SRT sets deadline for 3-Airport High-Speed Rail contract changes
State Railway of Thailand sets July 2026 deadline for 3-Airport High-Speed Rail contract changes
Anan Phonimdang, Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), has provided an update on the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail project (Phase 1: Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima). A key focus remains on Contract 4-1, the 15.21-kilometer Bang Sue-Don Mueang section, which shares structural components with the 3-Airport High-Speed Rail link.
The project is currently awaiting a Cabinet decision on contract amendments with Asia Era One Co., Ltd. (CP Group), the concessionaire for the 3-airport link. If the Cabinet approves the revisions by July 2026, the SRT expects to issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) by August 2026. Construction is estimated to take five years, with completion projected for 2032.
Under the current agreement, Asia Era One is responsible for the design and civil works of the shared Bang Sue-Don Mueang section, valued at approximately 3.9 billion baht, for which the SRT will provide compensation. However, the Acting Governor warned that the SRT cannot wait indefinitely.
If the contract amendments are not finalized by the July 2026 deadline, the SRT plans to ask the Cabinet for permission to reclaim the civil works for Contract 4-1 and execute the construction itself.
This would involve reducing the 3-Airport project’s 120-billion-baht civil works budget by approximately 10 billion baht—the portion allocated for the Thai-Chinese rail foundations and pillars.
“The Thai-Chinese Rail Contract 4-1 and the 3-Airport contract amendments are urgent matters for the Cabinet,” Mr. Anan stated. “If we move past July 2026 without a resolution, the SRT simply cannot wait any longer.”
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