This video discusses the need for a high-speed rail link connecting the airports in Bangkok, Thailand. The hosts highlight that while many major cities with multiple airports have efficient connections, Bangkok still lacks this, leading to inconvenience for travelers.
They argue that a high-speed rail link would:
* Improve connectivity: Reduce travel time between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, potentially to just 20 minutes.
* Relieve congestion: Offer an alternative to Suvarnabhumi Airport by connecting to U-Tapao International Airport, easing passenger traffic.
* Boost economic development: Spur growth around the new rail line and stations, similar to what has been observed in other countries with high-speed rail.
* Facilitate domestic travel: Enable faster travel between cities, allowing people to live further away from their workplaces and commute efficiently.
The discussion also touches upon:
* Lessons from Laos: The recent launch of a high-speed rail link in Laos with China is cited as an example of the potential benefits.
* Fare affordability: The hosts briefly mention the importance of affordable fares, referencing the proposed 20 baht flat fare for public transportation.
Overall, the video advocates for the high-speed rail project, emphasizing its potential to improve transportation, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the travel experience in Thailand.
High-Speed Rail Update: Don Mueang - Nava Nakhon Section
Contract 4-2 (Don Mueang - Nava Nakhon) covers the construction of 21.80 kilometers (13.55 miles) of elevated track. This section has a budget of 10.57 billion baht and is being carried out by Unique Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited.
Suriya Assures Coalition Partners of Transparency in High-Speed Rail Contract Amendment
Prachachat Business, 22 October 2024 - 10:07 AM
Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, affirmed that the amendment to the high-speed rail contract linking three airports (U-Tapao-Suvarnabhumi-Don Mueang) does not favor any particular party. He explained that both the government and the private sector breached the original contract due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused project delays. The government couldn't deliver the land to the private sector, and the private sector couldn't proceed with construction. This mutual breach necessitated a re-evaluation of the contract.
As this project is part of the national strategy and vital for facilitating travel and trade, the government is committed to moving forward. The contract amendment aims to protect the government's interests. The original contract stipulated that the private sector would complete construction and the government would begin payment after 10 years.
The new contract requires the private sector to provide a bank guarantee as security. Upon completion of construction, the government will return this bank guarantee. The project will be divided into phases, and if any phase is abandoned, the government can use the guarantee to hire a new contractor.
Suriya emphasized that this amendment doesn't favor any large private entity and that the private sector is responsible for the interest on the guarantee. He assured that the contract has been thoroughly reviewed by the Attorney General's office. The amendment will be presented to the Cabinet through the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project, overseen by Phichai Chunhawachira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Suriya expressed confidence in gaining the understanding and support of the coalition government partners regarding this contract amendment.
Private companies must provide bank guarantees under the revised high-speed rail contract for 3 airports
Source - Naew Na
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 06:40
Reporters said that before the Cabinet meeting on October 22, 2024, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Transport, spoke about the progress of the high-speed rail contract connecting 3 airports (U-Tapao-Suvarnabhumi-Don Mueang). He stated that the revised contract has not yet been submitted to the Cabinet for consideration. The need for revision arose because both the private sector and the government breached the original contract due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused delays in the project, with the government unable to deliver the land to the private sector, and the private sector unable to proceed with construction. This constituted a breach of contract on both sides, necessitating a review.
As this is a national strategic project, and connecting the 3 airports will facilitate travel for the public and boost trade, the project must proceed. Therefore, the contract needs to be revised to protect the government's interests. Under the original contract, the private sector was to complete the construction, and the government would make payments 10 years later.
"The new contract will require the private sector to provide a bank guarantee. Upon completion of the construction, the government will return the bank guarantee. The construction will be divided into phases, each with its own contract. If there is any abandonment of work, the government will use the guarantee to hire a new contractor," said Mr. Suriya.
He confirmed that the new contract does not favor any large private company. The private sector will be responsible for the interest on the guarantee. The revised contract has been reviewed by the Attorney General's Office, ensuring that there is no favoritism. The Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECPC) will propose the revised contract to the Cabinet, with Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, responsible for it.
The EECPC revealed that the EEC aims to start construction of the high-speed rail link by early 2025, with a construction period of 4 years and a testing period of about 1 year. The service is expected to be operational in 2029. Negotiations for the contract revision have been concluded in principle, with clear agreements on additional guarantees and payment details. Payments will be made in installments based on completed and inspected work. Importantly, ownership of each completed section will be transferred to the government immediately. The private sector will continue to maintain, operate, and manage the project for the 50-year contract period.
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