Phiphat revealed the establishment of two committees to investigate the crane collapse cases at Sikhiu and Rama II within 7 days, aiming to find the facts. Additionally, 13 Italian-Thai projects have been suspended for safety checks. He urged not to politicize the incidents.
At 17:10 on 15 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, gave an interview at the Government House following a meeting to discuss safety measures for transportation construction routes after the crane collapse incidents. He said that on 16 Jan there will be a meeting per the Prime Minister’s directive. Today, he set up two to three committees, each handling the incidents separately at Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and Rama II Road, Mueang District, Samut Sakhon Province, because the cases are different. The committees are established to find facts within 7 days and reach conclusions. Afterwards, they will seek ways to terminate contracts. Meanwhile, the remaining 12 to 13 contracts should be suspended during this period. He requested that the Engineering Institute and the Ministry of Transport conduct inspections until true safety is confirmed.
“I cannot endure more pressure. Not just one case yesterday, one today, and what about tomorrow and the day after? If it continues, I might as well go home to take care of my grandchildren.”
Mr. Phiphat added, that the Ministry of Transport will set up another committee to supervise the work at an additional level. Regarding expenses, further discussions will determine who will bear responsibility for these cases. This is to boost public confidence because these two incidents happened within two days. He believes it is no coincidence and that Thailand is unique in experiencing such similar cases involving the same contractor.
When asked whether the meeting discussed if the incidents were due to negligence, Mr. Phiphat said a committee must find the facts and identify which part caused the fault, since the meeting alone cannot determine this. The Engineering Institute invited has not yet inspected Rama II but did inspect Sikhiu last night.
When asked if legal action would be taken against the contractor, Mr. Phiphat replied that it depends on how many agencies are involved. Legal actions will proceed step by step. He believes multiple factors are involved and cannot yet specify how many cases or lawsuits will be pursued, but they will pursue all legal actions to the fullest.
Regarding contract cancellations, Mr. Phiphat said cancellations require valid reasons and cannot be done arbitrarily. The Ministry of Transport, as project owner, has authority, but the actual contract cancellations are managed by the Comptroller General's Department. The ministry will act within its capacity but will certainly cancel the two projects involved. The Comptroller General's Department will blacklist the contractor immediately, possibly lowering their status and preventing new bids for an extended period. Further discussions with the Comptroller General's Department will be held.
Asked if blacklisting means the contractor cannot take on future projects, Mr. Phiphat explained that this depends. Fault in one project should not affect others. For example, the company has many types of projects such as the State Railway of Thailand, elevated road projects of the Department of Highways, and possibly subway projects, which differ. Each case will be considered individually. However, blacklisting is certain.
Mr. Phiphat continued that the committee will need to discuss the Italian-Thai company directly, especially to invite senior executives in the future to explain the multiple incidents over the past 1-2 years.
When asked about reports of contract signings at Sikhiu during Mr. Saksayam Chidchob’s tenure as former Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat said that on 16 Jan, he will verify whether the Sikhiu project was signed during Mr. Saksayam's term, but he believes that regardless of when the signing occurred, ministers serve as witnesses, not signatories. Responsibility lies with the minister in charge, but ministers do not know every detail. Contracts are not signed only once per year.
The Ministry of Transport invests over a hundred billion baht, and as minister, he is responsible for budget proposals, but the ministry does not sign each contract. The Comptroller General's Department evaluates and approves bidders for each contract. Tasks are divided accordingly. He asked for understanding that the specific minister who signed is not the main issue. For example, if a project he signs today fails, people might blame it on his signature 20 years ago. Such situations can happen. Therefore, focus should be on the work itself, not blaming individuals.
“Please do not politicize everything. I understand that before elections, political battles and attempts to discredit opponents are common. We work within the political framework; please keep political issues within politics, elections, and party contests. Do not mix political problems with the work of ministries. I ask for understanding that the Bhumjaithai Party may have better ratings now and some rivalries are natural. I am not worried. I treat it as a game, and when challenges arise, we must respond. I am not sure how much criticism I currently face, but I take responsibility for what I have done.”
When asked how the Ministry of Transport will maintain public confidence amid widespread construction nationwide, Mr. Phiphat said that at the 16 Jan meeting, they will review all projects to identify those with risks, especially airborne risks like elevated projects or underground ones like subways, which are more hazardous. Projects on regular road surfaces carry less risk. He believes there are only a few risky projects.