On 5 January 2023 at the National Assembly, Mr.Jirat Thongsuwan MP Chachoengsao, the Kao Klai Party, questioned Sak Siam Chidchob, Minister of Transport. The case of replacing the signboard at Bang Sue Grand Station It is Bangkok Apiwat Central Station, worth more than 33 million baht. It raises 3 questions: (1) Is it too expensive? (2) Why did the name change and (3) Who will be responsible? In the case that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has just lost the case, Unique Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited, a contractor
Mr. Jirat said that the first issue was the Bang Sue Central Station sign. Currently 3 years old, originally there were only letters. But in this update, the SRT logo will be added as well, which I do not understand why it has to be added. What are the benefits if the SRT wants to save budget? You can change just 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 call it Bang Sue Central Station anyway, so ask if the price of paying for changing the sign worth 33 million baht is appropriate or not, is it too expensive?
Mr. Sak Siam clarified that in the past, Thailand’s public transport system that served people in every project All of them were bestowed with auspicious names. name changeBang Sue Central StationisBangkok Aphiwat Central Station which means “The Great Glory of Bangkok” is no different from changing the name of Nong Ngu Hao Airport. is Suvarnabhumi Airport by requesting a royal 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 name plate as soon as possible. Government Procurement and Supplies Administration Act B.E. 2560 therefore procurement by a specific method Because the improvement of the signboard will affect the existing project that has been completed and is in the contract guarantee period. If this method is not used, there will be problems. Later, when he saw the public’s criticism Therefore signed to appoint a fact-finding committee today. to achieve transparency Chaired by the Deputy Permanent 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 expensive or not. people think it’s expensive But the minister did not answer the question directly, however, did not want the minister to focus on the inspection only on SRT. because the devil is often hidden in the details If you go back to January 2020, the contractor is Unique. Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited in collaboration with Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited completed the installation of Bang Sue Central Station signboard. Later, when given a new name The minister hastened the SRT to change the sign, so a specific method was used. Set the median price 2 weeks ago. When the public saw the high price, they questioned it. The minister then set up a committee. It’s a recipe for survival. It’s doubtful that the minister didn’t know at all or wanted a new station name. Or no matter what, you can change your name regardless of how much tax people have to spend. Therefore, the second question Why did you change the name of the station?
“Does the minister know? how many other small and small signs have to be changed accordingly How much money do you need in total? Bullies will be difficult to reach Bangkok. I think the minister spends too much money. Today, if the government agencies of Thailand were lined up, the railway would probably be the most poor. because of continuous losses every year in the hundreds of millions But instead spending money like this, ”said Mr. Jirat.
Mr. Jirat said that the Minister of Transport said that The name change is a tradition. what is the tradition And if you know that it’s a tradition, why did you make a permanent sign before? If other government agencies take the example How much more people’s tax money will be spent? In addition, another important issue is that in November 2021, the SRT had just lost a lawsuit against the SU joint venture between Unique and Sinothai, the damage was over 7,500 million baht. The main reason for losing The case at that time As shown in the filing of the lawsuit, SRT took Bang Sue Central Station that had not yet paid for the construction in full. Go to Bang Sue central vaccination center. Until people are confused throughout the country that Why do you have to inject here? should question that Does this make it easy to lose the case? And it’s strange that there was such a dispute. Today the interest is still going. But why are you still procuring a unique company? Who will be responsible for the damage caused? Including the construction work in the future with the SU joint venture, will there be such a case again? It’s the third question.
Mr. Sak Siam said he confirmed that the Ministry of Transport had nothing to hide. Please wait for the results of the inspection. 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 this. is normal As for the cheap or expensive issue, he did not confirm because he was not the person who set the price. and about the lawsuit that So far the case has not reached the end. there is still a fight There must be a further appeal.