BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn plans to meet Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to discuss the issue of the high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. The 224-billion-baht concession between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One Co., Ltd. has stalled for years, which affected the progress of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Phiphat stated that he would also consult the Office of the Attorney General to see whether amendments to the concession deal are legally permissible. He stressed that the government does not want the project to create legal or financial risks, and if contract changes are unlawful, they cannot move forward.
A meeting involving all stakeholders will soon be convened to find a resolution. The Minister is also scheduled to meet the Policy Committee of the Eastern Economic Corridor to review project updates. He noted that while the government is committed to accelerating the project’s implementation, compensation measures may need to be considered if obstacles remain unresolved.
Meanwhile, the Transport Minister said he will push major transport projects, such as the Rama II Road expansion and the Nakhon Ratchasima Motorway, for cabinet consideration this October. He stressed that the government intends to open these key roads in time for the New Year holiday period, and if that is not possible, they must be completed ahead of Songkran Holidays to help alleviate traffic congestion. (NNT)
