Bangkok: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board met this morning and decided to terminate the contract with Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD) and propose placing them on the blacklist. This decision comes in the wake of a crane collapse that injured a train on the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, specifically affecting the Lam Ta Khong - Sikhiu and Kut Chik - Khok Kruat sections.
According to Thai News Agency, the SRT board's resolution involves terminating contracts 3 and 4 with ITD and initiating the blacklisting process with the Comptroller General's Department. The meeting, which occurred at approximately 9:00 AM, was expected to reach a formal decision on this matter.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, previously emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable, following the Prime Minister's instructions. The SRT, being a state enterprise, has the authority to terminate contracts resting with its board of directors. As part of the due process, SRT plans to submit the matter to a legal subcommittee before presenting it to the board for formal approval.
The proposed blacklisting process requires the SRT to forward the board's decision to the Comptroller General's Department. Currently, the department is reviewing the contractor registration book, with an expected conclusion by the end of January, after which further action on blacklisting can be anticipated.