Bangkok: The Prime Minister revealed that there has been no feedback from the private sector after ordering the contract termination. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Rama 2 area this afternoon. He reiterated that he issued the orders in his capacity as head of government, with the Ministry of Transport as the implementing agency. He revealed that following the termination of contracts for two projects, there has been no feedback from the private sector. He is not worried about a potential lawsuit against the government, stating it is their right. He expressed confidence that the government will ensure the safety and well-being of the public. He dismissed posts claiming the Bhumjaithai Party controlled the Ministry of Transport for 10 years as an attempt to discredit him, saying he is not worried but "annoyed" and can only offer prayers of compassion. He responded with an "Oh wow" when asked if he could tolerate it, and challenged those involved to a confrontation.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview regarding the incident on January 14th where a construction crane for the high-speed rail project collapsed onto a train, and the subsequent collapse of a crane constructing an expressway on Rama 2 Road in Samut Sakhon province yesterday (January 15th). He stated that he will visit the Rama 2 area this afternoon (January 16th), where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn and ministry executives are meeting to receive government instructions for action.
When asked whether the private company had provided any feedback following yesterday's meeting (January 15th), the Prime Minister stated that he had received no feedback. He clarified that he was not a party to the dispute or the contract, but as head of government, he had issued instructions because of the recurring nature of the incidents, particularly the two consecutive incidents that resulted in the deaths of civilians unrelated to the construction work. Therefore, further discussion was not possible; the government had to exercise its administrative authority to order the contracting agency to terminate the contract. He emphasized that the term "terminate the contract," not "cancel the contract," because "cancel the contract" requires determining who is at fault. "Terminate the contract" means the government believes that continuing the work poses a danger to the public, and thus must exercise its right to do so.
When asked if the matter would not simply fade away, the Prime Minister said that, as head of government, he had already instructed the Ministry of Transport, and that he was not the one carrying out the action.
Regarding whether private companies have avenues to sue the government, the Prime Minister stated that everyone has the right to sue. The government and its agencies must be confident. Yesterday's meeting (January 15th), which included the Secretary-General of the Council of State and the Attorney General, went smoothly and resulted in a consensus. If actions are taken for the benefit and safety of the public, and if those who have committed wrongdoing decide to sue, the government must fight back.
Regarding the question of whether there will be no problems after the contract is terminated and a new contractor is hired, the Prime Minister stated that it is a matter for the agency owning the project. He explained that this is a situation where the state is in danger, and the state sees its citizens as being in danger. Therefore, the state has notified the project owner to take action to stop the danger.
When asked about the duration of the blacklisting, the Prime Minister stated that once the contract is terminated, there are procedures to follow. This falls under the category of "abandoning a project," which has a defined definition. The Comptroller General's Department has received the matter, and the Minister of Finance is aware and taking action.
Regarding other projects undertaken by this contractor, the Prime Minister stated that no reporting is required. He said he is not the owner of the project but issued the order as head of government, recognizing a danger to the public. Once the order is given, it must be carried out.
Regarding the social media posts claiming that the Bhumjaithai Party, having overseen the Ministry of Transport for 10 years, would face risks if elected again, Mr. Anutin stated that it depends on who posted it and their intentions. He urged reporters not to ask questions that provoke arguments, emphasizing that journalists know the answer and who posted it, as such actions are intended to create conflict and demean the party. He added that he does not believe in such things in his life and work.
When pressed further on whether this might be used to politically discredit him during the election period, Mr. Anutin said there was no problem. Whether or not it can be used to discredit him depends on the public's decision.
When pressed again whether the Prime Minister was not worried, Mr. Anutin replied, "More annoyed than worried, and I can't do anything about it. If I'm annoyed, I just take a few deep breaths and send loving-kindness."
Regarding whether he could endure it or not, the Prime Minister exclaimed "Wow!" and said, "Let's see who can endure it." He continued, "There's nothing to worry about. Just practice loving-kindness," and suggested that reporters use the same method when they're in a bad mood. "Just take deep breaths, repeat 'Buddho, Buddho'," he guaranteed, "in no more than 10 times, if you don't fall asleep, your anger will disappear. For me, I usually fall asleep after the 6th 'Buddho'."