The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has referred the contract cancellation of Italian-Thai Development Plc to the Attorney General, clarifying that investigations show no safety personnel were present during train operations. They revealed that finding a new contractor to complete the remaining 0.5% of the work would require 14 months. SRT acknowledged a drop in passenger numbers and is rushing to restore confidence while pushing for passenger insurance.
Anan Pho-nimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, serving as Acting Governor of SRT, revealed after the SRT board meeting No. 2/2026 today (29 Jan 2026) that the board reviewed the employer's right to terminate contracts 3 and 4 for civil works between Lam Takhong–Sikiu and Kudjik–Khok Kruat sections of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail Phase 1 project from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) is the contractor. The termination proceedings follow instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, after the crane collapse on the high-speed rail construction on 14 Jan 2026 caused 30 fatalities and 66 injuries.
Anan added that SRT reported the investigation results to the board. The preliminary findings indicated that the contractor (ITD) failed to assign safety and lookout personnel as contractually required at the construction site and along the railway line. This constituted a clear breach of safety obligations and contract terms.
Furthermore, the investigation found that a high-strength bolt (PT-Bar) securing the crane's base snapped during crane launching, causing the front support to collapse and fall onto the train below. Engineering inspections are ongoing. SRT is coordinating with police investigators and has invited the Council of Engineers, the Engineering Institute of Thailand under Royal Patronage, and structural engineering experts to conduct a comprehensive on-site examination. No official conclusion has yet been reached.
Anan also stated that these facts may justify contract termination. SRT will summon China Railway International, the project supervisor, for further inquiry regarding the technical causes of the equipment failure. The SRT legal subcommittee has advised caution in terminating the contract, as it is an administrative order. Therefore, all investigation details will be discussed next week with the Office of the Attorney General to ensure clear, precise, and fair procedures for all parties.
This will align with the Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act B.E. 2560 (2017), Section 103, which prioritizes the interests of government agencies and the public. Discussions will also cover whether ITD, not yet blacklisted by the Comptroller General’s Department, may re-bid if the contract is terminated. Once feedback is received, the matter will return to the SRT board for a decision on appropriate action.
Anan further noted that contract termination could impact the overall project, which is approximately 99.5% complete with only 0.5% remaining. Hiring a new contractor would require defining work scope and a new bidding process, potentially taking about 14 months including construction. If ITD continues, completion is expected by October 2026. The assessment has not yet considered possible litigation from ITD if the contract is terminated.
Meanwhile, SRT has temporarily suspended all contracts related to the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail Phase 1 project to review all safety measures. Only contracts that pass safety inspections will resume work. Contracts 3 and 4 require additional engineering checks for structural impacts, with SRT consulting the Council of Engineers before continuing construction.
Additionally, SRT is accelerating passenger insurance arrangements to comply with legal requirements and the Transport Minister’s policy. This will be completed by 29 March 2026 to rebuild passenger confidence. However, passenger numbers have declined since the incident. SRT affirmed it will implement all measures to restore trust and ensure maximum safety.
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