Transport Ministry to extend Airport Rail Link return deadline

Khaosod•Economy•4d ago

Reader Briefing

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn plans to negotiate a 1-3 month extension for the return of the Airport Rail Link operation to prevent service disruption.

•The Airport Rail Link operation contract is set to end on September 30.
•Pipat Ratchakitprakarn proposes extending the return period by 1-3 months.
•The State Railway of Thailand will manage the project if the private sector confirms the return.
•The Eastern Economic Corridor committee is responsible for evaluating the project's value and future continuity.

Overview

•The Airport Rail Link operation contract ends on September 30.
•Pipat Ratchakitprakarn stated on September 1, 2026, at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, that the ministry will seek a 1-3 month extension for the return of the project from the private sector.
•Pipat Ratchakitprakarn aims to ensure that the public is not impacted by a potential halt in rail operations.
•The State Railway of Thailand has already handed over the designated areas to the private sector.
•Pipat Ratchakitprakarn noted that the overall project falls under the Eastern Economic Corridor, and he cannot interfere with its decisions.
•Pipat Ratchakitprakarn stated that the State Railway of Thailand will manage the project if the private sector insists on returning it.
•Pipat Ratchakitprakarn stated that any decision to hire a new private operator depends on a conclusion from the State Railway of Thailand board.

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Key Entities

Person

Pipat Ratchakitprakarn(พิพัฒน์ รัชกิจประการ)ℹ️

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport.

Organization

Ministry of Transport(กระทรวงคมนาคม)ℹ️

The ministry overseeing the State Railway of Thailand.

State Railway of Thailand(การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

An organization under the Ministry of Transport that may manage the Airport Rail Link project upon its return.

Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee(คณะกรรมการนโยบายเขตพัฒนาพิเศษภาคตะวันออก)

The committee responsible for the overall Airport Rail Link project and its value evaluation.

EECℹ️

The entity responsible for considering whether to continue the Airport Rail Link project.

Place

Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus(มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์ วิทยาเขตหาดใหญ่)

The location where Pipat Ratchakitprakarn gave his statements on September 1, 2026.