Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that withdrawing from a government rail contract is not straightforward, after CP-linked Asia Era One sought to end its agreement for the three-airport high-speed railway. The company has also indicated it could stop operating Bangkok's Airport Rail Link on September 30, 2026, raising concerns over a service widely used by foreign residents, airport workers and travellers heading to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Government to meet EEC officials Speaking at Government House on August 28, Anutin, who is also interior minister, said he had not yet received the full details of the case involving Asia Era One and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). He said he would invite Chula Sukmanop, secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee, for discussions next week. Several issues relating to EEC regulations and legislation still needed to be taken forward, he said. Asia Era One, a company in the CP group, is the private partner for the high-speed rail scheme linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports. It has sent a letter seeking to exercise its right to terminate the contract and halt Airport Rail Link operations from September 30. The disagreement centres on the company's request to change how it receives state payments. Asia Era One wants payments tied to construction progress rather than a lump sum after the whole project has been completed, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said. Airport Rail Link continuity is the priority Anutin said the matter would need to be discussed, but stressed that contracts with the state could not simply be cancelled. "I have only seen the state terminate contracts. I have never seen the private sector ask to terminate one," he said, warning that consequences could include blacklisting, being labelled as having abandoned work, or financial liability. He said that if a replacement tender resulted in a higher price, regulations could require the original party ending the contract to cover the difference. There were also numerous other conditions, he added. Siripong said the company could not unilaterally end the agreement under the legal framework. Termination would require agreement by both sides, conditions implied in the contract, a court order, or the government's use of its termination rights. He said none of these conditions had been met. The SRT meet Asia Era One on Thursday, August 27, with uninterrupted Airport Rail Link services the priority, but no agreement was reached. The government considers continued operation by Asia Era One the preferred outcome, but SRT Electrified Train Co Ltd, which previously ran the line, is ready to resume operations. Another private operator could also be considered. Other rail work may be separated Future talks will also cover sections overlapping with other railway projects, including the Bang Sue-Don Mueang stretch under Contract 4-1 of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway and the Red Line "Missing Link" between Bang Sue and Hua Lamphong near Ramathibodi Hospital station. Siripong said the SRT taking back those works could reduce Asia Era One's investment burden and help preserve the main agreement. Options will go to the next EEC Policy Committee for a decision. Pictures courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? 29 August 2026
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