Bangkok: Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has clarified that the private sector will only manage the Airport Rail Link for an additional four months, after which the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will assume control.

According to Thai News Agency, Pipat emphasized that the reported 60 million baht operating cost is inaccurate as it only reflects actual revenue from train operations. He is contemplating having SRT take over the operations after January 2027. Meanwhile, the decision regarding the three-airport rail project is pending the Prime Minister's review, as recommended by the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

During a recent meeting with the Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, and other key officials, it was concluded that the Airport Rail Link project would proceed as proposed by the private company. Pipat confirmed that the private company would operate the service until January 31, 2027, and will generate revenue solely from fare collection. The sustainability of the operation will depend on the private sector's management.

After this period, SRT Electric Train Company Limited, a subsidiary of SRT, will take over the service. This company previously managed the operations before they were transferred to the private sector. Prior to the transition, SRT will need to conduct thorough inspections of the tracks and rolling stock.

Regarding the high-speed rail project linking three airports, Pipat mentioned that the original contract's termination conditions must be reviewed by the EEC development project meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister. Any unresolved issues will require discussions with the Attorney General, and consultations with the Council of State may precede submissions to the Cabinet for final decisions. The Prime Minister will ultimately provide the definitive response.