Bangkok: “Phiphat” met with the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) union to listen to suggestions for solving traffic problems. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, chaired a meeting with the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) State Enterprise Workers’ Union (SEAU), led by Mr. Manop Keorat, Secretary-General of the State Enterprise Workers’ Relations Confederation, and Mr. Sawit Kaewwan, Union Advisor.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat stated that this discussion is a good opportunity for all parties to exchange constructive opinions to find the best solution for the development of the expressway network, particularly the Double Deck Expressway project. This is just one of more than 21 projects under the Expressway Authority of Thailand’s plan to address traffic congestion on the entire expressway network, for which the Cabinet acknowledged the study results in accordance with the Traffic and Transport Department’s resolution on April 5, 2022.

Mr. Pipat emphasized the key principles for any project review: actual users must benefit, the government must not lose out, organizations must survive, and the private sector must not be taken advantage of excessively. The government is aiming to reduce the cost of living by exploring supportive measures, such as 40-baht electric train fares and 50-baht expressway fares. However, everything must be done with due diligence, transparency, and without adding to the country’s public debt burden.

Mr. Pipat also stated that the reduction of expressway fees should be considered in terms of the overall picture and its potential outcomes, not just a reduction in revenue. Proper management will increase the number of users and create a balance between the government, the private sector, and consumers. He thanked the labor union for providing information and expressing their stance for the benefit of road users. The Minister has assigned relevant parties to study the union’s proposals and documents in detail. He will discuss with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, the Expressway Authority of Thailand, and relevant agencies, and report to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for comprehensive consideration before proceeding.

Mr. Manop Keorat, Secretary-General of the State Enterprise Workers’ Relations Confederation, stated that the purpose of this meeting was to provide technical information and recommendations to the Ministry of Transport regarding the implementation of the Double Deck project, particularly regarding the impact on expressway users, concession renewal, and the care of people living along the construction route. This is to ensure fairness and balance between all parties.