Bangkok: The public demands accountability for the Orange Line electric train project, which caused over 60 billion baht in damages. Who is responsible?
According to Thai News Agency, MP Surachet Praveenwongwut, representing the People's Party, has raised concerns about the Orange Line project, which has led to a loss of 68,613 million baht to the state. Surachet questioned the government's handling of the project and whether those responsible will be held accountable. He had previously brought this matter to the attention of the parliament on May 21, 2026, seeking answers from the Minister of Transport. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, was tasked with addressing the concerns and had forwarded the necessary documents to the Minister.
The Orange Line project has undergone two bidding processes. In 2020, BTS and BEM competed, with BTS proposing a government subsidy of 9,675 million baht. However, changes in bidding criteria led to the cancellation of bids and subsequent legal proceedings. In 2022, the altered terms barred BTS from competing, resulting in BEM winning with a much higher subsidy demand of 78,288 million baht.
The disparity in costs from 2020 to 2022 has raised public concern, as the government could have subsidized only 9,675 million baht if BTS had won in 2020. The revised 2022 bidding process inflated the subsidy to 78,288 million baht, a difference of 68,613 million baht, which the public ultimately bears.
The project has faced various irregularities and legal challenges. The bidding criteria changes in 2020, the auction cancellation while the case was still in court, and the exclusion of BTS from the 2022 bidding have all been contentious issues. Additionally, the selection committee's actions, such as allowing ITD to pass as a competitor despite qualification issues, have further complicated the situation.
A significant issue also lies in the calculation of the median price, with a government subsidy cap set at 91,983 million baht. This calculation has been criticized for being unreasonable, leading to a substantial discrepancy between the two bidding rounds.
The selection committee has been scrutinized for not safeguarding the state's interests. The government's decision to subsidize the construction fully, unlike in previous projects like the Green Line, has raised suspicions of hidden interests influencing the bidding process. The public is urged to remain vigilant, as potential agreements between major players could further impact the public's financial burden.
A critical concern is the contract's fare structure, which is set to increase significantly from year 10 to year 11, potentially causing financial strain on the public. This could lead to lawsuits or further concession extensions, adding to the already complex situation.
MP Surachet's statement highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the Orange Line project. The public demands answers as to why these issues have been allowed to persist, questioning whether there are undisclosed influences affecting the project's outcome.