Bangkok: Supanat Meenchainan, a Bangkok MP from the People's Party, posed pointed questions to the Prime Minister regarding the termination of the contract with Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited. This inquiry follows multiple incidents, including the collapse of the State Audit Office building and a crane accident in Sikhiu, which raised concerns about the company's compliance with safety standards.
According to Thai News Agency, during a session in the House of Representatives, Supanat pressed for clarity on when the contract would be canceled and when the "Contractor's Report Card" would be finalized. He expressed skepticism over the delayed investigation into a road collapse outside Vajira Hospital, pending for eight months, and criticized the lack of action on the Prime Minister's previous orders for contract termination.
The incidents in question include a crane collapse in Sikhiu District on January 14, 2016, part of the Thai-China high-speed rail project, which resulted in 31 deaths and 71 injuries. Investigations revealed multiple procedural failures by Italian-Thai Development, including unauthorized commencement of work and failure to notify the State Railway of Thailand about the necessary train service closures.
Mr. Suphanat highlighted that both the construction company and the consulting firm had breached their contract obligations. Despite Prime Minister's orders to terminate the contract in January 2026, no such action has been implemented. Supanat questioned whether the government would follow through with blacklisting the company to prevent future bidding on government projects.
Further complicating the situation is the delay in completing the contractor's performance record book by the Comptroller General's Department, initially promised by early 2025 but still unfinished, raising doubts about the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.
Mr. Suphanat offered alternative methods for contract termination but noted these were not pursued. He criticized the government's inconsistent treatment of contractors, citing the prolonged investigation into the road collapse involving Sino-Thai and Ch. Karnchang, while other cases were resolved more swiftly.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, responding on behalf of the government, explained that while the State Railway of Thailand intends to terminate the contract, legal considerations and ongoing works complicate the process. He emphasized that safety and public interest remain priorities and acknowledged the need for new standards to prevent future incidents.
Mr. Siripong clarified that the Ministry of Transport is considering all aspects before proceeding with contract termination, reiterating that safety of lives and property is paramount. He also assured that the report card system will be implemented eventually, though no timeline was provided.
In conclusion, Mr. Suphanat urged for fairness and equal treatment for all contractors, stressing the importance of establishing consistent standards and accountability measures across government projects.