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Thai Railway/SRT news - Current At last, big plans for SRT - Bangkok Post, May 6, 2008
...The rail network in this country covers some 4,043km, less than in neighbouring Burma, which has around 5,500km. Worse, only 280km of the Thai rail is the double-track system, compared with 200km in Malaysia and 600km in Burma. Thus it is not difficult to imagine why delays are very common for passengers due to that traffic bottleneck. To arrive at a railway station only to find that the train taking them to their destination will come two hours late, is still possible. The single track limits the driver to run the train at a maximum speed of 120km per hour. Thus it is understandable for railway officials to envy those working at the Highways Department because roads always come first when policy-makers talk about transport infrastructure... SRT should mimic Indian Railways - Bangkok Post, May 1, 2008 ...From a loss-making operation that was near bankruptcy due to high debt, Indian Railways turned to make a profit of 70 billion baht over the past two years, Dr Surapong said. At the same time, passenger tariffs fell by 18%. The SRT has long been one of the country's worst-performing state enterprises, with accumulated losses of more than 40 billion baht and losses in 2007 alone of 6.27 billion baht. Of Thailand's nearly five dozen state enterprises, four accounted for 95% of all losses: the SRT, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, the SME Bank and the National Housing Authority... Thai Cabinet OKs 2 SRT Rail Projects Worth THB18.8 Billion - Nasdaq, May 22, 2007 Go-ahead given for B13bn city train line - Bangkok Post, May 23, 2007 ...The Bang Sue-Taling Chan railway is part of Bangkok's new Red Line, which also includes a much more expensive section, estimated at 52 billion baht, which will stretch for 26km all the way from Bang Sue to Rangsit. ...In addition, the Transport Ministry is preparing details of the Purple Line from Bang Sue to Bang Yai... ASEAN hopes railway will be done by 2015 - AP, August 25, 2006
Southeast Asian nations hope a proposed major railway project linking Singapore to southern China will be ready by 2015 to facilitate the flow of goods and people across the region, officials said Saturday... ASEAN hopes to revitalize rail project - AP, August 27, 2006 Railways on track for B1.33-trillion shunt - Bangkok Post, August 18, 2006 New investments totalling 1.33 trillion baht will be made in rail networks over the next five years to help overhaul logistics and transport networks... The restructuring plan calls for the procurement of 200 new train engines, new installations of double-track rail and extensions of rail networks to commercial areas to facilitate the use of railways for commercial shipping and transport... President Chirac says "Vientiane
would be reached by trains very soon"
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager
Daily, February 19, 2006
French President Jacques Chirac told the press during a press conference at Oriental Hotel after the meeting with PM Thaksin on February 18 that the French government would cooperate with Thailand to push the railway from Nongkhai to Vientiane. The French government would agree to grant cheap loans (lower interest rates) to the Lao government so they can construct a new railway from Tha Nalaeng to Vientiane (the capital city). The section from Tha Nalaeng to Vientiane is about 10 km while the section from the Thai border pole to Tha Nalaeng is 3.5 km. Note: The Thai government would have to donate either old GEK locos or ALSTHOM loco class 41xx to the Lao Railway Authority so they can launch railway services without delay. That would be possible after getting the new locos from China. Thailand:
SRT should extend railways into South China -
Bernama, February 6, 2006
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) should extend railways into South China in a bid to increase its revenue and promote Thailand as a regional transport hub, the Thai News Agency (TNA) reported Tuesday, quoting Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)... SRT debt clearing by setting up three subsidiaries - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, November 15, 2005 The SRT Board is coming up with debt clearing plan by setting up three subsidiaries. 1) SRT Asset Management Co. Ltd. to maximize the asset management benefit 2) SRT Maintenance Management to handle both track maintenance and loco and rolling stock maintenance 3) SRT Service Management to handle the SRT services at stations and inside the trains The SRT Asset Management would transfer the areas at Bangsue Railway Yard, Chong Nonsee [Maenam station] and Makkasan to Treasury Department to clear 40 billion baht debt. SRT Maintenance management would integrate those loco drivers who are under the jurisdiction of the SRT Mechanic Department and ticket sellers who are under the jurisdiction of the SRT Commercial Department. Furthermore, private participation would be allowed so they can invest in the railway services with the concession feed paid to SRT Service Management. SRT Service Management would function to allow AOT to run the services inside the stations and turn the stations into shopping malls for the commercial viable sections. Deputy Minister of Finance Chaiyot Sasomsab said they would consider the proposal of the SRT Board who are asking to handle the three major SRT land holdings at Makkasan, Bangsue and Mae Nam instead of selling the land out to the Treasury Department. However the Ministry has to investigate if the SRT Board is able to handle commercial management and development of SRT land at three significant places. The SRT Board would give the answer to the Ministry of Finance in the next two weeks. Explanation of Minister Pheng's double tracking projects - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Than Setthakij, November 10-12, 2005 Transport Minister Pheng called for a public-private joint venture on the following projects during a talk with students at Rajabah University of Udorn Thani on November 8, 2005: 1) Khon Kaen - Kalasin - Mukdaharn - Nakhon Phanom [new line] 2) Khon kaen - Bua Yai double tracking 3) Nong Khai - Khon Kaen double tracking 4) Kaeng Khoi - Lum Narai - Bua Yai double tracking 5) Ban Phachi - Wiharn Daeng [new bypass route] 6) Chachongsao - Klong 19 - Wiharn Daeng double tracking 7) Chachongsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang double tracking 8) Nakhon Pathom - Nong Pladuk - Suphanburi double tracking 9) Suphanburi - Ang Thong - Ban Phachi line [new line] 10) Khorat (Thanon Jira) - Ubon double tracking 11) Map Krabao - Nakhonratchasima - Khorat (Thanon Jira) double tracking 12) Railway Bridge across Mekhong heading to Danang Port in Vietnam This would include the mixed gauge (1.000 & 1.435 meter) in the same way as the track form Hanoi to the Dong Dang checkpoint to China. Minister Pheng's mass transit
plan - translated and summarized by Wisarut
Bholsithi from Thairath and Manager Daily, November
2, 2005
Minister Pheng has come up with the following plan for the mass transit system: 1) Mixed gauge (meter gauge/standard gauge) for the following sections 1.1) Rangsit - Ayutthaya - Ban Phachi 1.2) Lad Krabang - Chachongsao - Chonburi 1.3) Talingchan - Nakhon Pathom 2) Double tracking for the following routes 2.1) Nakhon Pathom - Nong Pladuk - Suphanburi 2.2) Chachongsao - Klong 19 - Wiharn Daeng 3) New line for Suphanburi - Ban Phachi - Wiharn Daeng as a new cargo route Comments about the plan are in this thread on the forum. Minister Pheng insisting that Khonkaen - Kalasin - Mukdaharn is better than Bua Yai Roy Ed - Mukdaharn - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Bangkok Biznews, November 3, 2005 During the "Future Thai Economic and Commerce in Indochina region" seminar set up by the Nation Multimedia Group at Rajabhat Udorn Thani University on November 2, 2005, Transport Minister Pheng stated that the government prefers the Khonkaen - Kalasin - Mukdaharn route over Bua Yai - Roy Ed - Mukdaharn proposed by SRT since the Bua Yai route is not economically worthy. Minister Pheng even lambastes governments from 1969 to 1994 that originally proposed the Bua Yai route along with the who prefer truck routes over the railway route. Minister Pheng also insisted that this Khonkaen - Mukdaharn line would start construction to support the East-West Economic Corridor after the East -West Corridor highway projects are done in 2006. The new container yard at Namphong along with the Khon Kaen ICD would boost usage of the Khonkaen - Kalasin - Mukdaharn line. Khon kaen - Kalasin - Mukdaharn line will go though the following districts: 1) Muang District of Khon Kaen 2) Chiang yuen district of Mahasarakham 3) Yang Talad district of Kalasin (major district of Kalasin) 4) Phon Thong district of Kalasin 5) Nikhom Kham Soy district of Mukdaharn 6) Muang district of Mukdaharn This Khonkaen to Mukdaharn line would be extended to Nakhon Pathom and go across Mekhong at Tha Khaek since the bridge across Mekhong at Mukdaharn has not been designed for railway-trucks in the same way as the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai. SRT needs to speed up major rehab of the track along with double tracking and private participation in the construction of stations and loco purchasing while SRT would work on the schedule allocation for cargo lines. Note: Wisarut notes that the routing of lines such as this mentioned above is almost always associated with vested interests who want traffic routes to go buy their land holdings. Minister Pheng forcing SRT to extract more revenue from the private sector - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Bangkok Business News and Manager Daily, November 3, 2005 Minister Pheng has asked SRT to do the following things: 1) Speed up the Airport Link after STECON has worked three months behind schedule. STECON is supposed to install 7782 supporting pillars of 10,094 by now. However, the actual number of support pillars erected by STECON so far is 1510 pillars (15% progress). The construction of foundations is only 0.9% in progress. STECON is supposed to erect 1363 pillars of 2388 pillars by now. The actual number of erected pillars is 21 pillars. The SRT Board has admitted that the delay on the land transfer and that contractors are not ready to install heavy machines along with construction materials and this has caused a by 2-3 delay. However, Minister Pheng is asking contractors to explain the delays along with the construction plans to MOTC while asking SRT to find a private sector entity to run the Airport Link before the construction is done since the private sector would have to take part in laying tracks and signal and system installations. 2) Extract more revenue from the private sectors who lease SRT land from extra rent as well as profit sharing to boost revenue for SRT. This is the way to deal with 100 billion baht debts of SRT which consists of accumulated debts of 42 billion baht and 50 billion baht for pensions which are supposed to be solved in five years. The debt restructuring for SRT will consist of SRT Asset Management Co. Ltd. to take of SRT land as well as a mass transit system in Bangkok and vicinity after the creation of MTA. Furthermore, the revenue sharing extracted from those who rent SRT land is needed to cover the low rent rates. The 47.22 rai of land leased by Central Pattana at Phaholyothin will be expire in December 2008. Therefore, SRT and financial consultants have to make asset assessments along with the trend of leasing rate to calculate the appropriate leasing rate. After that, SRT would negotiate with Central Pattana about the new rate of leasing along with revenue sharing to cover the low rate rent. If Central Pattana refuses to negotiate with SRT, SRT would call new companies willing to accept the new rates along with revenue sharing. More rumors on SRT issues - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Transport Journal, October 10-16, 2005 After the Cabinet shuffle from Suriya to Phongsak (Pheng), more rumours on SRT emerge: Sacking SRT Governor Jittisen since he could not get along with both Minister Pheng and Premier Thaksin. This is due to the fact that Minister Pheng has sent men from the Highway Department to run OTP as well as the SRT Board despite the fact that those from the Highway Department know nothing about the railway and subway at all. They are cronies of Minister Pheng. This kind of political patronage by promoting unqualified persons to run SRT and OTP frustrates both Transport Journal correspondents as well as the SRT Board. For the case of Mr Suthon, he only has law knowledge. Mr. Suthone only knows about procurements without any knowledge of engineers or even administration. Mr Suthone just wants to become a new governor by accusing Governor Jittisen as "an unqualified and inefficient SRT Governor" despite the fact that Governor Jittisen knows how to drive locomotives as well as having other railway engineering knowledge. This kind of accusation would doom SRT if Minister Pheng has agreed with Mr Suthone. The insider has admitted to TJ correspondents that it is impossible to finish Suvanabhum Airport Link by the end of 2008. This delay is due to the Hopewell debacle as well as modifying the structure. Even double-tracking from Chachongsao to Sri Racha is delayed due to the delay on the payment which compels SRT to return part of its budget to the Budget Bureau. The reasons for Minister Pheng's meddling with the mass transit system can be shown as follows: 1) Discrediting Minister Suriya by the order from Premier Thaksin's group to ruin the Wang Bua Ban faction. This is an internal struggle within TRT. 2) Discrediting Mr Khamrobluk before kicking Mr Khamrobluk out so Minister Pheng can nominate Mr. Maitree Srinanawat (another crony of Minister Pheng) to run OTP. 3) The government may run out of budget for a mass transit system so they just meddle and delay the projects. They do not want to tell the truth to the public despite of the fact that the meddling and delay on the projects have already ruined TRT. 4) It is the way for the new minister to show that "He has his own brain" so he does not have to follow Suriya's plan. The same mentality as those who construct stone castles--no one wants to continue his predecessor's projects. The suggestion to move the transport hub from Bangsue to Chiang Rak would only ignite more chaos because it goes against the principal of mass transit systems which require a transportation center within the city. Konkaen - Kalasin - Mukdaharn railway approved - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager and Bangkok Biznews, October 3, 2005 Premier Thaksin and the cabinet have approved the 250 km railway project from Khon Kaen - Chaing Yuen [Chaing Yuen district Mahasarakham] - Yang Talad - [Yang Talad District of Kalasin] - Phon Thong [Muang district of Kalasin] - Mukdaharn with a price tag of 12 billion baht. The study will be done in six months even though the actual studies would take two years to be done. It would take three years to construct the route and complete it. However, the Kalasin Chamber of Commerce said they want a double track route not just a single track. They claim that they are cheaper than the route from Bua Yai to Mukdaharn via Roy Ed [368 km - 16.1 billion baht]. After finishing this line, they will ask for a route from Phisanuloke to Khonkaen via Phechabun and complete the project for the route from Phisanuloke to Maesod via Sukhothai and Tak. This would ensure Khonkaen supremacy over Udornthani and Nakhon Ratchasima. Scrambling for Isan railway to Nakhon Phanom - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, September 22, 2005 Kalasin Chamber of Commerce has come up with the new route proposal from Khon Kaen to Nakhon Phanom via Kalasin: 1) Shorter route (250 km vs. 396 km of Bua Yai - Roi Et - Mukdaharn - Nakhon Phanom) The same budget of Bua Yai - Roy Ed - Nakhon Phanom can even double track Khon Kaen - Kalasin - Nakhon Phanom 2) Ready customers (6 rice mills, 2 cassava factories, and other agribusiness) 3) Following East - West corridor 4) Support tourism in Isan 5) Those who live in Roi Et could use the Kalasin route as a substitute. However, the Roi Et Chamber of Commerce have booed the Kalasin Chamber of Commerce by pointing out that: 1) Kalasin Route has to pass through Phoo Phan range which needs a TMB drilling machine. 2) Too few passengers along Phoo Phan range, compared to Roi Et with ready passengers to compel SRT to revitalize the passenger carriage assembly line. 3) Cheaper to construct with ready passengers along Thung Kula (the jasmine rice harvest area) with no steep track. 4) Ready market from jasmine rice cultivated and harvested at Roi Et heading to Laem Chabang in no time. 5) Those who live in Mahasarak, Hamand, Kalasin can use the route to Nakhon Phanom via Roi Et. SRT Privatization - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Than Setthakij, September 22-24, 2005 SRT has come up with the final plan to clear 42 billion baht debt to be executed in October 2005-2006. 1) Transferring Phaholyothin (300 rai), Makkasan (400 rai), Chong Nonsee [Mae Nam Station - 300 rai] along with the area leased by BMA to Treasury to clear 27 billion baht debt 2) Set up three subsidiaries to allow the Ministry of Finance to clear 15 billion baht debt 2.1) SRT Asset Management Co. Ltd. to deal with Paholyothin, Central Plaza, Chatuchak Weekend Market along with the following stations: Stations (including Yard) Area (Sq-m) 1) Thonburi 204,417.15 2) Bangsue - Klong Tan (Ratchadaphisek) 1,318,304.00 3) Kanchaburi 33,792.66 4) Chachongsao Junction 55,000.00 5) Aranyaprathet - Klong Luek 4,520,208.80 6) Phitsanuloke 218,289.39 7) Uttaradit 9,796.84 8) Chiang Mai 294,049.20 9) Surat Thani 123,091.20 10) Thungsong Junction 490,117.53 11) Hat Yai Junction 30,109.50 12) Songkla 263,220.39 13) Sugei Golok 429,813.46 -> Duty free 14) Nakhon Ratchasima 217,290.26 15) Khon Kaen 190,510.50 16) Udorn Thani 162,604.76 17) Buriram 61,517.77 18) Sisaket 50,490.00 19) Nakhon Lampang 91,865.81 20) Hua Hin 947,753.10 21) Chumporn 1,009,670.57 -> container yards 22) Yala 97,600.00 2.2) SRT Passenger Transportation Co. Ltd. to run passengers services with fair prices and full efficiency. 2.3) SRT Cargo Transportation Co. Ltd. will run cargo service with fair prices, full efficiency 3) Laying off/early retirement for 100 SRT officers while accepting only 5 officers at the top to ensure fewer officers while guaranteeing no shortage of manpower. Note: The SRT Union has strongly opposed privatization... They have pointed out the more expensive services after privatization of PTT, TOT, and EGAT while the profits have allegedly been siphoned to Swiss Bank accounts of politicians. Transfer of SRT land and SRT pension to Treasury not settled - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Matichon, August 24, 2005 The SRT debt of 42.7 billion baht and the 50.2 billion baht pension for 12,000 SRT workers as well as the exorbitant SRT land price are to be transferred to Treasury. However there is a 30-day delay since both SRT and Treasury could not settle on the land transfer. Treasury said the price of SRT land at Makkasan, Bangsue [Pahholyothin] and Mae Nam of 30 billion baht plus 10 billion baht infrastructure removal is too high. At best, Treasury Department said SRT land at Makkasan, Bangsue [Pahholyothin] and Mae Nam should be at 20 billion baht. The trespass of squatters on SRT land is another headache for both SRT and Treasury to handle. Treasury Department asking SRT for long term lease of Makkasan-Phaholyothin to pay off debts - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Thaipost, August 15, 2005 The Treasury Department is asking SRT to allow a 60-year lease of the 500-rai Makkasan Maintenance Center and 600-rai Phaholyothin Yard through the Treasury Asset Management Co. Ltd. so the Ministry of Finance could pay off the debts for SRT. The Treasury Department is also asking SRT to set up a subsidiary to run Chatuchak Weekend Market, Or Tor Kor Market and Central Plaza for SRT to realize the potential 60-70 billion baht/year revenue instead of the current 2 billion baht/year. Treasury may have to apply pressure on the SRT board to comply with the Treasury Department plan. There are currently 47 billion baht in debts for SRT and 50 billion baht pensions for 12,000 SRT workers. Steam engines! - August 1, 2005 Rob Dickinson writes: As a long time (southeast) Asia freak dating from my time in Malaysia in the 70s which saw me in Thailand on the trains pretty often, I very much enjoyed discovering your website and have added a link to it on my own steam locomotive site. Under your trains forum section I have posted a request for information on stationary steam engines to be found in Thai rice mills (definitely exist) and Thai sugar mills (no information available)... Over the weekend 2B forumers were buzzing over Rob's truly interesting sites: A guide to the crusher/mill engines in Java's sugar mills - Temples of Steam - International Working Steam 2005 - Steam in Java, Indonesia, July 2005 Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce pushing further extension of the Eastern Railway despite strong opposition - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, July 21, 2005 The Chathaburi Chamber of Commerce has set up a seminar on "Does the new railway really boost the economy of the eastern region?" and has invited SRT, the provincial administration office from Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat as well as TAT Central Region 4 office, Chanthaburi Tourist Association and local people to participate. SRT representatives told the local people that the study results from 1998 show that the proposed 160 km railway track from Map ta Put to Trat Viarayong and Chanthaburi has a price tag for land expropriation of 8.4 billion baht and the construction cost of 16 billion baht for single track and 28 billion baht for double track (100 million baht/km for single track and 175 million baht/km for double track). SRT said this route has little industrial value and is only good for transporting agriculture products (including fruit) which has a much smaller value than industrial products and thus little payoff. IT would take at least 100 years to break even. However, the TAT office retorts that this line is good for a tourist boom along the eastern coast and TAT is pushing family tourism forward to boost revenue for the nation. Furthermore, local people have made a loud voice that "This Eastern Line to Chanthaburi-Trat must be built immediately!" "SRT is biased towards industrial estates against the will of the people!" "We'll fight tooth to nail to realize this project at all costs!" Floating diesel forcing SRT to make
another ticket hike - translated and summarized
by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, July 13, 2003
SRT found that the rate of 4 baht for the first 10 km is not enough after floating diesel to 24-25 baht/litre. Therefore, SRT is asking for the new rate of 5 baht for the first 10 km instead of the current 2 baht for the first 10 km. The new review would come out by the end of this month to cover the extra expense of 80 million baht a month. Four choices for high speed train route - Bangkok-Korat - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Than Setthakij, July 7, 2005 Mr Somsak Yangpreeda, SRT Chief Construction Engineer, told the press that after the cabinet has asked SRT about the studies on the high speed train on March 29, 2005 so as to cut travel time from more than 2-3 hours to 90 minutes or less. The final result would come up by the end of August 2005. There are 4 routes to be chosen from: 1) New tracks parallel with the existing northern and northeastern lines up to Thanonchira Junction [Korat Station for high speed train with downtown Nakhon Ratchasima] - 250 km with a price tag of 119.352 billion baht 2) New track parallel with the existing Eastern Railway, Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 bypass and Northeastern line - up to Thanonchira Junction - 293 km with a price tag of 127.137 billion baht 3) Bangsue - Bang Pa In - new shortcut to Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 Bypass - New Motorway [Bang Pa In - Korat] - Thanon Chira route - 254 km with a price tag of 110.183 billion baht 4) Makkasan - Lad Krabang - new route to Rangsit Klong 14 (Ongkharak) - Banna - Kaeng Khoi - New Motorway [Bang Pa In - Korat] - Thanon Chira route - 276 km with a price tag of 118.077 billion baht EDITORIAL: Logistics fiasco will prove costly - The Nation, July 06, 2005 ...A recent study on Thailand's logistics sector commissioned by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) indicated the cost of logistics in Thailand was around 25-30 per cent of its gross domestic product, compared with 10 per cent in the US, 7 per cent in the EU, 11 per cent in Japan and 20 per cent in China... Logistics plan - 40 billion baht for 39 project in 5 years - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Thairath, June 22, 2005 There will be 39 logistic projects with a price tag of 40.239 billion baht which are part of the following investment plan: Year - Investment (billion baht) 2005 - 2.013 2006 - 7.329 2007 - 10.917 2008 - 11.736 2009 - 8.245 This investment includes the following critical projects: 1) Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachoengsao Double Tracking - 5.920 billion baht 2) Chachoengsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang Double Tracking - 5.233 billion baht 3) The 2nd Lad Krabang ICD - 6.066 billion baht 4) Pak Bara Deep Sea Port - 5.494 billion baht - definitely need railway track 5) Connecting road for Chaing Saen 2 Port - 5.645 billion baht 6) Chaing Saen 2 Port - 1.107 billion baht 7) 100 km Eastern Coastal Route (Rayong - Changthaburi -Trat) - 1.5 billion baht [Pak Bara Deep Sea port is the deep sea port for Andaman to compete with Port Klang of Malaysia. The strained relationship with Malaysia compels Thailand to come up with this project.] The goals are to cut logistic costs from 19% of the product price in 2005 to 15% of the product price in 2009, cutting down the production cost by 15-20% by cutting fuel bills. Single window e-logistics would cut logistic costs by 0.5% of EXIM prices [or more than 28.5 billion baht] and speed up the EXIM process from 8-10 days to 1-3 days. Commentary by Wisarut: If they really want to further cut logistic costs, the Denchai - Phayao - Chaing rai, Surat Thani - Phang Nga - Thanun, and Bua Yai - Mukdahan - Nakhon Phanom routes as well as nationwide double tracking along with massive electrification and modern signal/telecom installation on the trunk lines. These have been waiting to become a reality for more than 60 years--some nearly 90 years. SRT paying 140 million baht compensation
for NASA Spacedrome - translated and summarized
by Wisarut Bholsithi from Prachachat Thurakij, June 19-21,
2005
SRT is asking the SRT Board to pay 141 million baht for compensation according to the assessment from CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) from June 21, 2005. The negotiation with Excaliber that asked for 200 million baht compensation (158 million from the assessment by the consultant hired by Excaliber plus extra compensation) for removing Nasa Spacedrome as well as a new lease on SRT land outside the construction area that will be done in the next 2 weeks. Furthermore, SRT is asking another 100 million baht to pay STECON for removing NASA Spacedrome as well as the abandoned Hopewell pillars. Most of the SRT land for the Airport Link has been transferred to STECON. Only the troublesome NASA Spacedrome and Hopewell pillars are the serious issues to be tackled. Laos, Thailand cooperate in railway construction - VNA-Vietnam News Agency, June 15, 2005 Laos and Thailand have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the construction of a railway connecting Vientiane with Thailand's Nong Kai province, according to a Lao senior officer. Under the MoU, the first 3.5 km-long section of the project will be built in Laos at a cost of 197 million baht, 30 percent of which will come from non-refundable aid and the rest from Thailand. The second 9 km-long section will also be built in Laos with French grants worth 150 million Euros [6 billion baht] - to purchase Second hand Alsthom Locos and Diesel Railcars as well as the construction of Viangchan Railway Station and railway tracks. The construction of the railway will be started in September this year and is expected to go through March, 2007, the MoU stated, adding that three Thai companies will be in charge of the construction. SRT raising ticket prices for survival starting at 4.50 baht - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, June 1, 2005 SRT Governor said they have to raise the railway ticket prices from the minimum 2 baht to minimum 4.50 baht to cover fuel hikes. This ticket hike is to be done along with service improvement which will be finalized in the next three months. SRT would ensure that the local people would not suffer from ticket hike as much as they fear since SRT is trying to give very fair prices. SRT starting high speed train to Korat in 2006 - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, May 31, 2005 SRT Director expects to start the high speed train from Bangkok to Korat (200 km) in 2006 and ready to open the system in 2009 with the ticket price of about 200 baht. SRT has hired Apsicon and Citech (joint-venture companies) to design the high speed train route with a price tag of 35 million baht. The price tag for the construction of the high speed railway is 200 million baht/km (total 40 billion baht for construction and another 10-20 billion baht for high speed rolling stock). The extension of the high speed train to the north and south are under consideration. The section from Denchai to Chiang Mai has so many mountains to pass it needs TBM drilling to construct very long tunnels. The demand for the southern route seems to have stabilized so it may not be worthy to construct. Summaries on SRT ticket hike - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, June 1, 2005
The rate of 2 baht for the first 10 km has been used since 1985 and it deserves to be raised. Even though the new rates can cover only 50-60% of the fuel prices SRT has raised the railway cargo rates by 6%--effective in the next week. Goals set by MOF for SRT rehab - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Transport Journal, May 16-22, 2005 SRT has failed to keep up with passenger demand for available and comfortable seats, so they get fewer passengers. SRT also failed to haul cargo in a speedy manner and at massive volumes to keep up with market demand, so they cannot reap the profits from lucrative cargo transportation. SRT also failed to improve the quality of the human resources and mishandles the organizational management so they cannot increase output from the existing workers. SRT has 75.087 billion baht assets and 56.182 billion baht liability and 44 billion baht in debts so stringent measures from MOF have to be applied. After splitting SRT into three companies (SRT Passenger Service, SRT Cargo Service, and SRT Asset Management), MOF has set goals for three SRT subsidiaries as follows to obtain government loans: 1) SRT Cargo must increase the container transport from 525,600 units in 2004 to more than 800,000 units in 2009. 2) SRT Passenger must increase annual passengers from 15 million passengers in 2004 to more than 20 million passengers in 2009. 3) SRT Asset Management must hire the private sector to help them boost revenue at least doubling revenue from leasing from the current 2004 level. This means a rent hike for Central Pattana, Central Market Organization, Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the entertainment venues along Ratchada Road and RCA. These measures also force SRT to speed up Makkasan CAT and Makkasan Center, Energy Complex at Chatuchak, Phaholyothin Center andPhaholyothin CAT, Mae Nam Station development after removing fuel reserve tanks. The consequence of this rush are irregularities on the Suvannabhum Airport Link which only had 15 days for a feasibility study and blueprints in three months after starting even though the committee has not finished inspecting the blueprints yet. This can become a potential Hopewell 2. List of complaints on Lad Krabang ICD - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Transport Journal, May 16-22,2005 Even after SRT have been correcting the problems listed in the complaints from TIFFA ICD Co. Ltd. (the company that runs Lad Krabang ICD for SRT), some are still waiting for a resolution such as: 1) Overtime payment for custom officers. It is a real big burden for enterprises that have to pay overtime due to custom officers after 5:30pm and they need to pay three times for each officer who has three overtime shifts from 5:30pm to 8:30am next day. If there is a way to reduce or even eliminate this overtime payment, they would welcome the measure. 2) SRT has to speed up the nationwide double tracking and track rehab projects along with the installation of modern signals and telecom networks to facilitate both cargo and passenger traffic which now has reached conflict levels since passenger and cargo lines are competing for the schedule suited to their needs (e.g. both want to get the morning schedule, but the single track would not allow them to get what they want). New sets of standard locos for cargo trains as well as new sets of BCF (30 BCFs for each set) along with container boxes for rent since SRT can not supply container boxes which compels railway cargo customers to buy their own container boxes--a burden to the companies. SRT balance sheet
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Transportation
Journal, May 16-22, 2005
SRT has 75.087 billion baht assets and 56.182 billion baht liabilities with 18.905 billion baht in capital. 44 billion baht in debts with 2 billion baht pensions and employs 18,000 workers. Officials stunned: SRT land returns only 2% of potential revenue - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, May 10, 2005 Minister Somkid and Minister Suriya are inspecting SRT and asking MOF and SRT to set up a joint committee to handle the SRT land development in one month which has the main purpose to make a joint venture with the private sector to boost more revenue from land development to pay off debts, accumulate interest and money for pension funds. SRT governor said the targets are at Makkasan Center, Phaholyothin Railway Yard, Mae Nam Station and the Agriculture Market Organization. These are to boost the revenue to 10-20 billion baht a year. The MOF Minister said that SRT must focus on debt reduction, financial empowerment, better business strategy, and higher service efficency--especially national logistics which has high profit potential (up to 40% profit). So far, SRT failed to realize the potential due to 44 billion baht debt, 2 billion baht annual interest payment, and 2 billion baht annual pension payments. Therefore, the SRT Governor is asking for help from the Treasury Department, Department of Comptroller General, and State Enterprise Policy Committee to find a plan to handle debt, accumulate interest, and pension funds as well as SRT land development. MOF said pension funds and accumulated interest from SRT debts are not a big deal and the government will ensure that all retired SRT officers and workers would get pension payments in full and creditors would get steady interest payment on time. However, SRT must come up with a working plan to boost revenue at full efficiency to pay off debts and other expenses instead of asking for an annual bailout from the government budget. MOF would give 30 days to finish the plan for SRT revenue from SRT assets and debt payments to be submitted to MOF and MOTC. MOF feel stunned that the 60 billion baht potential of SRT assets has yielded only 2 billion baht annual revenue from rent--less than 2% of potential--too ridiculously low revenue for MOF to bail out SRT. MOTC also feel that SRT failed to fulfill the obligation to handle national transport. For example, 1) Sugar mills in Khon Kaen are asking SRT to transport 1 million tons of sugar to Laem Chabang but SRT can carry only 120,000 tons of sugar to Laem Chabang. 2) The tapioca mills in Isan are asking SRT to transport 600,000 tons of tapioca flour to Bangkok and Laem Chabang, but SRT could only carry 80,000 tons of tapioca flour. SRT governor said SRT and MOF have come up with the plan for SRT asset management, 1) Asking Treasury Department to handle SRT potential assets 2) Making a joint venture with SRT and the private sector 3) SRT subsidiary to handle SRT assets The potential SRT land for 10-20 billion baht annual revenue are: 1) 500 rai of Makkasan Center 2) Market Organization for Farmers at Kamphaengphet 2 Road (lease expires in October 2005) 3) Mae Nam Station 4) Phaholyothin Railway yard The Treasury Department and SRT are also waiting for the expiration of leases on the following areas: 1) Central Lad Phrao (expires in December 2008) 2) Chatuchak Weekend Market (expires in 2012) 3) Hotel and Massage Parlors along Ratchadaphisek Ring road 4) Land in major stations (e.g. Bangsue, Donmuang, Laksi, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Sila At, Denchai, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon, Udon, Khon Kaen, Yala, Sugei Golok, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Chachoengsao, etc.) There is 233,862 rai of SRT land. 186,639 rai for route areas which are not to be sold at any price. 3107 rai is for SRT worker housing and SRT apartments. Makkasan Center and Phaholyothin Railyard have 1815 rai of potential land. There is also 36,793 rai of SRT land not developed yet, with 2160 rai of undeveloped land in Bangkok. The net loss of SRT in 2004 was 6.569 billion baht. MOF bailing SRT out of the 44
billion baht debts - translated and summarized
by Wisarut Bholsithi from Thairath, Dailynews, Matichon,
May 10, 2005 On the forum: SRT
plan for logistic support - 160 billion baht in 8 years
- Than Setthakij, March 6-9, 2005
SUBURBAN RAILWAY: SRT against proposal for electric train - The Nation, March 31, 2005 The State Railway of Thailand's goal of undertaking a suburban rail network could be side-tracked if the government agrees to a proposal to set up a new agency to handle the project... The source said the SRT was opposed to the proposal. It has tried to lobby the office to stick using to diesel cars, which will require a comparatively lower investment... Phase 2 double tracking with a price tag of 56 billion baht - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Matichon Daily, March 9, 2005 and Manager Daily, March 9, 2005 SRT Governor said SRT is going to support national logistics by coming up with the following double track scheme after fierce negotiation between SRT regional directors. 1) Lad Krabang ICD - Chachoengsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang (78.86 km + 33.03 km = 111.89 km) with a price tag of 5.3 billion baht [The section from Lad Krabang ICD to Chachongsao is 33.03 km] [The section from Chachoengsao - Laem Chabang is 78.86 km] After finishing the the first double track two years after starting the construction, SRT will start the double track of the following lines to complete the phase 2 double tracking. 2) Lopburi - Nakhon Sawan (112.97 km) 3) Chachoengsao - Klong 19 - Kaeng Khoi (107.45 km) 4) Prachuab Khirikhan - Surat Thani (332.69 km) 5) Kaeng Khoi - Pakchong - Nakhon Ratchasima (138.55 km) Total (2-5): 691.66 km Total (1-5 -> ICD - Chachongsao not included due to triple track): 770.52 km The price tag for (2)-(6): 56.775 billion baht (75 million baht/km - total 757 km) The axle load: 20 tons on meter gauge This will effectively cut the cargo transportation from Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok to 2 1/2 hours from more than 3-4 hours. This also speed up the cargo transportation especially between Prachuab Khirikhan-Surat Thani during the night cargo transportation between Bangsue and Padang Besar. SRT making more profit from cargo transport - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Thairath, February 24, 2005 SRT Governor said after concentrating on cargo transport and passenger transports while cutting expenses, it has made a big profit--330.9 million baht profit before discounting depreciation, tax and interest. The revenue from the transportation between Laem Chabang and Ladkrabang ICD increased by 15% and the estimated revenue from cargo transport is 2.4 billion baht--up by 373 million baht--while the revenue form passenger service will be 4.437 billion baht--up by 272 million baht. Better fuel management also cuts down fuel expense by 10 million baht a month without reducing cargo and passenger services. The control on spare part procurement also cuts down expense by 11%. However, SRT needs further improvement so that 60% of profit come from cargo and container transportation (780 million baht) from the current level of 28.50%. SRT Financial Advisers say there is 30,000 rai of SRT land to be transferred to the Treasury Dept with a price tag of 60 billion baht and the loss of 40 billion baht which is going to be transferred to the Ministry of Finance. However, SRT has reserved Makkasan and Phaholyothin for their own revenue making. On the forum: Double tracking project cut from 4000 km to 800 km - February 18, 2005 Bid to revive coastal rail route - Bangkok Post, February 18, 2005 A senate panel will ask the new government to revive a 163-km Surat Thani-Phangnga rail route linking the Gulf coast to the Andaman coast... Pinya Chuayplod, chairman of the senate panel, said the route was first conceived in 1938. A royal decree was subsequently issued for land expropriation to allow construction of the route stretching from Surat Thani's Phun Phin district to Ban Tha Nun in tambon Khok Loy of Phangnga's Takua Thung district opposite Phuket. However, only 31km of the route was completed before construction was forced to a halt by budget limitations... SRT threatens to seize Chatuchak Weekend Market - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Than Setthakij, February 13-16, 2005 and Dailynews, February 15, 2005 [The subtext here is that BMA makes a fortune from black market leasing of market space at higher than legal rates. SRT wants a piece of this action.] BMA Treasury told the press that the readjustment of leasing terms for Chatuchak Weekend Market from 32 baht/sq meter to 394-447 baht/sq meter which have been applied since 2001 is too much for BMA to digest since BMA has collected the leases of Chatuchak Weekend Market at the legal rate of about 100 baht/sq. meter [while collecting at a black market rate of 1000-2000 baht/sq. meter]. The acceptable rates after 2012 for BMA should be 50-300 baht/sq-meter. Furthermore, BMA also owes 154.4 million baht unpaid debt for the leasing of SRT land at Chatuchak Weekend Market despite the rate readjustment since 2001. The leasing of SRT land at Chatuchak Weekend Market is going to be expire in 2012 with the expected unpaid debts of 463.0 million baht and BMA is going to make another 30-year lease. If BMA still refuses to pay the unpaid debts, SRT has to seize the control of Chatuchak Weekend Market and SRT has its own plan to upgrade Chatuchak Weekend Market to become an air-conditioned weekend market for Phaholyothin Transportation Center while they will ask those who lease the space within Chatuchak Weekend Market to pay the lease directly into SRT's coffers instead of paying via BMA. Train link to Vientiane - January 29, 2005 Interesting thread on the forum about where the rail link from Thailand to Laos ends in the middle of the road as it enters Laos.
Sunflower train
- January 13, 2005  (Photo: Nils)
Double tracking from Chachongsao to
Laem Chabang - translated and summarized by Wisarut
Bholsithi from Dailynews, December 24, 2004 SRT is making money - translated
and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, December
5, 2004 BANG
SUE LINK: 'Best option is a private operator' -
The Nation, November 24, 2004 Railway
extensions fast-tracked - The Nation,
October 22, 2003 Electrified rail from Chiang Mai to Mae Hongsorn
via Mae Sariang - translated and summarized
by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, October 17, 2004 Thianthong family and SRT concessions
- September 28, 2004 Consultants competing for high speed train project
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily,
September 28, 2004 Special DMU Commuter train Bangkok-Ayudhaya
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Matichon,
September 11, 2004 Loco overhaul/SRT park and rides
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily,
August 19, 2004 Khorat high-speed train opinions -
August 11, 2004 Spare part shortage forcing SRT
to negotiate with Railway Authority of Malaysia (KTMB) about locomotive
leasing - translated and summarized by Wisarut
Bholsithi from Manager Daily & Matichon Daily, July
26, 2004 Laem Chabang/Ladkrabang rail scheme
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Matichon Daily,
July 26, 2004 Government approves funds for Laem
Chabang double tracking - translated and summarized
by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, July 24, 2004 SRT director said SRT has received the Year 2005 budget allocation of 8.026772 billion baht which can be separated into 2 sections 1) Land Transportation - 7.617726 billion baht 1.1) Salary - 5.470036 billion baht 1.2) Double Tracking - 2.006940 billion baht 1.3) Suvannabhum Airport Link - 0.140750 billion baht 2) Debt Payments - 0.409046 billion baht 2.1) Diesel electric Loco Loan - 0.013467 billion baht 2.2) Sri Racha - Laem Chabang, Sri Rachai - Sattahip Loan - 0.009199 billion baht 2.3) Kaengkhoi - Klong Sip Kao Loan - 0.182734 billion baht 2.4) Double Tracking Loan - 0.203646 billion baht For the year of 2004 (May 31, 2004), SRT has 5.935 billion baht revenue and 5.362 billion baht expense. Before paying interest and pension (EBITDA) 0.573 billion baht net profit. This marginal profit is due to the cutting of expenses and revenue boosting especially from cargo service. The expected revenue from cargo service is 1.7 billion baht - up from 1.5 billion baht in 2003 by 15%. The passenger revenue is about 3.1 billion baht - not up that much since they cannot raise ticket prices and fees. So, more cargo trips and more cargos for each trip boosts revenue. Even the cargo service adds 23 million baht revenue for each month in 2004 - compared with a 21 million baht revenue hike in 2003. However, fuel bill hikes have also caused lots of trouble since each cargo trip need 360 liters of diesel fuel (5,000 baht/trip if diesel is at 14 baht/liter). Now, the cabinet has approved the plan to buy 7 diesel locos (700 million baht) and 112 passenger bogies from Indonesia (now Indonesia can produce both locos [licensed from GE and Hitachi] and passenger bogies) by bartering with rice. The 20 renovated aircon passenger bogies from JR West also boosts revenue through the new aircon fees. SRT is going to revise leasing contracts to add more revenue from leasing along Ratchadaphisek Road. SRT is also going to hire the private sector to collect the parking fees at Chatuchak Park with a contract to pay minimum revenue sharing. If the parking revenue is lower than the minimum level, the company has to pay a fine to cover the missing revenue. The private parking collectors will minimize mafia harassment at the parking lot. Commentary by Wisarut: SRT officers complained that the CK5 Diesel Hydraulic shunter as well as TPI cement cargo trains imported from Meishan Loco factory (mainland China) have very shoddy quality compared to European versions. They usually turnover or break down during transportation. Therefore, the proposed plan to import 30 Diesel-Electric Locos (CKD7F ) from China (the same type used in Vietnam) is not a good deal at all. Even the proposed NGV locos import from Russia may not suitable for Thai weather. Thus the 7 diesel electric locos and 112 aircon passenger cars from Indonesia are a good deal. Railroad construction in Laos - route to China and
Vietnam under serious consideration - translated
and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager
Online - June 20, 2004 High Speed Train! 100-billion baht
BKK-Khorat train close to reality - translated
and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager
Daily, June 21, 2004. Trucking interests sabotage the
rails - translated and summarized by Wisarut
Bholsithi from Matichon Daily, June 12, 2004 Fuel hike pushing Laem Chabang double
tracking - translated and summarized by Wisarut
Bholsithi from Thaipost, June 10, 2004 Ambitious plan for high-speed rail
connecting Ayutthaya-Paed Riew-Nakhon Pathom-Samut Prakarn - translated
and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Matichon, May 30, 2004
Bombardier
Transportation wins US$70M order from Thailand state railway -
Canadian Press, May 10, 2004 Nationwide double tracking - Long way
to get started - translated and summarized by
Wisarut Bholsithi from Than Setthakij, May 13 - 15, 2004
1) Laying the new track along with the rehabilitation for the existing tracks to allow a maximum speed of 120 km/hr 2) Laying the new track along with the rehabilitation for the existing tracks to allow a maximum speed of 160 km/hr 3) Laying the new high-speed rail track (standard gauge) for some sections while the rest will be meter gauge double tracks However, the following routes will be a high-speed rail system: 1) Bangkok - Chiang Mai with route modifications to increase the curve radius to 1500-2000 m -> either at Uttaradit - Chiang Mai or Lampang - Chiang Mai 2) Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima with route modification form Kaeng Khoi to Pakchong 3) Bangkok - Surat Thani - the rest will be meter gauge double tracks. 4) Kaengkhoi - Klong Sip Kao - Chachoengsao -> the space constraints from Hua Mark to Chacheongsao and the track to ICD has prevented SRT from ripping the double track in meter gauge to create standard gauge double track. The estimation show that (in Billion Baht)
They also said SRT needs to acquire more land to come up with the high speed rail tracks. The level crossings must be eliminated or largely reduced. This means a new bridge in every 3 km. The system would be electrified in the way as BTSC Skytrain. Commentary by Wisarut: 1) The northern line with high-speed rail will please Premier Thaksin. 2) The northeastern line with double tracking is to please Khorat people even though the high cost to modify the steep track from Map Krabao to Nakhon Ratchasima is a must. 3) The Traffic Policy Office seems never to be aware of the gauge braking problem. Even though the new mixed gauge track some the gauge braking problems, it creates another problem--the slower speed of the high speed rail system since they did not use a dedicated system. The half-baked Acela and Akita line of Shinkansen should give the Traffic Policy Office an example of a very hard lesson for this type of problem. 4) If SRT wants to run an electrified railway, 25 KV Ac is a good choice for them--not 750 V DC. 5) In my opinion the first choice is the optimal deal--at least the gauge braking problem is eliminated. Latest on the high-speed rail to
Khorat - translated and summarized by Wisarut
Bholsithi from Manager Daily, April 23, 2004 No latest news on the Prachuab Khirikhan high-speed
train - April 27, 2004 Bombadier wins SRT signal and telecommunication
system contract for double track lines at 2.799 billion baht -
translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Matichon Daily,
March 29, 2004 Opinions on the PTT Energy Complex
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from
Siamturakij, March 21-28, 2004 Trade and double-tracking -
translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Transportation
Journal, March 15-21, 2004 |
