Transport Minister Denies Secret Multi-Billion Rail Deal Allegations

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Thailand Construction and Engineering News

 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has categorically denied opposition claims that the government is secretly negotiating high-value agreements related to the high-speed rail project linking Bangkok’s main airports. The allegations surfaced during a censure debate led by Surachet Pravinvongvuth of the People’s Party, targeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration.

 

Surachet accused the government of manipulating the original contract with Asia Era One, a consortium spearheaded by the CP Group, signed on October 24, 2019. According to him, these amendments could unfairly favour transport investors, with a proposed contract modification involving a 159.8 billion baht concession.

 

Additionally, Surachet alleged plans to allocate significant state-owned plots in Bangkok and Si Racha to the concessionaire for development, which he argued could lead to government losses. Suriya refuted these claims, clarifying that no finalised plans exist and highlighted ongoing reviews by state agencies like the Office of the Attorney General.

 

 

 

The minister distanced himself from any contract-related delays, blaming them on previous administrations. The pandemic exacerbated issues, causing Asia Era One to seek adjustments due to dwindling passenger numbers. The current slow progress is attributed to land acquisition delays necessary for the project's continuation.

 

According to Suriya, further contract assessments are underway, and possible cabinet approval could herald project commencement by mid-year. Despite setbacks, officials aim to launch the rail line by 2029 or 2030, marking a crucial transport milestone for Thailand, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-26

 

 

[JoePai]

categorically denied opposition claims

 

Translate  = it's true  🤣

[newbee2022]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of Thailand Construction and Engineering News

 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has categorically denied opposition claims that the government is secretly negotiating high-value agreements related to the high-speed rail project linking Bangkok’s main airports. The allegations surfaced during a censure debate led by Surachet Pravinvongvuth of the People’s Party, targeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration.

 

Surachet accused the government of manipulating the original contract with Asia Era One, a consortium spearheaded by the CP Group, signed on October 24, 2019. According to him, these amendments could unfairly favour transport investors, with a proposed contract modification involving a 159.8 billion baht concession.

 

Additionally, Surachet alleged plans to allocate significant state-owned plots in Bangkok and Si Racha to the concessionaire for development, which he argued could lead to government losses. Suriya refuted these claims, clarifying that no finalised plans exist and highlighted ongoing reviews by state agencies like the Office of the Attorney General.

 

 

 

The minister distanced himself from any contract-related delays, blaming them on previous administrations. The pandemic exacerbated issues, causing Asia Era One to seek adjustments due to dwindling passenger numbers. The current slow progress is attributed to land acquisition delays necessary for the project's continuation.

 

According to Suriya, further contract assessments are underway, and possible cabinet approval could herald project commencement by mid-year. Despite setbacks, officials aim to launch the rail line by 2029 or 2030, marking a crucial transport milestone for Thailand, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-26

 

 

Does anybody expect she would admit that deal?

[zepplin]

16 hours ago, JoePai said:

categorically denied opposition claims

 

Translate  = it's true  🤣

If his lips are moving he’s lying… 

thais no 1 trait- deny any wrongdoing ever!

[hotchilli]

If there's no manipulation, tweaking, corruption then it ain't Thai

[soalbundy]

I'd deny it as well

[Thingamabob]

Thailand's governing bodies, a den of thieves...

[thesetat]

I do not see why Thailand would need a high speed rail like China has. It is not a very big country. 

[Captor]

The article says it is linking Bangkoks main airports!? Is there really a need for that? Or am I missunderstanding something?

[Purdey]

Did they negotiate via Scout or Line? In that case, all will be shared soon.