“Phiphat”confirms proceeding with the construction of a 2-level expressway on the Ngamwongwan-Rama 9 route, valued at over 34 billion baht. The project is awaiting the Ministry of Finance's decision on extending BEM's concession, with a target conclusion in 2026 and a toll reduction to 50 baht. Meanwhile,the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT)points out that lowering toll fees will cause revenue losses of 1.5–2 billion baht per year.
Recently, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that the Ministry of Transport is committed to advancing the Double Deck elevated expressway project along the Ngamwongwan-Rama 9 stretch, covering 17 kilometers with a budget of 34.8 billion baht. Currently, the project awaits approval of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model from the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of Transport assures that the project will proceed without delay. Meanwhile, EXAT will engage with about 300 families affected by the construction beneath the expressway and consult with the EXAT labor union to explain the project's benefits.
Regarding the extension of the concession contract for Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) by approximately 22 years and 5 months in exchange for investing in the Double Deck expressway and reducing the toll from 90 baht to no more than 50 baht along the entire route, Mr. Phiphat stated that he has assigned the Ministry of Finance to study and propose the most appropriate conditions.
“The decision on extending the concessionshould not be made solely by EXAT. We expect a clear conclusion by 2026, aiming to allow the public to use the expressway at a 50 baht toll within this government’s term to fairly reduce living expenses.”"Mr. Phiphat added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Surachet Laopulsuk, Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), further explained that the project is still under consideration by the Ministry of Finance, particularly concerning legal issues and concession extension terms.
However, EXAT's preliminary assessment indicates that reducing the toll on the Ngamwongwan-Rama 9 section to 50 baht would likely cause EXAT to lose approximately 1.5 to 2 billion baht in annual revenue. This figure will be reviewed in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to find ways to compensate or adjust benefit shares appropriately.
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