Governor of Bangkok Address Progress in Solving Green Line Debt Problem
Bangkok City Hall – September 19, 2023
The Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Chatchart Sitthiphan, recently provided an update on the efforts being made to resolve the debt problem concerning the Green Line, during a speech at Bangkok City Hall.
According to Mr. Sitthiphan, in order to address the issue, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) must adhere to its regulations, which require the matter to be submitted through the Ministry of the Interior. Furthermore, any amendments to Section 44 and other relevant guidelines must be presented to the Cabinet by the Ministry of the Interior. Currently, Bangkok is diligently preparing the necessary information to be presented to the Ministry of the Interior.
Mr. Sitthiphan emphasized the significant focus on debt related to the operation and maintenance (O&M) department as well as wages for vehicle operation and maintenance. In line with the BMA’s request for government assistance in supporting infrastructure investment budgets, it is imperative for Bangkok to bear the costs of the O&M department and wages. However, when it comes to expenses related to the electrical and mechanical (E&M) aspects, such as the signal system, Bangkok is eagerly awaiting the government’s decision on whether it will contribute financially.
Bangkok is currently awaiting the conclusions of the Special Committee to Study the Green Line Project’s Mass Transit System, which is expected to be finalized within the next two days. Once the conclusions are reached, the service provider in Bangkok will receive the necessary guidelines to proceed accordingly.
Mr. Sitthiphan stated, “When the BMA contributes to repaying its debt, it is imperative that the accumulated funds be utilized. However, as the Governor of Bangkok, I hold no authority in accessing these funds. Approval must be sought from the Bangkok Council. Additionally, any contract signings or the creation of debt obligations and budget allocations must be authorized by the Bangkok Council. If bypassing the consideration of the Bangkok Council is desired, the central budget must be utilized, but unfortunately, Bangkok lacks the necessary funds.”
On September 19, 2023 at Bangkok City Hall, Mr. Chatchart Sitthiphan, Governor of Bangkok Addressing progress in solving the Green Line debt problem, he said that in accordance with BMA regulations, the matter must be submitted through the Ministry of the Interior. Regarding the amendment of Section 44 and other guidelines, the Ministry of the Interior must take the lead in presenting the matter to the Cabinet. Currently, Bangkok is preparing issues to be presented to the Ministry of the Interior. Especially in terms of debt which BMA confirmed as before Want the government to help support infrastructure investment budgets However in the O&M department or wages for vehicle operation and maintenance Bangkok will have to pay for it’ itself, but E&M or a signal system costs We must wait for the government to consider whether they will help pay or not. in accordance with current procedures Bangkok is awaiting the conclusions of the Special Committee to Study the Green Line Project’s Mass Transit System. from Bangkok Council A conclusion is expected in 2 days, then the service provider Bangkok will know the guidelines and take further action.
“Ultimately, when the BMA pays any part of its debt, it has to go through the Bangkok Council because it has to use accumulated funds to cover the shortfall. For this money, the Governor of Bangkok has no authority. Approval must be sought from the Bangkok Council. As for signing contracts or creating debt obligations and setting any budget, it must go through the Bangkok Council. If you do not want to pass consideration by the Bangkok Council. The central budget must be used to pay, which Bangkok does not have enough of,” said Mr Chatchat.
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