Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has rejected the idea of amending the government contract for a high-speed rail linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports, stressing the original terms must be honoured.
Mr Phiphat, who is also a deputy prime minister, has firmly opposed a series of proposed amendments to the investment contract for the long-delayed high-speed rail project connecting the country’s three largest airports.
Speaking at the Ministry of Transport, Mr Phiphat outlined the ministry’s priorities for the next four months under the current administration and the subsequent four-month caretaker period before the upcoming election.
He said there was a sense of urgency in pushing forward stalled infrastructure investments to stimulate disbursement of the budget, job creation, and economic recovery amid sluggish conditions.
The high-speed rail project, delayed for over six years, remains entangled in negotiations over contractual revisions.
Mr Phiphat disclosed plans to convene discussions with key stakeholders, including Asia Era One Co, Ltd (CP Group), the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), to explore viable solutions.
If the project cannot proceed as planned, alternatives such as expanding the double-track railway from Laem Chabang to U-Tapao and increasing train frequency may be considered.
Addressing the proposed shift to a “build-as-you-go” or instalment-based payment model, Mr Phiphat objected, saying it contradicts the original terms of the contract, which stipulate that government payments to the private sector occur only upon completion of construction. He added that such a change would likely fail to gain cabinet approval.
“I will not endorse anything that violates the contract or the law,” Mr Phiphat said.