Chinese locomotives run along Thai rail networks

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Ziyang Locomotive is a subsidiary of CRRC, the world's largest manufacturer of railway trains. The company, located in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, has put 20 locomotives onto Thailand’s rail networks.

The cooperation started back to 1992, when the company signed a contract with TPI Polene to export China’s first overseas market-oriented locomotives.

At Kaeng Khoi in Thailand’s Saraburi Province, China-produced locomotives are going through their final testing. This is the third time CRRC Ziyang has cooperated with TPI Polene, the third largest cement manufacturer in Thailand.

"Thailand is the first overseas country for CRRC Ziyang to step into the international market,” said Casey Han, regional manager of CRRC Ziyang in Southeast Asia.

She told CGTN that her company has more experience dealing with overseas businesses and can customize and tailor-make products and service for customers.

Casey Han, CRRC Ziyang’s Regional Manager, says that the company is experienced with international businesses. /CGTN Photo

Since its initial foray in Thailand in 1992, the company has worked out three different types of trains. New locomotives have advanced control and transmission systems, with maximum speeds of 100 kilometers per hour. They will be used mainly for transporting cement.

Preecha Khoawkhow, vice president of TPI Polene, told CGTN that they are the first cement plant that uses Chinese locomotives. Before that, the plant used trucks to deliver cement materials. But with cargo trains, the cost of transportation has been reduced by about 40 to 50 percent.

Chinese engineers provide after-sales service. /CGTN Photo

Rail freight makes up about two percent of the market in Thailand. The State Railway of Thailand hopes to boost that share to six percent with a double track expansion over the next five years.

Ziyang Locomotive is pushing for a locomotive rental service in Thailand. It's part of a program designed to provide more customized service. The company has so far exported over 800 train units to 25 countries worldwide.

This uphill climb is expected to continue as it breaks into more overseas markets.