KOH SAMUI, Thailand – On August 24, in Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit responded to Thaksin Shinawatra’s proposal made during the “Vision for Thailand” talk organized by Nation TV at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon Mall on August 22, where Thaksin suggested that the government repurchase rail concessions from private companies.
Suriya stated that the Ministry of Transport has already begun studying the feasibility of establishing a fund to raise money for this endeavor, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. This fund would be separate from the one proposed to subsidize train fares under the draft of the Unified Ticket Management Act.
Suriya further indicated that the Ministry of Transport will need to conduct detailed studies, particularly on implementing a congestion charge, which other countries have successfully adopted. For instance, in areas like Ratchadapisek Road and Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, such charges could be applied once public transport systems are fully developed to alleviate traffic congestion.
When asked about the timeline for repurchasing the rail concessions, Suriya said that further consultation with the Ministry of Finance is necessary. The specifics, such as whether all lines will be reclaimed, will be determined after further analysis by consultants and policy planners.
Regarding the development of regional airports, another idea endorsed by Thaksin, Suriya confirmed that the Ministry of Transport is accelerating the transfer of management of three regional airports—Krabi, Buriram, and Udon Thani—to the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT). This move aims to enhance Thailand’s aviation network and establish the country as a regional aviation hub. The transfer has already received Cabinet approval, with the process expected to be completed by 2024, pending certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
Suriya also assured that the selection of the Cabinet lineup, particularly for the Ministry of Transport, has been finalized with no issues remaining. Regarding the question of whether he would head the new government’s economic team, Suriya pointed to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s ability to lead a team effectively, stating that the public should wait to see how the team will work together.
