Surachet Warns Gov Over Airport Rail Link Deal
MP Surachet Praweenwongwut warns the Thai government over a private firm's 4-month Airport Rail Link extension proposal, citing 3 risky conditions and urging authorities not to hold commuters hostage on Sept 12, 2026.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- MP Surachet warns government regarding private proposal for Airport Rail Link
- Points out 3 risky conditions in the 4-month temporary train operation proposal
- Notes Asia Era One Co sent a letter to the SRT governor on September 8
- Urges the State Railway of Thailand not to use public commuting as leverage
On September 12, 2026, Mr. Surachet Praweenwongwut, a party-list MP from the People's Party and chairman of the sub-committee on large transport infrastructure projects, raised serious concerns regarding the management of the Airport Rail Link (ARL).
The issue centers on ongoing talks between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One Company Limited ahead of the expiration of their existing memorandum of understanding scheduled for September 30.
According to recent information, Mr. Surachet revealed that on September 8, Asia Era One officially submitted a letter to the SRT governor proposing a four-month temporary extension for operating the rail system starting October 1.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The Airport Rail Link management is a critical component tied to the wider high-speed railway project linking three airports. Transition periods and temporary contract extensions require careful scrutiny to prevent legal loopholes and financial disadvantages for the state.
Upon reviewing the conditions outlined in the private firm's proposal, the sub-committee chairman explicitly pointed out that three specific terms put the government at a significant disadvantage.
Consequently, the opposition lawmaker strongly criticized the handling of the situation, demanding that authorities must not take the daily commutes of regular citizens as a hostage in business negotiations.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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