Bangkok, 19 November 2013 Despite the opposition party’s petition against the loan bill, the Transport Ministry has affirmed that the 2 trillion baht infrastructure mega project will proceed as planned.
Speaking at the Econmass Award 2013 seminar, Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the ministry would forge ahead with the mega project, despite delays by the opposition party’s petition to the Constitutional Court against the 2 trillion baht loan bill.
An initial investment of 100 billion baht will be allocated to the renovations and expansion of roads, as well as the commencement of the Bangkok – Phitsanulok dual rail system.
In addition, Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) President Piyamarn Techapaibul said Thailand should see a 17% increase in the number of foreign travelers this year and a 22% increase in tourism revenue. She expressed little concern over the impact of the current demonstrations, as foreigners, she said, understood the situation.
Meanwhile, Payungsak Chartsutipol, the president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), added that he expected a 3% growth in the Thai economy this year.