On January 5, 2023 at the National Assembly, Mr.Jirat Thongsuwan Chachoengsao MP Kao Klai Party questioned Sak Siam Chidchob, transport minister. The Case of Sign Replacement at Bang Sue Grand Station It is Bangkok’s Apiwat Central Station, worth over 33 million baht, that raises 3 questions: (1) Is it too expensive? (2) Why did the name change and (3) Who will be responsible? In case the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) has just lost the case, Unique Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited, a contractor
Mr. Jirat said the first problem was the Bang Sue Central Station sign. Currently 3 years old, originally there were only letters. But the SRT logo will also be added in this update, which I don’t understand why it needs to be added. What are the benefits if the SRT wants to save on the budget? You can only change some parts, for example keep the word “central station” but change the name. Or the proposal of the Progressive Party is to use both names together because no matter what People will still call it Bang Sue Central Station, so you ask whether the price to change the sign worth 33 million baht is appropriate or not, is too expensive?
Mr. Sak Siam clarified that in the past, Thailand’s public transport system served the people in every project. All of them were bestowed with auspicious names. name changeBang Sue Central StationandBangkok Aphiwat Central Station meaning “The Great Glory of Bangkok” is no different than changing the name of Nong Ngu Hao Airport. is Suvarnabhumi Airport applying for a real name In May 2021 it received a new name. In September 2022 and October 2022, the Ministry of Transport ordered the SRT to complete the installation of the royal license plate as soon as possible. Government Procurement and Supply Administration Law BE 2560, then procurement with a specific method Because the sign improvement will affect the existing project that has been completed and is in the contract warranty period. If this method is not used, there will be problems. Later, when he saw public criticism Signed then to appoint a fact-finding commission today. to achieve transparency Chaired by the Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Transport You will know the result within 15 days.
Mr. Jirat said his question was very short, asking whether the price of 33 million baht was too high or not. people think it is expensive. But the minister didn’t directly answer the question, however, he didn’t want the minister to focus on inspection only on SRT. because often the devil is hidden in the details If you go back to January 2020, the contractor is Unique. Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited in cooperation with Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited completed the installation of Bang Sue Central Station sign. Later, when given a new name The minister rushed the SRT to change the sign, so a specific method was used. Set median price 2 weeks ago. When the public saw the high price tag, they questioned it. The minister then set up a committee. It’s a recipe for survival It’s doubtful whether the minister either didn’t know this at all or wanted a new station name. Or no matter what, you can change your name no matter how much tax people have to spend. Therefore, the second question Why did you change the station name?
“Does the minister know? how many other small and small signs need to be changed accordingly How much money do you need in total? Bullies will have a hard time reaching Bangkok, I think the minister spends too much money. Today, if Thailand’s government agencies were aligned, the railway would probably be the poorest. due to the continuous losses every year in the hundreds of millions But instead spend money like this,” said Mr. Jirat.
Mr. Jirat said the transport minister said that the name change is a tradition. what’s the tradition And if you know it’s a tradition, why did you make a permanent mark before? If other government agencies follow suit How much more tax money will be spent? In addition, another important issue is that in November 2021, SRT had just lost a lawsuit against the SU joint venture between Unique and Sinothai, the damage was more than 7,500 million baht. for losing the lawsuit at that time As shown in the lawsuit filing, SRT took over Bang Sue Central Station which had not yet paid for the construction in full. Go to the Bang Sue Central Vaccination Center. Until people are confused all over the country Why do you have to inject here? should be questioned Does this make it easy to lose the case? And it is strange that there was such a dispute. Today the interest is still alive. But why are you still procuring a unique company? Who will be responsible for the damage caused? Including construction work in the future with the SU joint venture, will there be another case like this? It’s the third question.
Mr Sak Siam said he confirmed the Transport Ministry had nothing to hide. Please wait for the inspection results. When the results come out, it will definitely be reported to the public. change that name is a tradition not their needs Many government landmarks do. it is normal. As for the economic or expensive question, he did not confirm because he was not the one who set the price. and on the cause that So far the case has not come to an end. there is still a fight There must be one more recourse.
