Phiphat has called the SRT board chairman and governor for a meeting this afternoon after a private company sent a letter responding to conditions for operating the Airport Rail Link after the contract ends on 30 September, proposing to extend service until year-end, assuring no impact on the public.
At 09:20 on 9 September 2026 at Government House, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, reported on the progress of the private company (Asia Era One, a subsidiary of CP Group) operating the Airport Rail Link, extending operations by four months after the contract expires on 30 September. The company has now officially sent a letter accepting the terms. This afternoon, he will meet with the chairman of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board and the SRT governor. The company has proposed several conditions, so they need to consider which are acceptable. Nonetheless, they must find a way to continue the service, as the company is willing to extend operations but with some conditions that the government must accept in part.
When asked if the private company is indeed ready to operate for another four months, Phiphat confirmed they are willing to continue until the end of this year. He noted that the details of the conditions seem negotiable, but they must wait for this afternoon's discussion.
Asked if a clear decision will be reached this afternoon, Phiphat said they must strive to finalize the matter because it could affect user confidence. Initially, they will conclude how to proceed going forward to inform the operator.
When asked if there is a backup plan in case negotiations fail, Phiphat admitted they must prepare to manage operations themselves, with SRT planning to have its subsidiary take over.
Asked whether the transition from the private company to SRT's subsidiary would cause problems, Phiphat assured there would be none, noting that in the past, SRT's subsidiary operated the service before private operators took over. So, if the company returns operations, SRT will resume management as before. Some personnel working with the private sector will be recalled, and any gaps will be filled accordingly.