Thailand's Transport Ministry says the country is working with Chinese experts to build the Thailand's first standard-gauge railways.

Two new rail lines, with a total length of more than 800 km, will connect northeast Thailand's Nong Khai province, Bangkok and eastern Rayong province.

The entire project is divided into four sections.

Work on the first two sections will start in September and conclude in December 2017, while construction on the other two sections is expected to begin in December and finish in March 2018.

Thai and Chinese officials will start the first round of talks on details of the plan, and other issues, next week.