Bangkok: The Prime Minister explained that he will take over the control of the EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor), stating it's time to market it to attract investors. He affirmed there are no internal conflicts and that the project is unrelated to the railway and the three airports.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the signing of an order to reclaim oversight authority over the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, stating that Thailand has passed the infrastructure development phase and is now entering a crucial period of building investor confidence, both domestic and international, to attract maximum investment and promote Thailand as a manufacturing hub for global investors. He noted that Thailand currently has relatively complete infrastructure, including airports and seaports, particularly Laem Chabang Port, which is undergoing expansion.
The Prime Minister also stated that Thailand's current waterway, air, and land transport systems are quite complete and can already connect with high-speed rail and double-track rail projects. Therefore, after the infrastructure development is completed, the next step is marketing to attract investors, and there is nothing else to it. Regarding the EEC, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, is ready to hand over oversight at any time.
When asked if Mr. Pipat was returning the project himself, or if he was returning the EEC himself, the Prime Minister said that they had been in constant communication, and that once the infrastructure improvement phase was complete and the project entered the marketing phase, he would share responsibility. Initially, he intended for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapha, to oversee it, but he felt that because he travels frequently and meets with many investors and private sector representatives, both domestic and international, and doesn't require excessive talking, he decided to oversee it himself to facilitate smoother and faster implementation of regulations.
When asked if this was not an internal conflict, the Prime Minister affirmed that there was none. Regarding the connection to the amendment of the contract for the three-airport rail link, the Prime Minister stated that it was unrelated and a separate issue. He emphasized that the three-airport rail link project must be considered in light of the existing contract and that fairness must be given to all parties. He stated that amending the contract is frankly not easy. If someone could easily amend it, those who have contracts with the government and face problems with land handover, delays, and various crises would then request contract amendments. Where would the government get the funds to do so? Therefore, it's not possible. Everything stipulated in the contract must be followed as much as possible. Amending a contract, regardless of the project, doesn't end there. Fairness must be given to those who didn't win the bid, who might think that the terms and conditions dictate a certain price, but if they knew the contract could be amended, they could simply offer a different price. Therefore, the best approach is to adhere to the contract as it was submitted and before signing. All conditions stipulated in the contract must be acknowledged and approved to ensure compliance with the regulations.