Anutin has ordered resolution of issues concerning the Airport Rail Link and the high-speed rail project connecting three airports, emphasizing that the government must not incur losses and must strictly follow the law. Phiphat has clearly confirmed that the Airport Rail Link will continue operating uninterrupted until 31 January 2027.
On 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, led Piyapong Jiwatankulpaisan, Director-General of the Department of Highways and Chairman of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board, along with Anan Phonnimdaeng, SRT Governor, to meet and report the situation to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Chairman of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EEC Board), at the Thai Khu Fah Building. They sought solutions regarding the Airport Rail Link service contract due to expire on 30 September, and contract disputes in the high-speed rail project linking three airports (Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao) with Asia Era One Co., Ltd. (CP Group affiliate).
Piyapong revealed after the meeting that the Prime Minister expressed serious concern for public travel convenience and issued a firm directive for SRT to manage the Airport Rail Link operations without any interruptions. Negotiations with the private contractor are ongoing, but if obstacles arise, the Prime Minister instructed SRT to be fully prepared to immediately take over operations. Regarding the four conditions proposed by the private company, the SRT Governor will arrange official detailed negotiations as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Anan, the SRT Governor, addressed concerns about potential service stoppages, assuring that after 30 September, the public will still be able to use the service normally under an existing agreement that the private operator will continue running trains until 31 January 2027. During this time, SRT will prepare for a smooth transfer of responsibilities. Regarding reports of monthly costs of 60 million baht, he clarified this figure relates to a one-year long-term operating plan, not the short-term four-month management period. All conclusions will be presented at the contract oversight committee meeting this month before being submitted to the Prime Minister for acknowledgment.
Regarding the contentious high-speed rail project linking three airports and the private contractor’s letter requesting contract cancellation, the SRT Board Chairman stated that the Prime Minister has clearly mandated all procedures to strictly comply with regulations and the law, ensuring that the government and SRT are not disadvantaged or harmed in any way.
Furthermore, this issue is urgent because the contract structure overlaps with the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project (Contract 4-1, Bang Sue–Don Mueang section) and the Missing Link extension project (Phaya Thai–Bang Sue). Prolonged delays could impede other major rail projects as well. SRT and the Ministry of Transport are working swiftly to reach a resolution that minimizes negative impacts on the overall economy and public transportation.