Thai PM urged to approve key high-speed train contract

Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote is pushing for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s approval of a crucial construction contract for the long-delayed Thai-Chinese high-speed train project. This contract is one of the last two to complete the first phase.

Boonchai Panich Co secured Contract 4-5, which involves constructing a 13.3-kilometre section. Despite this, the signing of the contract has been delayed due to concerns about the Ayutthaya Station’s location, 1.5 kilometres from the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Although the planned route does not intersect with the UNESCO World Heritage site, its proximity has raised public apprehension.

Surapong explained that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) consulted UNESCO and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (Onep) to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA). The assessment is complete, and the HIA report has been submitted to UNESCO for review.

“The SRT has agreed to lower the elevated high-speed train track in this section from 19 metres to 17 metres.”

Despite this, the SRT is unwilling to relocate the planned route, which would significantly increase the budget and delay the project by another decade. Surapong emphasised that the SRT has sufficiently addressed UNESCO’s recommendations and cannot afford further delays on the 9.91-billion-baht construction plan while awaiting UNESCO’s final feedback on the HIA study.

The SRT aims to finalise the construction contract with the chosen contractor by October, pending the prime minister’s approval. Surapong is seeking an urgent meeting with Paetongtarn to discuss the matter.

“No matter how UNESCO’s final opinion on this matter will turn, the high-speed train project must proceed with its initial construction plan. No relocations.”

The project, which has faced numerous delays, is a significant step towards enhancing Thailand’s transportation infrastructure and fostering closer ties with China. The approval and execution of this contract are vital for maintaining the project’s timeline and budget, reported Bangkok Post.