**Construction Halted! Police to Summon and Investigate the Collapse of High-Speed Rail Tunnel | Daily News**
Source - Daily News Website
Saturday, August 31, 2024 4:05 PM
Police have ordered a halt to the construction of the "Thai-Chinese" high-speed railway and are urgently coordinating with relevant parties to investigate the tunnel collapse that killed 3 workers.
The incident occurred on August 24th when a high-speed rail tunnel collapsed, burying 3 foreign workers at Khlong Khanan Chit Station, Tambon Jantuek, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, established a command center for disaster relief, and after more than 5 days of searching, the bodies of the 3 workers were found, having suffocated. On August 30th, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, visited the site.
**Search for 3 Lives Concludes in High-Speed Rail Tunnel Collapse**
On August 31st, Pol. Col. Weerapol Rabiabphot, Superintendent of Pak Chong Police Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, stated that an investigative team has been appointed for this case. They have coordinated with the President of the Engineering Council of Thailand and the President of the Engineering Institute of Thailand to send engineers to inspect the site. Additionally, they will summon workers, supervising engineers, and relevant parties from the construction company for questioning. This will be combined with the investigation results from the State Railway of Thailand regarding whether the construction and methods adhered to the Engineering Profession Act 2542 and the Ministerial Regulation on Engineering Profession and Controlled Engineering Profession B.E. 2550, as well as other regulations. They will also investigate if the construction procedures followed the approved plans.
Pol. Col. Weerapol further mentioned that the tunnel construction has been temporarily halted. It is understood that engineers, the construction company, and related parties will hold a meeting to revise the plan, deciding whether to use mountain blasting to open the ground for construction or other methods, prioritizing the safety of all personnel involved. The police's duty is to gather evidence to determine the cause of the collapse, which will take some time before the case file can be concluded and presented to superiors.
**Clearing Doubts: Is it Wrong for Thai Contractors to Hire 'Chinese' for High-Speed Rail Tunnel Construction?**
Source - Bangkok Business Online
Saturday, August 31, 2024 6:44 PM
The contract for the development of the first high-speed train line in Thailand under the Thai-Chinese cooperation framework has been revealed. It clarifies doubts about whether Thai private companies hiring foreign experts violate regulations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport is preparing to establish a committee to investigate the incident.
The incident involved a ground subsidence within the Khlong Phai railway tunnel, near Khlong Khanan Chit, Tambon Jantuek, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This tunnel is under construction as part of the high-speed rail project. The incident occurred in the middle of the night on August 24, 2024, resulting in 3 workers who were drilling the tunnel being trapped inside.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Khlong Phai railway tunnel excavation was almost complete, with approximately 4,100 meters already drilled. Tunnel walls were being constructed along the entire length. The area where the incident occurred experienced a collapse of rock and soil layers within the tunnel, spanning 10-30 meters in length, during the tunnel wall construction phase.
However, all 3 workers affected by the incident were foreign nationals from Myanmar and China. This has led many to question whether Nawarat Patanakarn Public Company Limited, the private contractor for this project, hired foreign companies to carry out the work in a subcontracting manner, and whether this is permissible.
**Reports from the Ministry of Transport**
Reports from the Ministry of Transport clarify that private contractors in various construction projects have the right to subcontract, bringing in experts in different fields to maximize project benefits. In this case, the private contractor can do so but needs to submit a request for approval from the relevant government agency to guarantee the subcontractor's capability to carry out the work.
Moreover, this high-speed train project is being implemented under a cooperation framework between the Thai and Chinese governments for the development of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway, the first of its kind in Thailand. As a result, there is an agreement between the two countries where the Thai side will invest in civil works and other aspects, while the Chinese side will be responsible for design, supervision, installation of railway systems, and training.
"This high-speed rail project is the first of its kind in Thailand, so Thailand lacks experience. Therefore, it's necessary to hire the Chinese side for design, construction supervision, and railway system installation, along with technology transfer. Subsequently, for the second phase extension from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, the Thai side will handle everything themselves."
Therefore, it's evident that all 14 construction contracts for this high-speed line will involve Chinese personnel on-site. Thai contractors can also subcontract to Chinese companies, but they must obtain permission from the State Railway of Thailand. Hence, this matter requires further investigation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport will appoint a committee to investigate the incident and thoroughly review various contracts.
**High-Speed Rail Development Cooperation Agreement**
According to the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Thai and Chinese Governments, both parties will collaborate in a government-to-government model for this project.
For the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section, the Thai side will be responsible for 100% of the project investment (valued at 179,413 million baht). The project is divided into 2 contracts:
Contract 1: Civil works and other costs will be entirely handled by the Thai side through bidding according to Thai regulations (Thai contractors), accounting for 75% or 135,647.05 million baht of the project value.
Contract 2: Consists of 3 subcontracts handled by the Chinese side, accounting for 25% or 43,765.16 million baht of the project value. It includes:
* Contract 2.1: Detailed design
* Contract 2.2: Construction supervision consultancy
* Contract 2.3: Railway systems and training
The Cabinet approved the high-speed rail project connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai (Phase 1: Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima) on July 11, 2017, with a budget of 179,413 million baht. The National Legislative Assembly acknowledged the project approval in its 45/2560 meeting on July 20, 2017.
The Cabinet also approved the draft of Contract 2.1 (Detailed Design Services Agreement) on August 22, 2017, and the draft of Contract 2.2 (Construction Supervision Consultant Services Agreement) on August 29, 2017.
The State Railway of Thailand signed Contract 2.1 and Contract 2.2, hiring Chinese state-owned enterprises (China Railway Design Corporation or CRDC and China Railway International or CRIC) on September 4, 2017, during the BRICS Summit with emerging markets and developing countries in Xiamen, China.
Contract 2.3, for railway systems and training, was signed on October 28, 2020. The State Railway of Thailand hired China Railway International Co., Ltd. The scope of work includes track laying, electrical and mechanical systems, procurement of high-speed trains capable of reaching 250 km/h, personnel training for operation and maintenance, and technology transfer.
Clearing Up Questions About Hiring 'China' to Build 'High-Speed Tunnels': Is It Wrong for Thai Contractors to Outsource?
Source: Bangkok Business
Date: Tuesday, September 03, 2024, 03:04
Bangkok Business - Recently, an incident occurred involving ground subsidence within the Klong Phai railway tunnel, located between Klong Khanan Jit and Chanthuek subdistricts, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. This tunnel is under construction as part of the High-Speed Rail project. The incident took place late at night on August 24, 2024, and resulted in three workers being trapped inside the tunnel. An initial investigation revealed that the Klong Phai tunnel was almost completed, with a current length of approximately 4,100 meters. The incident occurred during the construction of the tunnel walls, causing a collapse of about 10-30 meters of rock and soil within the tunnel.
The three trapped workers were identified as foreign nationals from Myanmar and China. This raised concerns about whether Naowarat Phatthana Karn PLC, the private company contracted for the project, had subcontracted the work to foreign firms, specifically for "outsourcing" (or subcontracting), and whether this was permissible. A report from the Ministry of Transport clarified that contractors are allowed to subcontract work to bring in experts to maximize project efficiency. However, they must obtain approval from the relevant government agency to ensure that the subcontractor is competent enough to perform the work.
The High-Speed Rail project in question is part of a cooperative framework between the Thai government and the government of the People's Republic of China to develop the Thailand-China High-Speed Rail. This is Thailand's first high-speed rail project. As part of the agreement, Thailand is responsible for investing in civil works and other aspects, but China is tasked with designing, supervising construction, installing railway systems, and providing training.
Given that this is Thailand's first such project and the country lacks experience in this area, China was contracted to handle the design, construction supervision, and installation of railway systems, along with technology transfer. In the future, during the construction of the extension phase, from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, Thailand plans to manage the work independently.
All 14 construction contracts for this High-Speed Rail line involve Chinese personnel on-site, and Thai contractors are allowed to subcontract to Chinese companies, provided they obtain approval from the State Railway of Thailand. The Ministry of Transport has announced that a committee will be formed to investigate the incident, and all contracts will be thoroughly reviewed.
The collaboration for this high-speed rail project is governed by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Thai government and the Chinese government. Under this MoU, the project for the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section will be 100% financed by Thailand, with a total project value of 179,413 million THB.
The project is divided into two main contracts:
1. Contract 1: Civil works and other related costs will be fully managed by Thailand, following Thai procurement regulations (75% of the project value, or 135,647.05 million THB).
2. Contract 2: Comprising three subcontracts, this will be managed by China (25% of the project value, or 43,765.16 million THB), including:
- Contract 2.1: Design services
- Contract 2.2: Civil works supervision
- Contract 2.3: Railway systems and training
The Thai Cabinet approved the project to develop the high-speed rail system connecting Bangkok and Nong Khai (Phase 1: Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima) on July 11, 2017, with a budget of 179,413 million THB. The National Legislative Assembly acknowledged the project's approval on July 20, 2017.
The Cabinet later approved Contract 2.1 for detailed design on August 22, 2017, and Contract 2.2 for construction supervision on August 29, 2017. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) signed Contracts 2.1 and 2.2 with Chinese state enterprises (China Railway Design Corporation and China Railway International) on September 4, 2017, during the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China.
Contract 2.3 for railway systems and training was signed on October 28, 2023, with China Railway International Co., Ltd. This contract covers the installation of railway tracks, electrical and mechanical systems, and the procurement of high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of 250 kilometers per hour. It also includes training personnel for operation and maintenance, as well as technology transfer.
Unveiling a 660 Billion Baht Rail System Package, Ministry of Transport to Propose to New Cabinet
Source - Krungthep Turakij
Thursday, September 05, 2024 04:15
Within October 2024, the Ministry of Transport plans to gradually propose investment projects for the rail system that are ready and pending consideration from the previous Cabinet. These will be presented to the new Cabinet meeting for completion within 2024 and will immediately proceed to the bidding process and expedited construction.
Mr. Surapong Piyachoti, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that the promotion of infrastructure investment projects for the rail system will be a continuous effort from the previous government to the newly appointed government. This aims to achieve the goal of a complete rail transport system and support travel and freight transport as the primary mode of transportation in the country, in line with the government's objectives.
The key projects that the Ministry of Transport will propose to the Cabinet meeting are a package of 9 rail system projects with a total value of 661,060.42 million baht, consisting of:
1. High-Speed Rail Project (High-Speed Train) under the Thai-Chinese Cooperation Framework, Phase 2, Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section, with a distance of 356 kilometers and a total investment value of 341,351.42 million baht, divided into:
* Civil works cost 235,129 million baht
* Land expropriation and property compensation cost 10,310 million baht
* Rail system, electrical system, and mechanical investment cost 80,165 million baht
* Project management consultant, supervision, and system certification cost 10,060 million baht
"The Thai-Chinese High-Speed Train Phase 2 project has already been approved by the State Railway of Thailand's board. It is expected that after the government's policy statement, it should be possible to propose it to the Cabinet immediately within October. This will allow us to proceed with the bidding process to find a construction contractor by the end of 2024 and expedite the civil works of this high-speed rail line to be completed close to Phase 1, the Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima section. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2028."
According to the State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) operational plan, they will open bidding for contractors through electronic means (E-Bidding) for a total of 10 contracts, divided into 9 civil works contracts and 1 system installation and signaling contract.
The structural design has been studied to minimize the impact on the public. It will be developed as an elevated track with a distance of 202.48 kilometers and a ground-level track with a distance of 154.64 kilometers. It will serve 5 major stations, including 1. Bua Yai Station, 2. Ban Phai Station, 3. Khon Kaen Station, 4. Udon Thani Station, and 5. Nong Khai Station.
For the high-speed rail project Phase 1, Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section, currently, the civil works construction has been completed for 2 out of 14 contracts. Another 10 contracts are under construction, and 2 contracts are awaiting signing. It is expected that the signing of all contracts will be expedited this year to ensure that the construction of all contracts proceeds according to the plan for service opening in 2028.
2. Phase 2 Double-Track Railway System pending from the previous Cabinet submission, which is ready in terms of study results, includes 6 routes with a total value of 298,060 million baht, consisting of:
* Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai section, 281 kilometers long, with a budget of 81,143 million baht
* Chumphon-Surat Thani section, 168 kilometers long, with a budget of 30,422 million baht
* Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction-Songkhla section, 321 kilometers long, with a budget of 66,270 million baht
* Den Chai-Chiang Mai section, 189 kilometers long, with a budget of 68,222 million baht
* Chumphon Junction-Ubon Ratchathani section, 308 kilometers long, with a budget of 44,103 million baht
* Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar section, 45 kilometers long, with a budget of 7,900 million baht
If the Phase 2 double-track railway system is fully implemented, the Ministry is confident that it will enhance the State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) capability in managing the rail system and generating revenue from both freight and passenger transport. Importantly, it will reduce travel time for people, enabling faster and more punctual connections throughout the country.
3. Red Line Suburban Railway Extension Project will be proposed to the Cabinet to enable convenient connections from the suburbs to the inner city. The proposed projects include:
* Red Line Rangsit-Thammasat University Rangsit Center section, with a budget of 6,473 million baht
* Red Line extension Siriraj-Taling Chan-Salaya section, with a budget of 15,176 million baht
After the Cabinet's approval, the Ministry of Transport will expedite the bidding process for construction.
Source: Krungthep Turakij Newspaper, September 5, 2024 issue.
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