Bangkok: Pipat, alongside three newly appointed deputy ministers, commenced their duties at the Ministry of Transport, emphasizing the immediate initiation of work without any honeymoon period. He outlined essential policies such as reducing living costs, the land bridge project, and implementing a 40-baht flat fare for the BTS Skytrain line. Additionally, Pipat confirmed that transportation fares would be frozen during the Songkran holiday, and the Rama 2 Expressway would be operational by August 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, at 8:19 AM, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, with Deputy Ministers Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Pattarapong Pattaraprasit, and Sanphet Bunyamanee, began their roles following their recent appointment and oath-taking. Their first day involved paying respects to sacred objects within the ministry, followed by a welcoming ceremony where they received flowers as a congratulatory gesture.
Mr. Pipat detailed the Ministry of Transport's focus on four main dimensions: reducing living costs and enhancing safety, stimulating economic activity, promoting clean energy to reduce PM2.5 pollution, and laying the foundation for long-term infrastructure. This strategy includes encouraging private sector investment to reduce public debt. The ministry aims for integrated work between agencies with common goals and indicators to accelerate policy implementation, prioritizing the public, and adhering strictly to the legal framework to enhance the quality of life and drive the economy forward. He stressed the urgency of the government's work, especially given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing that there is no time for relaxation.
Pipat remarked, "Today, we have no time for honeymoons or moments of bliss. The four of us are here today to solve the problems facing the world. If you have any issues, please come and discuss them with us. Don't think of me as the Deputy Prime Minister or a Minister, nor the three Deputy Ministers; we are colleagues, brothers and sisters. When we overcome this crisis or hardship, we will all reap the rewards together."
Future measures will be detailed in the policy statement on April 9-10, with the flagship policy focusing on reducing public transportation costs, such as the 40-baht flat fare for the entire BTS Skytrain line. Discussions are underway on whether to implement this through zoning or other models, and considerations are being made to repurchase BTS Skytrain concessions to ensure fairness. This will involve talks with relevant agencies and private sector entities.
The high-speed rail project connecting three airports and U-Tapao Airport project will proceed according to the original contracts due to potential legal issues with other bidders. The government is also exploring measures to increase passenger numbers post-COVID-19, such as promoting investment in tourism, sports, and amusement parks within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to attract visitors.
The Land Bridge project, a continuation from the previous administration, seeks to connect transportation between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Currently, over 90% of goods are transshipped through Singapore, so the Land Bridge project is viewed as a significant opportunity for Thailand, expected to create over 100,000 jobs.
Pipat reiterated that there would be no fare increases for public transportation, particularly intercity buses, during the Songkran festival despite rising fuel costs. The government plans to use emergency funds to subsidize the difference to prevent impacting the public.
He also mentioned the progress of the Rama 2 Road construction project, confirming its opening no later than August this year, with completion up to Ban Phaeo.