The Thai Transport Ministry has recently announced a substantial investment of 652 billion baht (US$ 18,345,526,120). The funds are earmarked for around 150 transport projects to be initiated this year and the next, in a bid to bolster the country’s infrastructure.

 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit detailed the plans following a policy seminar held yesterday, February 1. According to him, 64 projects, with a combined budget of 389 billion baht (US$ 10,944,489,715), are slated to kick off this year, with an additional 31 lined up.

 

In the following year, the Ministry will commence 57 new projects, collectively worth 263 billion baht (US$ 7,399,696,990).

This year’s motorway projects include 18 initiatives, such as Motorway No 81 (Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi) and Motorway No 6 (Bang Pa-in-Nakhon Ratchasima). The construction of the 5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in Bueng Kan is also set to begin in 2024, reported Bangkok Post.

Moreover, 13 new projects, with a total investment of 254 billion baht (US$ 7,146,475,420), will commence construction before the end of the year. These include Motorway No 9 (the Western Ring Road of Bangkok), an extension of Motorway No 7 connecting to U-tapao airport, and an expansion of Motorway No 5 to Bang Pa-in.

 

by Mitch Connor

Picture courtesy of ThaiPost

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-01

 

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Just now, webfact said:

652 billion baht

 

2 billion for the work.

 

650 billion for the new Benzes to test them. 

Calling all pigs to the trough. 

Astounding numbers, and hard to comprehend where they find all this money. 

 

Loans from China perhaps? 

21 hours ago, webfact said:

The funds are earmarked for around 150 transport projects to be initiated this year and the next, in a bid to bolster the country’s infrastructure.

About half of which will be put to good use... 

How much of this gigantic budget will be spent on forcing RTP on to the roads in an attempt to cut the daily road kill?