UNESCO to visit Ayutthaya on January 18-22 next year to assess the HIA of the high-speed railway station
Daily News, December 3, 2024, 8:28 a.m.
On January 18-22 of next year, experts from UNESCO will visit the "Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya" World Heritage Site to assess the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report for the construction of the Ayutthaya high-speed railway station. They will only provide advice. The signing of a contract with "Boonchai Phanit" is being prepared to start work on contracts 4-5, Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section. The bidding for the high-speed train Phase 2, PPP train operation, will continue in the middle of next year. The bidding will be in early 2027, and the service will open in 2029.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been informed by a consulting organization of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regarding the assessment of the impact on the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Site of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project, Ayutthaya Station. Initially, they will travel to Thailand and visit the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Site between January 18-22, 2025, to consider the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Site linked to the Ayutthaya high-speed railway station.
The report further stated that the aforementioned experts will provide advice and technical perspectives on how to preserve the value of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Site, which is located near the construction of the high-speed railway project. They do not have the authority to decide whether to build or not build Ayutthaya Station. However, this is not a matter of concern because previously UNESCO informed that they did not prohibit the construction of Ayutthaya Station, only that an HIA report should be prepared. Therefore, in the meantime, SRT can continue the project.
The report also stated that currently, contracts 4-5, Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section, with a distance of 13.3 kilometers, of the high-speed railway project, Phase 1, Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section, have not yet been signed with Boonchai Phanit (1979) Co., Ltd., which is the contractor. It is expected that the contract can be signed soon. This matter must be reported to Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, because Mr. Suriya has adjusted the work plan to supervise SRT himself. Previously, Mr. Surapong Piyachoti, Deputy Minister of Transport, was the supervisor.
The report also stated that for the progress of the high-speed train operation along the route, Bangkok-Nong Khai section, with a total distance of over 700 kilometers, initially, it will allow the private sector to participate in the government's business (PPP) in the PPP Gross Cost format, similar to the Purple Line train, with a budget of approximately 80 billion baht, in which the government hires the private sector to operate the train. This action will enable the government to control fares, as evidenced by the 20 baht train policy throughout the line. Currently, it is still in the process of listening to opinions from relevant agencies regarding the implementation in the PPP format, which the Budget Bureau has sent a letter back to the Ministry of Transport saying that there is no objection. They are still waiting for a reply from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) or NESDB, and the Ministry of Finance.
The report also stated that once opinions from all relevant agencies have been received, the Ministry of Transport will propose it to the Cabinet meeting for consideration. This will be proposed at the same time as the implementation of the high-speed train project Phase 2, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai section, with a distance of 357.12 km, with a budget of 341 billion baht, which is expected to be proposed to the Cabinet soon and can be opened for bidding to find a contractor in mid-2025. It is expected to be completed and open for service around 2029. As for the train operation, it is expected that the bidding will be opened around early 2027.
Source - Prachachat Business
Wednesday, December 04, 2024 05:51
Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, urges the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to clarify the fate of the high-speed rail project linking 3 airports. He reveals that UTA has already invested over 4 billion baht, and the first 5-year phase of the contract will expire mid-next year. However, the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project remains stalled. He demands a conclusion by Q1 2025 to proceed with a plan to amend the contract and adjust the investment model.
Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, a partner in U-Tapao International Aviation Co., Ltd. (UTA), revealed that the company has proceeded with the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project, with a total investment of over 4 billion baht through UTA. This includes development plans, project design, hiring consultants, coordinating environmental impact assessments, and collaborating with the Royal Thai Navy.
Urging EEC to Clarify the 3 Airport Rail Project
Puttipong stated that the project is tied to the high-speed rail project linking 3 airports (Suvarnabhumi-Don Mueang-U-Tapao), which is a contract between the EEC and the high-speed rail investors. Due to the lack of clarity on this project, a Notice to Proceed (NTP) cannot be issued to the private sector.
UTA has been in discussions with the EEC to determine the progress of the high-speed rail project and find solutions for the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development.
Demands Conclusion by Q1 2025
Puttipong explained that the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project, under the UTA contract, was developed based on the premise of the high-speed rail linking 3 airports. The plan is to make the Eastern Aviation City an entertainment hub with new attractions such as hotels, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and a world-class performance center, operating as a duty-free zone.
The high-speed rail is seen as a critical transportation system to attract investment and transport people to the area, as well as alleviate congestion at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. The development plan must align with the capacity of U-Tapao Airport, which aims to accommodate 8-10 million passengers in the first phase and increase to 60 million passengers according to the 50-year development contract.
"We want a conclusion by the first quarter of 2025 because the 5-year contract deadline is June 2025, and we still haven't been able to kick off the project," said Puttipong.
Preparing Alternative Plan, Seeking Contract Amendment
Puttipong stated that UTA has prepared a backup plan if the high-speed rail project fails to materialize. They plan to negotiate adjustments to the investment conditions, including the investment amount, and re-evaluate the timeline for reaching profitability.
"If the high-speed rail project doesn't happen, it will directly affect partners and may make it harder to secure funding," said Puttipong, adding that the first phase of investment is estimated at 15 billion baht.
9-Month Passenger Revenue Grows 26%
Regarding Bangkok Airways, Puttipong said the outlook aligns with the global aviation industry. In the first 9 months of 2024, passenger numbers reached 3.31 million, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and representing 75% of pre-COVID levels. The passenger load factor was 82%, up 2 points from the same period in 2023 and higher than the pre-COVID-19 level of 68%.
Passenger revenue reached 14.006 billion baht, a 26% growth compared to the same period in 2023, or 96% of the pre-COVID-19 level. These figures indicate that Bangkok Airways is on track to achieve its targets set at the beginning of 2024.
"In terms of passenger numbers, the first 9 months saw 3.31 million passengers, a 10% increase. The number of flights was 36,358, a 9% increase. The average passenger load factor was 82%, a 2% increase. Passenger revenue was 14.006 billion baht, a 26% increase."
6-Month Advance Bookings Surge
Puttipong added that to meet the growing travel demand, the company is focusing on profitable routes and gradually increasing flight frequencies to maintain a good load factor.
"We currently have continuous advance bookings up to the first 6 months of 2025, with a 12% growth rate compared to the same period last year, reflecting the positive tourism outlook for the remainder of 2024," said Puttipong.
Expanding the Fleet
The President of Bangkok Airways further stated that the company is gradually resuming pre-COVID-19 routes and expects to launch the Samui-Kuala Lumpur route in Q4 2025 to cater to travel demand and connect passengers from Europe to Samui.
"At the end of this year, we have procured 2 Wet Lease aircraft, operating from December 2024 to April 2025, to accommodate the increased demand during the high season. We also plan to add 2 more aircraft to the fleet next year," Puttipong said.
Caption:
Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth
Over 4 Years and Still No Progress: The high-speed rail project linking 3 airports (Don Mueang-Suvarnabhumi-U-Tapao) remains stalled, hindering the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development plan by UTA.
Source: Prachachat Business Newspaper, December 5-8, 2024
Last edited by Mongwin on 06/12/2024 9:14 am; edited 1 time in total
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) insists on UNESCO approval before proceeding with Thai-Chinese railway sections 4-5
Source - Khao Hoon Newspaper
Friday, December 6, 2024, 05:55
The Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to propose to the board a solution to the problem of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway, Bangkok-Nong Khai, Phase 1, Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section, contracts 4-5, Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section, worth 9.6 billion baht. The solution involves instructing the contractor to proceed with the railway construction while the design for Ayutthaya station is put on hold until UNESCO gives the green light regarding the impact on the World Heritage site. If UNESCO approves the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report, SRT will then proceed with the construction of Ayutthaya station.
Regarding the latest progress in the preparation of the HIA, the SRT submitted the HIA report to the National Committee on the World Heritage Convention on November 25, 2024. The National Committee requested SRT to provide additional preliminary information and a review of the railway development plan and all future transportation connections. They also requested adjustments to the content order of the report in accordance with the recommendations of the National Committee. The SRT will expedite this process and report back to the National Committee around January 2025. At the same time, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) has informed the SRT that experts from UNESCO have agreed to join a site visit with relevant agencies on January 18-22, 2025.
Veeris Ammarapala, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), further stated that the HIA approval process requires consideration at the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, which is held every 2 years. The SRT has determined that waiting for this meeting is not feasible as it would further delay the Thai-Chinese railway project. Therefore, discussions have taken place to proceed with the railway construction as mentioned earlier. Currently, the SRT's Special Projects and Construction Division is in the process of gathering detailed information and justifications to submit to the SRT Governor for presentation at the SRT Board meeting. It is expected that there will be clarity on this matter within December 2024. If it is concluded that the railway construction must proceed first, conditions regarding the subsequent construction of Ayutthaya station may need to be included in the contract.
The private contractor for contracts 4-5, Boonchai Panich (1979) Co., Ltd., under Civil Engineering Public Company Limited (CIVIL), acknowledged that they would have to maintain their bid price. Regarding rumors that the private sector might not accept the work if Ayutthaya station is not built, as this would reduce the contract value by approximately 2-3 billion baht, and that the Attorney General who reviewed the draft contract confirmed that the private sector must provide a full performance bond (bank guarantee) regardless of whether Ayutthaya station is included, Veeris stated that he is not yet aware of the details. However, he personally believes that the construction of Ayutthaya station will proceed as originally planned, only requiring the HIA report to be prepared correctly according to UNESCO's recommendations and the HIA approval process to be completed.
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