Siripong clarified that the Ministry of Transport’s steel standards for rail work are separate from those for high-rise buildings, stressing that clear academic principles and regulatory criteria exist. Regarding concerns over Xin Ke Yuan Steel resuming production, he urged the relevant regulatory agency to respond and announced plans to establish a committee to investigate rail system accidents, aiming to set unified standards and reduce outside interference.
On 10 June 2026 at the Government House, Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, spoke about the Steel Association presenting an old warning letter about steel standards for infrastructure construction to the Ministry of Transport. This came amid concerns after Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company Limited was allowed to resume steel production, potentially impacting confidence in steel quality used in construction, following previous government warnings. When asked if special inspections would be required, Siripong said it depends on which issues relate to the Ministry of Transport, noting that the ministry’s rail construction standards differ from those for high-rise buildings because their usage characteristics differ.
The Ministry of Transport already has standards overseen by the Department of Rail Transport. Each type of steel has different properties and strength capacities based on scientific principles. If any agency wants to apply the Ministry of Transport’s standards to building construction, the ministry is willing to provide opinions and suggests considering input from multiple agencies, especially the Council of Engineers, to cover all dimensions.
When asked if there would be no special inspections for steel that might not meet standards, Siripong explained that steel comes in various standards depending on the design, such as structural steel versus common reinforcing bars, which differ in size and strength capacity. This is a technical construction matter. The Department of Rail Transport’s standards serve as a central standard for rail work, with safety as the primary focus.
Siripong added that the Ministry of Transport is proposing to establish a dedicated committee to investigate rail system accidents. This will be formalized by a ministry announcement and reported to the Cabinet to set standardized criteria for oversight, compensation, and accident investigations within the rail system.
Furthermore, the ministry will work with the Department of Rail Transport because existing laws have gaps, especially regarding assistance and compensation when incidents occur. A central standard is needed to guide decisions and minimize external interference as much as possible.
When asked if this committee will be the main body to consider future rail system cases, Siripong confirmed it will. The committee will set criteria for reviewing each case. Although this process may take time to gather opinions from various agencies and experts in each field.
Regarding legal case progress, Siripong said that it is the responsibility of officials such as the police and courts, while the ministry has already taken action on its related parts.
On the topic of Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company Limited, Siripong said he oversees the transport sector and cannot provide details. He advised directing inquiries to the Ministry of Industry, which inspects steel standards, and to the agencies directly overseeing structural regulations.
Regarding fare progress, Siripong said it has not yet entered Cabinet consideration and the ministry is still gathering opinions from related agencies. He expects no major issues, though some additional proposals may arise. Once clarified, they will be explained. The process remains on schedule and is expected to benefit the public, especially Bangkok residents.
On the issue of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) requesting Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to transfer rights, assets, and debts for managing part of the Green Line extension in the future to enable a unified ticketing system with a single entry fare, Siripong said cooperation from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is necessary.