The cabinet approved a draft cooperation framework Tuesday for the Thai-Chinese railway development project.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the draft framework covered the construction of 1.435-metre standard gauge railways along two routes.
They are Nong Khai-Nakhon Ratchasima-Kaeng Khoi and Bangkok-Kaeng Khoi-Map Ta Phut.
The two routes together will cover 867 kilometres and cost 350 billion baht.
Construction will be divided into four sections -- Bangkok-Kaeng Khoi; Kaeng Khoi-Map Ta Phut: Keang Khoi-Nakhon Ratchasima; and Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai.
Mr Sansern said Thailand and China would establish special vehicle companies to run the train system, train operation, and maintenance and repair services.