Train Row Escalates

[andyfletch]

Todays Bangkok Post:

Train row escalates

PM tells city it is not an `autonomous state'

POST REPORTERS

The row over the elevated train extension escalated yesterday with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra cautioning the city that it was not an autonomous state and that it had to discuss the project with the government first before proceeding. Mr Thaksin insisted the Bangkok Transit System Co (BTS), which operates the train service, was bound by the contract with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to pay for the civil work of extended routes.

The BMA, therefore, could not simply decide to pay for the civil work, stations, tracks and operating systems for the BTS extension, he said.

But Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said city hall has waited long enough. It would go ahead and complete the extension with or without government approval.

The latest dispute between Mr Thaksin and the city centres on the 2.2km extension route of the BTS railway system from its Taksin station on Somdet Phrachao Taksin bridge to Somdet Phrachao Taksin road. The structure is being built above Krung Thon Buri road.

Its civil work was completed two years ago with BMA money but the government has refused to lift its previous resolution that requires BTS's 100% investment in the project to formalise the BMA's contribution to the extension.

``We must say that we should talk in the [government's] transport committee to agree on what to do. Perhaps the BMA may not have to spend over two billion baht for the BTS,'' Mr Thaksin said.

He explained that the 2.2km extension was very short and, without a good plan or negotiations, an unreasonable fare might be charged for the additional short section and consequently the burden would be passed on to the public.

``Do not cause trouble to people. If [the fare] increases by two or three baht, that will be acceptable. Understand? Let's talk,'' Mr Thaksin said.

He confirmed that he understood the BMA's intention was to serve the public but any actions would have to be the result of thorough consideration.

``How will they be connected if the BMA invests? How will fares be collected? Which burdens will go to the public? These must be figured out. Be calm and let's talk. The talks have not happened but announcements have been made swiftly. This is not an autonomous state. It [the city] needs to talk,'' Mr Thaksin stressed.

He was referring to Mr Apirak's repeat announcements since last Tuesday that the city would spend 2.3 billion baht to finish the 2.2km extension without waiting for government approval.

Mr Apirak said Bangkok was not an autonomous state and it would follow the rules in completing the extension.

He confirmed he would seek the budget from the Bangkok Council and that the BMA had the right to do so under BMA and decentralisation laws.

Deputy governor Samart Ratchapolsitte insisted the BMA had waited for the government's approval for two years and, at the moment, nothing could stop it from finishing the job.

``Today Bangkok traffic is in crisis. The local administration must take action. Only if the Bangkok council passes the expense on Oct 26, everything will proceed right away. There is no use waiting any longer,'' Mr Samart said.

He said the 2.2km extension section does not contradict the government's overall mass transit plan for Bangkok and the state contributing to public transport services is normal around the world.

Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei and Melbourne paid all the costs for their electric trains to serve the public and solve traffic problems but Thailand was an exception in requiring private sector investment, Mr Samart said.

In response to Mr Thaksin's remarks on the feasibility of the BMA's investment in the 2.2km section, Mr Samart said financial feasibility was out of the question for mass transit projects because they would result in overall economic gains in terms of road traffic solutions.

On the government's concern for lower fares, Mr Samart said the government itself had failed in its low fare negotiations with Bangkok Metro Co Ltd, the subway operator, and then had to let the operator raise fares after initial promotional rates

[The_Moog]

Diagnosis:

The TRT Government is not getting its bribes and kickbacks from this infrastructure project. (Given the majority of Bangkok Councillors are Democrat)

So central Government needs to throw a spanner in the works.

Be calm and let's talk.

Including the traditional rubbing together of thumb and forefinger in the direction of the person seeking approval.

[lomatopo]

Are there any good reasons why this extension should not be completed?

Is the station, on the other side of the river, convenient for people to get to? Will it help people's commute? Do they use a ferry now?

I don't understand the PM's comments re: fare vs. distance. Surely this extension is longer than some of the other segments? Siam - National Stadium comes to mind.

I understand the politcal issues but am curious if there are any other reasons to not complete this extension?

Edited October 23, 2005 by lomatopo

[ovenman]

The row over the elevated train extension escalated yesterday with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra cautioning the city that it was not an autonomous state and that it had to discuss the project with the government first before proceeding.

This is exactly the sort of thing that make me question the merits of carving a new Suvarnaphumi Nakhon province out of the districts surrounding the new airport. If the local officials really have no authority to manage "local needs" projects such as this BTS extension on their own, what's the point of establishing a new provincial zone?

[Heng]

Because this way, the local officials actually have the funds. If they didn't have their own budget (and revenue base), then it'd be no honey AND no money. As Tony Montana said... first you get the money, then you get the power, and then you get the BTS extension completed.

[otherstuff1957]

I, for one, would love to see Apirak thumb his nose at Thaksin and build the extension.

[LindsayBKK]

I think Prime Minister Taksin Shinawatra will make a "no fly zone" around City Hall and have Governor Apirak Kosayodhin arrested and taken back to the free world. Then a new infrastructure will be established and the BTS will be run by the Government with Thai military forces to keep the peace. Thus only until new BTS staff have the knowledge to operat safely without attacks.

Where will Taksin get this idea? ummmmm sounds familiar

[mouse]

A German friend of mine is looking for th source of this post. He has read and then lost it. In any case seems that Mr. Taskin's recent trip to Europe netted approximately 3 Billion in € for a project the the PM described as a train system for Bangkok. At least this is what the French were alledgedly told. Do not know this to be true and will post as soon as my friend comes up with the article again.

He is also hunting for articles that show that Thailand has € Billions of of debt with other counties in Europe (he claims to have read these). If this is true why did they bother to pay off the insignificant World Bank Loan. Or did my friend stumble upon something that we did not know. Hmmm.

[andyfletch]

A German friend of mine is looking for th source of this post. He has read and then lost it.  In any case seems that Mr. Taskin's recent trip to Europe netted approximately 3 Billion in € for a project the the PM described as a train system for Bangkok.  At least this is what the French were alledgedly told.  Do not know this to be true and will post as soon as my friend comes up with the article again.

He is also hunting for articles that show that Thailand has € Billions of of debt with other counties in Europe (he claims to have read these).  If this is true why did they bother to pay off the insignificant World Bank Loan.  Or did my friend stumble upon something that we did not know.  Hmmm.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It was in the Bangkok post 22/10/05. Hvae a look at 2bangkok.com as well.........lots of info there, mostly translated from the Thai press instead of the English language press...........there are some interesting comparisons !!!

Edited October 25, 2005 by andyfletch

[thailien8]

Pongsak rejects city's plan to finish route

AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK

"Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal has refused to approve city hall's plan to complete the 2.2km extension of the BTS skytrain from Taksin station to Thon Buri, a decision sure to anger Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin. Mr Pongsak said there were several reasons for the decision, but in particular the authority to proceed rests with a city mass transit authority that the government has yet to establish.

Mr Pongsak said while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) could build the existing BTS network, because the Interior Ministry had authorised it to do so, it needed approval from the mass transit authority to extend any routes.

But the government had still not set up the authority, which would supervise all mass transit services in Bangkok."

This quote from Bkk. Post 25/10/05 is a classic Thai excuse for doing nothing, especially when something really needs doing. Yes, of course, nothing can be done because the government body which does it does not exist!!! The perfect technicality! Never mind that a lot of work has already been completed on the BTS extension over the river to Thonburi. Never mind that many Thonburi residents are hoping so much for Skytrain to be extended to their side of the river. Never mind that this 2.2 km. extension would be possibly the most cost-effective project ever done in Bkk. It's not BIG enough, EXPENSIVE enough, and certainly does not garner enough face for the glorious TRT rulers. And what is the problem about the fares?? Just charge the BTS riders the same as they are paying now. In case you haven't noticed, Skytrain doesn't exactly lack paying customers. Most trains I get on are packed. I hardly ever get a seat, not that I'm complaining. I love public transport, Bkk.'s greatest need. It sickens me that the Thaksin government is stalling on this simple, obvious, easily-achieved, greatly-needed BTS extension to help the many people living in Thonburi.

[Jai Dee]

BANGKOK GOVERNOR CONDUCTS SURVEY ON BTS ROUTE EXTENSION

Bangkok Governor APIRAK KOSAYOTHIN (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) has conducted survey from public about the proposed BTS route extension. The survey indicated that the majority agreed with the The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to continue with the project.

Following traffic inspections and report on TAKSIN (ตากสิน) bridge, survey showed that it takes 1.5 to 2 hours for people to drive over the TAKSIN bridge. Commuters travelling by the public bus and boats spend at least 50-100 baht per day, 15,000-20,000 people travel by boat per day while 100,000 cars run on the TAKSIN bridge per day.

He said that the extension of the sky train will help cater to 50,000 passengers per day which will help reduce time and traveling cost as the skytrain will take only 5 minutes. Skytrain fares will not increase as well.

Finally Mr Apirak said that the majority of people agree with the project. He expects the construction to start soon.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอังคารที่ 25 ตุลาคม 2548

[marquess]

The longer this goes on, the more stupid Thaksin will look!

[Jai Dee]

PM THAKSIN TO INVITE THE BMA AND THE TRANSPORT MINISTRY TO DISCUSS BTS EXTENSION

Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA commented that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will have to discuss with the Ministry of Transport, before it will start constructing the BTS extension in SILOM (สีลม)

The Prime minister stated that the BMA and the government have certain disagreements concerning the BTS extension project in SILOM, which would be worth around 2.3 billion baht. Therefore, he will arrange a meeting between the BMA and the Transport Ministry soon, and he will preside over this discussion. He said concerned parties have to consider both the old and new construction contracts because they will relate to the passengers’ fares.

In addition, the Prime Minister said concerned officials must study the project’s feasibility as well because they will have to borrow money for this project’s investment.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันพุธที่ 26 ตุลาคม 2548

[bangkapiboy]

Thaksin just doesn't care. He will show off his power, because there is no way he and his party is losing any major elections. Come on Thaksin, let's make Bangkok a world class city... We need real mass transportation options -- not just those ugly busses! And please no BRT ideas anymore. We don't need lanes blocked up for fast busses.

[LindsayBKK]

The longer this goes on, the more stupid Thaksin will look!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How can he look more stupid? Is he still holding up those signs to show he "will" & "won't" answer a question from the press?

Taksin wants to buy BTS and wants it cheap before extensions.

[charles]

And what is the problem about the fares?? 

Exactly, the way this pillock Thaksin is just fumbling about in the dark is getting more hilarious by the day.

Fares can stay exactly the same, no problems as there will be increased customer volume, more revenue, happy commuters from Thonburi, f*cking 'ell this is rocket science, you'd need to be a wizz-kid instant billionaire to think of something like this.

[ratcatcher]

So, let's see, the B.T.S.Skytrain extends over 4km almost to Petchkasem Road,yet the 2.2km as quoted in the newspapers seems to be the 'end of the line' at Taksin road. Does this make sense? (Stupid question,me being in Thailand 'n all)

There's no need to build a train depot at the end of the line as mentioned. All trains get serviced at Mor Shit (so no need, right?). No need to study environmental impact. Just look at the environmental impact if it ain't built! Huge traffic jams,waste of fuel etc.

No need to double track at Saphan Thaksin station either.

Just another political stunt from President Toxin.

Because his Thai F*** Thai party isn't in control of Bangkok.Let's hope Governor Apirak gets the city council support. and work starts soon.

By the way do any farangs like Toxin?

[womble]

Morgan stanley like him and his TRT party.

This is an article written in sept by Morgan Stanley to potential investors.

I'm looking forward to the next outlook.

We Warned Thailand Bears and Thaksin Sceptics on August 16

We warned Thailand bears and Thaksin sceptics on August 16 (A Brief Downgrade and A Good Long Chat) that they have become overly bearish on the prospects for the Thai economy and market. I had a long chat with Mr. Thaksin and the “Inner Cabinet” on August 5 and was able to reveal to the market how higher oil prices and high oil imports had been due to overstated net oil imports as the Kingdom failed to properly take into account the re-export of oil. This makes an upward revision of US$1-1.5 billion possible going forward.

Meanwhile, energy conservation and diversification measures and a government initiative to prolong the lifespan of imported products should lend further support to the external balance. Until three weeks ago, we expected the current account deficit for 2005 to improve to US$4.3 billion or 2.4% of GDP by year end, even though the Jan-Jun current account deficit stands at US$6.2 billion or 3.5% of GDP. However, since oil prices have stayed relatively high throughout this period, we have further adjusted our current account deficit forecast to US$4.8 billion, or 2.7% of GDP. We continue to believe Thailand is on track to achieve at least 4.1% growth in 2005. However, our 2005 4.1% forecast remains substantially above the consensus mean of around 3%.

Official July External Accounts Numbers Released on August 31 Validate Our August 16 Call

The July merchandise and current account numbers just released by the government validate our August 16 call, in my view. Both July trade and current accounts imbalances improved substantially. In fact, the current account went into surplus, decisively reversing its worsening trend. We reiterate our forecast that the current account will reverse into a surplus in 2H05, producing a moderate deficit of only US$4.8 billion, or 2.7% of GDP. Our current account deficit is quite similar to the official forecast.

A Small Lesson for Thailand Bears and Thaksin Sceptics

The above episode in our view serves as a small lesson for Thai bears and Thaksin sceptics who underestimate Mr. Thaksin’s ability to support the Thai economy and implement sound economic policies. I believe investors should note the following:

(1) Thai growth is stronger than the Street consensus. If the 2005 current account deficit is smaller than the Street expected, then 2005 growth must be better than the Street consensus. This is basic GDP accounting. We reiterate our 2005 growth forecast of 4.1% versus the Street consensus of 3% or lower. In fact, if the oil shock subsides in the coming months, export growth keeps up and oil consumption declines further, we believe the growth risks will be to the upside of the 3.5-4.5% range.

(2) Thailand possesses fiscal latitude and an ability to formulate good economic policies. The recent market jitters on Indonesia contrast vividly with the calm exhibited by Thai policymakers in tackling energy (dependency and inefficiency) and growth issues. Thailand is the most oil (import) dependent and the most inefficient energy user in export-oriented East Asia/Southeast Asia economies. And yet Thailand has demonstrated that its ‘hard won’ fiscal latitude (secured by Mr. Thaksin and his administration during the first term of their office) has gone a long way in providing Thailand the policy latitude in implementing domestic demand/income support measures.

We elaborated earlier that given the nature of the economic malaise, i.e., a supply shock induced by escalation in oil prices, the Thaksin administration has chosen to ‘tactically’ support the economy rather than bulldoze through a domestic investment/mega projects program that could risk further blowing out the current account. (A Dialogue with Thailand Bears and Thaksin Sceptics, August 1, 2005.) Such tactical support measures, such as raising civil servant salaries, hiking the minimum wage, increasing rural spending and strengthening the funding of small rural-based projects to encourage both private consumption and production where the import leakage is small, have been smoothly executed over the past weeks. Thanks to these developments, we believe the Thai economy should see firmer support over the second half of the year.

Such fiscal and policy latitude is not readily seen in Indonesia and in many other developing countries. In addition, Thai policy makers have quickly put in place a comprehensive strategy to rein in the Kingdom’s excessive and inefficient energy usage (for a detailed discussion see A Brief Downgrade and a Good Long Chat). However, Thailand’s fiscal policy latitude and its ability to formulate good economic policies were often ignored by the market.

(3) Thailand has seen the worst in term of its oil consumption and oil-induced trade deficit. While recent data paint a rather gloomy picture for Thailand in term of its oil consumption and its oil-induced trade deficit, Thailand has done a poor job in estimating its net oil imports. Its re-export to Indo-China was often not properly reflected, resulting in a ‘larger than actual’ oil-induced trade deficit. Most importantly, persistent high oil prices and the removal of the residual diesel subsidies on July 13 have finally set the Kingdom on the correct ‘energy conservation’ path and allow conservation and substitution effects to come to play more effectively.

More importantly, conscious policy efforts are in place to curb the consumption of oil and to prevent the worsening of imports. Thai policy makers are converting buses and taxis from petrol users into natural gas users; the ‘correct’ diesel price is causing Thai consumers to shift away from diesel guzzlers, such as pick-up trucks, back to smaller cars, and the ‘Fix It’ initiatives are introducing a nationwide effort to prolong the life of electronic goods and machinery.

While the more than 10% oil consumption ratio – the number has been exaggerated because of overstated net oil import numbers – points to Thailand’s vulnerability to higher oil prices, it actually demonstrates that the Kingdom has vast potential in ‘riding’ a protracted path of ‘reducing oil demand’ through energy conservation and improved energy efficiency. In other words, Thailand need not confront the ugly scenario of a energy blow up even if oil prices were to stay high for a longer period. In fact, one of the key objectives of the US$44 billion mega-projects was to build an integrated Bangkok mass transit system and a nationwide rail system to substantially trim Thailand’s energy dependency.

(4) Thailand should not head into a recession in 2006. Some Thailand bears and Thaksin sceptics believe even if Thailand were to sustain positive growth and contain the impact of the oil shock this year, a recession next year is unavoidable as Asia could be nose-diving into contracting external demand and dramatically weakening domestic demand amid a continuation of high oil prices. We clearly cannot deny the global linkages as exports still constitute 60% of the Thai economy and the economy will remain negatively impacted by higher prices. However, we see two important economic trends that should prevent Thailand from encountering the worst economic malaise:

First, Mr. Thaksin is very determined to kick-start the five-year US$44 billion domestic infrastructure investment /mega projects program, starting 4Q05. As long as the current account deficit remains in check (under 3-3.5% of GDP), the infrastructure program will not be delayed or cancelled. Most importantly, the infrastructure is a mix of final and intermediate infrastructure where the ‘high capital import content’ of final infrastructure could be delayed in favour of the ‘low import content’ intermediate infrastructure. Some US$8.3 billion worth of infrastructure investment (or around 20% of the total value of mega projects), equivalent to 4.7% of 2005 nominal GDP, is planned to be executed from 4Q05 to end 2006, thus providing some cushion to the Thai economy. (See Understanding Mr. Thaksin’s Fiscal and Investment Latitude, July 1, 2005 and A Credible Plan Brightens Investment Boom Prospects, June 22, 2005.)

Second, the Thai economy is more diversified and resilient than is priced into the market. Without the negative impact of oil, the drought, and the Tsunami, we believe Thai GDP growth for 2005 would have been around 6-6.5% (it was 6.1% in 2004) as opposed to the 4.1% now forecast by Morgan Stanley. The end of the drought in the Eastern part of the country and a revival of tourism starting 2H05 should bring important relief to the Thai economy, partially offsetting the ongoing negative impact of high oil prices.

Bottom Line: Thailand Bears and Thaksin Sceptics Have Underestimated Mr. Thaksin and the Thai Economy

We warned that Thai bears and Thaksin sceptics had become overly bearish on the prospects for the Thai economy and market. Indeed, given that oil re-exports have been underestimated and that energy conservation/diversification measures and government initiatives to prolong the lifespan of imports have been put into place, we believe the current account deficit could improve to US$4.8 billion or 2.7% of GDP by year end. In fact, the July current account just released registered a marked improvement from an average deficit US$1 billion per month in 1H05 to a surplus of US$0.2 billion. We believe this lends further credence to our relatively optimistic current account forecast.

In our view, investors have underestimated the true potential of the Thai economy and we wish to highlight several points that should taken note of. For a start, if the government and our assessment of the current account deficit is accurate and it turns out to be smaller than what the Street had expected, 2005 GDP growth should correspondingly be higher than the consensus mean of 3%. Indeed, our GDP growth estimate stands at a higher 4.1% and we believe that risks could be to the upside of 3.5-4.5% if export growth is maintained and oil consumption declines.

Another fact that is often overlooked is that Thailand has a fiscal latitude that is not present in other countries also facing similar growth problems e.g. Indonesia. Indeed, the Thai government is shrewdly drawing on its fiscal strength to tactically support the economy through measures such as raising civil sector wages, hiking minimum wages and increasing rural spending. This should lend support to the economy in 2H05.

In addition, the worst seems to be over for Thailand’s oil deficit and current account balance, in our view. The correction of the previous underestimation in oil re-exports is likely to come through ahead and subsidy removals mean substitution and conservation effects should kick in and reduce the oil deficit. Meanwhile, conscious policy efforts to shift usage away from petrol to natural gas as well as the ‘Fix-It’ initiative to prolong imported goods usage also puts Thailand firmly on the road to an external balance improvement, we believe.

Lastly, some believe that even if Thailand emerges from 2005 unscathed, it will head into a recession in 2006 because of ramifications from high oil price which would weaken external and domestic demand. However, two factors specific to Thailand counter that, in our view. With the start of the 5-year mega investment projects unlikely to meet delays so long as the current account deficit is kept in check, the economy should be well-cushioned by the investment (US$8.3 billion, or 4.7% of 2005 GDP) implemented during 4Q05 to 2006. Also, the Thai economy is actually more diversified and resilient than the market believes. In fact, one should remember that without the negative factors beyond Thai policy makers’ control – oil, the drought, the Tsunami and the Southern issues – Thai growth in 2005 would have been closer to 6-6.5%, making it one of the best performing economies in East and Southeast Asia.

Edited October 26, 2005 by womble

[The_Moog]

I recall that this Morgan Stanley briefing was regurgitated political propaganda recycled by an analyst in awe of having got access to Thaksin.

Didn't he also take the opportunity to slag off the Democrat party, which also went into the piece.

[womble]

I recall that this Morgan Stanley briefing was regurgitated political propaganda recycled by an analyst in awe of having got access to Thaksin.

Didn't he also take the opportunity to slag off the Democrat party, which also went into the piece.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It definatley seems very one sided, and by the way he talks he sounds impressed with himself that he's a 'pal' of Thaksin.

Reading this from the Morgan Stanley website has made me much more sceptical of the company, particulary when it comes to Asia and South America.

The trouble with these companys is the people who call the shots no nothing about the countrys. The article states that nearly all figures are taken from statistics released by the government or from the PM's mouth.

Unfortunatley what many of these people don't know is that just because the figure has been released by the government it doesn't mean it's correct. I'm a real sceptic when it comes to any figures released in Thailand, regardless who releases them.

I'd like to read a non biased article written by an analyst with many years experiance in Thailand.

Morgan Stanley have lost a lot of my respect for releasing such a blatently bias article, I wonder if they are being paid

[The Gentleman Scamp]

I'll be surprised if the Suk or Silom lines are any longer in two years time.

[thailien8]

Is this Thaksin's revenge on the voters of Bangkok for daring to elect a non-TRT governor?

[andyfletch]

From Bangkok Post 27/10

City Council approves B2.3bn BTS extension

Apirak backed by Thai Rak Thai councillors

SUPOJ WANCHAROEN

The City Council, including members of the Thai Rak Thai party, unanimously approved a 2.3-billion-baht budget for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to finish the short BTS train extension across the Chao Phraya to Thon Buri. However, a Thai Rak Thai cabinet minister insisted the project would need a fresh environmental impact assessment.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, also a Democrat party deputy leader, sought the budget from the council. He explained that the sum would pay for tracks, stations and operational systems on the already-completed civil engineering works of the 2.2km route from Taksin bridge to Taksin road.

The BMA has already selected the Sino-Thai AS joint venture to carry out the final stage of the construction. The contractor is expected to start work next month and take a year to complete the job.

Theoretically, the BMA must call for tenders to select an operator for the extended route. In practice, it will let Bangkok Transit System Corp (BTSC), the BTS operator, run the trains on the extension route without raising fares that now range from 10 to 40 baht depending on the travelling distance.

In return, BTS should benefit from an additional 50,000 passengers entering its train system through the Thon Buri route every day, according to Deputy Bangkok Governor Samart Ratchapolsitte.

As many as 59 of the total 61 councillors attended the council meeting yesterday. They included 30 councillors from the Democrat party and 25 from Thai Rak Thai.

Mr Apirak told the council that he needed the budget to finish the route. All the civil engineering work was completed more than two years ago.

As people in Thon Buri suffered heavy traffic congestion on Taksin bridge during rush hours, he had decided the BMA could exercise its right under BMA and power decentralisation laws to finish the mass transit link without having to wait for government support.

Nineteen councillors from Thai Rak Thai and the Democrats took turns to inquire about the plan.

Many Thai Rak Thai councillors even asked the Democrat deputy leader to extend the mass transit service to their areas in Bang Kapi, Laksi and Don Muang.

After over four hours of questions and answers, the councillors voted unanimously in support of Mr Apirak's request.

Pradermchai Boonchuaylua, Thai Rak Thai councillor from Huai Khwang and Thai Rak Thai councillors' whip, said the BMA was able to answer almost all the questions and had proved that the project was in the public interest.

Although Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra does not want the BMA to finish the link in a hurry, he said, Bangkok councillors were close to their people and viewed the issue as a local affair under the authority of the local administration.

Mr Apirak thanked all the councillors, saying that the approval reflected the power of local authorities who realised that traffic problems needed immediate solutions, and that they should take action to solve the problem right away if that was within the scope of their authority.

He thanked over 1,000 people from Thon Buri who gathered in front of City Hall to support his move.

He also vowed to have the BTS network extended from Onnuj to Samrong, from Mor Chit to Saphan Mai and from the National Stadium to Phran Nok.

He said he would seek government support for these extension routes.

However, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat said yesterday that although the extension route had passed the environmental impact assessment of the National Environmental Board in 2000, it would have to undergo a fresh round of environmental consideration as the situation along the route might have changed.

The BMA would have to report details to the environment board for the new assessment, he insisted.

Deputy Governor Samart argued that there had been hardly any changes in the area along the route and the board's previous approval had no expiry date.

BTSC chairman Kasame Chatikavanij hailed the City Council's decision, saying at least it gave some ray of hope to Thon Buri commuters who had been tortured for years by terrible traffic congestion.

``We have fought a long time for the extension, not for our sake, but for the public who sent letters complaining to us [about traffic jams], as they misunderstood that it is the company [bTSC] that should take responsibility for the extension,'' said Mr Kasame. ``It is inhuman to further torture the Thon Buri commuters.''

Given that the extension project belongs entirely to the BMA and the BMA is expected to later call bids for private investors to run the elevated train system, Mr Kasame said that BTSC is ready to be one of the bidders.

But despite the company seeming to have an edge over other bidders given its experience in running the skytrain, it was not crazy enough to fight for it if the bidding price was unreasonable.

Another potential investor is subway operator Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL).

The company obtained creditors' consent for a budget of about 1.6 billion baht over a year ago for the Silom line extension, but the route was stalled due to a dispute between the BMA and the government.

[ratcatcher]

I bet President Thaksin hardly slept a wink last night after hearing this news.

What a result! 52 - 0 in favor of the Skytrain extension that he wants delayed.

Too bad he doesn't have to sit on a bus for an hour while traffic crawls into Sathorn and Silom areas.

Good for Apirak. Good for the Democrats. Looks like the wheels are slowly coming off Thaksin's wagon.

[Bluffer]

However, a Thai Rak Thai cabinet minister insisted the project would need a fresh environmental impact assessment.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am sorry for being logical here but, surely the biggest environmental impact is the ######ing great big concrete pillars and track supports which are already built?

Does he have an environmental impact reporting company? Hmm, I wonder.

[ratcatcher]

However, a Thai Rak Thai cabinet minister insisted the project would need a fresh environmental impact assessment.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am sorry for being logical here but, surely the biggest environmental impact is the ######ing great big concrete pillars and track supports which are already built?

Does he have an environmental impact reporting company? Hmm, I wonder.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's a good comment Bluffer, but it's not much of a problem really as the skytrain runs parallel with the main highway so there's hardly an argument for aesthetics or visual impact. Just concrete jungle all around anyway. Since when did Bangkok care about 'environ mental impact' ???

One wonders how long it will take to get to Petkasem Rd is anybody's guess. Wouldn't want to see all that concrete wasted.

Well ,we can hope and hope well!

[otherstuff1957]

I saw "Meaw" on TV this morning. I didn't understand everything he said, but he was going on about the BTS & Subway extensions, so I think he's now jumping on the mass transit bandwagon (at least publicly). However, if I were K. Apirak I would be watching my back!

[Crossy]

I wonder what they will do with Saphan Taksin station (the current end of the line).

At present the platform is on the guideway and there is a single track where the trains stop whilst the driver changes ends.

There is no room for a conventional platform as there is a road at the same level right next to the station.

I have to assume that the station will be dismantled never to be seen again, unless someone knows better.

[bluebear]

Would have thought they will keep it as is.

After all it is near some big hotels and a major road and the river boats ( for up and downstream ) so a lot of people use it.

There is enough space, from memory, after the station for the lines to go back to double track.

[andyfletch]

Would have thought they will keep it as is. 

After all it is near some big hotels and a major road and the river boats ( for up and downstream ) so a lot of people use it.

There is enough space, from memory, after the station for the lines to go back to double track.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True, but you then have a pinch point - and a single point of failure. If a train fails there then all services beyond that point will be halted - not good operational practice!!!.

It makes operation of the BTS as it stands now impossible, especially at rush hour headways of about 2 minutes.

Having a single track station on a Mass Transit system, with bi-directional working through it is a complete non-starter!!!!!!