Surachet demands the government clarify who is responsible for the 60 billion baht loss in the Orange Line metro project, warning that ignoring it would be a future fare time bomb.
On 26 May 2026, Surachet Praveenwongwut, a list MP from the Prachachon Party, addressed the saga of the Orange Line metro project, stating that the state has already suffered damages amounting to 68.613 billion baht. He questioned how this could be allowed to conclude without anyone taking responsibility, tracing the origin of this 68 billion baht "gap" back to several factors.
• The first bidding round (2020): There was genuine competition between BTS and BEM, with BTS requesting a government subsidy of only 9.675 billion baht. However, the bidding criteria were changed mid-process, leading to the cancellation of the auction.
• The new bidding round (2022): Conditions were altered to exclude BTS from participating, resulting in BEM winning with a proposal requiring the government to subsidize as much as 78.288 billion baht.
• Conclusion: The project remained the same in design, stations, and length, but within just two years, the state is forced to pay an unnecessarily higher subsidy of 68.613 billion baht (78.288 billion minus 9.675 billion baht).
Six major irregularities in the bidding process
Surachet further explained that when looking at the overall picture, the key question is why the government allowed such a poor outcome. These issues can be categorized as follows.
1. Changing criteria mid-process: The evaluation shifted from normal price-based competition to including subjective scoring, which directly affected the outcome.
2. Canceling the auction while legal cases were pending: The first bidding round was canceled even though the disadvantaged party had not agreed and the matter was still before the courts.
3. Excluding competition: BTS was disqualified from bidding in 2022, despite there being only two main competitors, leaving only one bidder who could set any price desired.
4. Creating a fake competitor: The committee allowed ITD (which had disqualifying qualifications) to participate as a competitor to create the appearance that BEM was not the sole bidder.
5. Unreasonable price ceiling: The state subsidy ceiling was set at over 91.983 billion baht, opening the door to a huge gap in costs.
6. Flawed selection committee: They failed to protect the state’s interests, allowing this disadvantageous deal to proceed and leaving unresolved issues about future fare contracts.
A "time bomb" for future fares
Surachet added that the state subsidizes 100% of construction costs (approximately 170 billion baht for both eastern and western sections), while private companies invest only in the trains and reap the profits. However, problematic fare conditions are hidden in the contract:
• Years 1-10: Fares increase normally (from 15-44 baht in the first year to 17-50 baht by year ten).
• From year 11 onwards: Fares will jump sharply to 23-83 baht immediately, causing significant hardship for the public. If the government refuses to comply at that time, it could face lawsuits for "stupid losses" or be forced to extend the concession agreement.
He questioned the government: With such clear irregularities and losses, how can this be allowed to end without accountability? Will anyone be held to stop their duties? When will corrective actions be ordered?