The new transport and energy ministers have vowed to press ahead with
mass-transit projects and to consider adjusting the price of liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG), with the latter aimed at helping those on small incomes.
Transport Minister Chatchart
Sithipan yesterday said he would focus on the development of the 10
electric-train routes, high-speed trains and double-track railways connecting
major urban cities and their outskirts, as well as other basic infrastructure
projects to serve the upcoming Asean Economic Community.
"Our key mission is to
switch the country's transport [focus] from roads to a railway system, as well
as the development of a transport system to connect Thailand with neighbouring
countries, and further development projects such as seaports and airports that
will connect Thailand with the world," he said.
"If we don't change our
transport system, nobody will invest in Thailand in the next 20 years, as we
will be burdened with high transport costs. We have delivered our mission to
all agencies under my responsibility, for their support. Those who are not able
to follow our strategy should step aside, as they will cause the work to be
delayed. For the management [of the schemes], we will concentrate on
transparency, prudence and fairness."
Chatchart said Airports of
Thailand (AOT) needed to speed up the second-phase development of Suvarnabhumi
Airport, as well as the associated environmental-impact study.
This should be done alongside a
development plan for the third and fourth phases of the airport. He cited in
particular the feasibility study for the third airport runway, which is
expected to cost Bt16 billion.
Moreover, he said Don Mueang
Airport needed to open its second passenger terminal by the beginning of next
year, besides which bidding would be opened next year for a Skytrain route
connecting Don Mueang with Suvarnabhumi.
AOT also needs to focus on
increasing the efficiency of its staff and reducing the number of outside
workers, he said.
Meanwhile, Chatchart said the key
strategy adopted by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is to focus on the
building of a high-speed train route from the Airport Rail Link to Rayong, the
purchase of engines and trains, and construction of a double-track railway
between Chachoengsao and Saraburi.
The minister said the fare
increase proposed by the SRT should, however, be further delayed as there first
needed to be an improvement in the level of service currently provided.
The government will also extend
its free bus and train services, but the programme will be adjusted so that
lower-income people are the ones to benefit.
LPG PRICING STRATEGY
Energy Minister Pongsak
Rukta-pongpisal said during his policy-delivery statement yesterday that the
ministry would examine LPG consumption by low-income people as part of its move
to reduce prices specifically for household users, small businesses and street
vendors.
If it decides to introduce a
subsidy of Bt10 per kilogram, based on the estimated number of beneficiaries of
the scheme, the cost would be Bt2.88 billion a year, or as much as Bt5 billion
if street vendors are included.
The subsidy could be carried out
by using "LPG credit cards", which cardholders could use to pay the
full price before the government pays the subsidy on to their cards later, he
said.
Pongsak also assigned the
ministry to draw up plans to install oil pipelines to all regions to promote
equal access to fuel at the same price.
On electricity policy, he
assigned the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to create public
understanding about the need for "clean" coal-fired power plants to
serve rising demand.
NONGNAPAS MAIPANICH,
WATCHARA PUSSAYANAWIN
Business & Investment Opportunities
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