STATE RAILWAY GOVERNOR REITERATES THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF AIRPORT LINK TO SUWANNAPUM AIRPORT IS TRANSPARENT

The Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Mr. Jitsanti Thanasophon (จิตต์สันติ ธนะโสภณ), has reiterated that the construction of the airport link to Suvarnabhumi was transparent. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตะพงษ์ไพศาล) said he is ready to prosecute wrongdoers all the way.

Mr. Pongsak said the delay in the construction of the airport link was partly due to the problem of land reacquisition coupled with rainy season that hindered construction. He will inform related parties to accelerate the work, and said that he would seek full punishment for the wrongdoers if any case of corruption occurs.

In the meantime, Governor Jitsanti said the State Railway’s payment of the 1.66 billion baht fee was carried out in accordance with the contract and that it was not an act to take the burden in place of the contractor. He also said that the airport link is a project that must be expedited. According to the present condition, the link would be completed in December 2007, which will be a year and a half after the Suvarnabhumi Airport commercially opens.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 December 2005

DEPUTY CHART THAI LEADER CONFIRMS SOME POLITICIANS ARE INVOLVED IN THE AIR LINK PROJECT

Deputy Leader of the Chart Thai Party CHUWIT KAMOLVISIT (ชูวิทย์ กมลวิศิษฏ์) has insisted that certain politicians are involved in the 25 billion-baht Airport Link project. The project deals with the construction of the new electrical train lines from Makkasan (มักกะสัน) Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Mr. CHUWIT referred to the statement made by the President of the State Railway of Thailand, saying that 1.666 billion (1,666 ล้านบาท) baht has been paid to the bank as a fee, which is seven percent of the total value of the Airport Link project. Mr. CHUWIT said it is understandable, but he indicated that there has not been any project that he is aware which needs to pay 10 percent for the fee. He added that normally, only 2.5 percent of the whole budget will be paid for risk insurance fee.

The Deputy Leader of the Chart Thai Party said his party would propose the issue to the Opposition prior to the no-confidence debate against the government.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 December 2005

Give them a break, it's only 18 months late, at present. I mean - who would have guessed that the airport was going to open so soon ?

I know - just hold the opening of the airport, until the rail-link is ready !

It is so transparent that you cannot see it.

What is the airport called?

I report here and 2 names in the first two lines!!!

Mr. Pongsak said the delay in the construction of the airport link was partly due to the problem of land reacquisition coupled with rainy season that hindered construction. He will inform related parties to accelerate the work, and said that he would seek full punishment for the wrongdoers if any case of corruption occurs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 December 2005

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Doesn't that happen regularly on a yearly basis?

Mr. Pongsak said the delay in the construction of the airport link was partly due to the problem of land reacquisition coupled with rainy season that hindered construction. He will inform related parties to accelerate the work, and said that he would seek full punishment for the wrongdoers if any case of corruption occurs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 December 2005

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Doesn't that happen regularly on a yearly basis?

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No

Last year the rainy season did not happen and we had a drought.

Next excuse please............................