Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has firmly rejected proposals to amend the government contract for the high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Emphasizing that the original terms must be honored, Phiphat aims to prevent further delays and push forward stalled infrastructure investments. This decision is crucial for stimulating economic recovery and job creation amid current sluggish conditions.

 

The high-speed rail initiative has faced over six years of delays, primarily due to ongoing negotiations over contract revisions. Phiphat, also serving as a deputy prime minister, highlighted the urgency to address these issues during the current administration’s tenure and the subsequent caretaker period leading up to the upcoming elections. His stance is clear: amendments to the investment contract are not an option.

 

Phiphat plans 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. A shift from the original contract terms to a "building-as-you-go" or instalment-based payment model was proposed. However, Phiphat rejected this approach, citing its inconsistency with the original contract which requires government payments only upon project completion.

 

He expressed confidence that such changes would not receive cabinet approval. Alternatives, such as expanding the double-track railway from Laem Chabang to U-Tapao and increasing train frequency, may be considered if the project cannot proceed as originally planned. Phiphat asserted, "I will not endorse anything that violates the contract or the law."

 

Key Takeaways

• Minister Phiphat opposes amending the high-speed rail contract.
• Discussions with stakeholders aim to find a viable path forward.
• Alternatives include expanding existing railway services if necessary.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-02

 

 

8 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

His stance is clear: amendments to the investment contract are not an option.

 

8 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

"I will not endorse anything that violates the contract or the law."

 

 

Good solid back bone....

 Hopewell has experience building high speed rail in Thailand.....Maybe Hopewell would be interested in building the new 3 airport rail.

That's the end of it then. 

 

Hopefully the still do the Don Mueng to Phaya Thai link. 

4 hours ago, redwood1 said:

 Hopewell has experience building high speed rail in Thailand.....Maybe Hopewell would be interested in building the new 3 airport rail.

Given Hopewell's history with the Thai government , I very doubt their interest in any further government projects.

"Court nullifies Hopewell damages order," September 20, 2023

https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/

• "The Central Administrative Court reversed a previous order on Monday (September 18th) that had directed the Ministry of Transport and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to pay 24 billion baht in damages to Hopewell Company Limited. The court cited the “statute of limitations” as the legal basis for the reversal."

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A shift from the original contract terms to a "building-as-you-go" or instalment-based payment model was proposed. However, Phiphat rejected this approach, citing its inconsistency with the original contract which requires government payments only upon project completion.

When renovating homes it was Pay as you go.  Never paying for more than the percentage of work completed.

 

I understand both sides.  Government doesn't want a partially built project that a builder walks away from if possible.  Contractor doesn't essentially want to loan someone money for many years paying for employees wages without an extra ROI.

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A shift from the original contract terms to a "building-as-you-go"

 Contract for Lego?

 

Will that train ever materialize?

6 years of delays--and counting.  Total clown show.

I haven't posted on this forum for three or four years. I worked on major railway projects in Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It amuses me to see that the bull<deleted> express has still not started