Roundtable to:
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Learn about upcoming project opportunities and bidding processes
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Understand the landscape of Thailand’s rail sector
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Engage with SRT and MOT Officials.
REGISTRATION
There is no fee to attend the virtual roundtable. It is open to U.S. and Thai participants, but advanced registration is required.
Register Here
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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.
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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
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.
REVERSE TRADE MISSION
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.
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.
ABOUT USTDA
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.
USTDA
1101 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 1100
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: +1-703-875-4357
