Etihad Airways has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), an airline-led industry working group established in 2008 to accelerate the commercialisation and availability of sustainable biofuels.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: ““Etihad recognises the need for step-changes in aviation to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our industry’s carbon reduction goal. We also recognise that any fuel alternatives must be morally, socially and environmentally acceptable, while not compromising the future sustainability of the aviation industry.”
SAFUG members are bound by stringent criteria for the development of non fossil fuels, including the following:
The development of plant sources must be undertaken in a manner that is non-competitive with food, with biodiversity impacts minimised and without jeopardizing drinking water supplies. The total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from plant growth, harvesting, processing and end-use should be significantly less than that from fossil sources. In developing economies, development projects should include provisions or outcomes that improve socio-economic conditions for small-scale farmers and their families and that do not require the involuntary displacement of local populations. High conservation value areas and native eco-systems should not be cleared and converted for jet fuel plant source development.
Each SAFUG member has pledged to work through the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), a global multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of leading environmental organizations, financiers, biofuel developers, biofuel-interested petroleum companies, the transportation sector, developing-world poverty alleviation associations, research entities, and governments.
“Abu Dhabi, our home base, has itself made a strong commitment towards sustainability and in the promotion of renewable energy through the establishment of Masdar City, which will the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency,” Mr Hogan said.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Google is first to offer seamless integration of transit and traffic information of Bangkok on Google Maps to help travelers get around faster and eas
Partnering with all major Bangkok transport agencies, Google is the only organization that provides walking and driving directions, public transit route planning and traffic information in one easy-to-use platform
Bangkok, November 25, 2009 - What do 1.7 million daily public transit riders per day. Combined total of BTS, MRT and BMTA passengers per day. And over 5 million motorists in Bangkok have in common? They can now use Google Maps to plan their trips around the city through a unique collaboration between Google and the following land transportation organizations in Bangkok: Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) and Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT). Mapping, directions and route planning for the various forms of land transportation in Bangkok - from our own two feet to buses, trains and cars - are now all available for free in Thai on Google Maps. Transit and traffic information are also available on mobile devices with Google Maps for Mobile, so commuters and motorists can check the latest updates on their cellphones to make route changes on-the-go.
Today at Siam Square, overlooking one of Bangkok's busiest transportation hubs, Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS), Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT), Andrew McGlinchey, Head of Product Management, Google Southeast Asia, and Pornthip Kongchun, Thailand Marketing Head, Google Southeast Asia, launched this new service, which can be accessed through Google Maps at maps.google.co.th/transport.
Under this collaboration, Google is the first organization to officially receive bus/train schedules, locations and routes from the BMTA, BTS and MRT. Google also worked with the OTP to integrate live traffic data into the popular and familiar user interface of Google Maps. None of the local partners are incurring any costs for the partnership with Google.
Whether a private car owner switching to go by bus or BTS or MRT, or a public transit rider choosing to drive or take a taxi, or even one of 10 million international visitors Office of Tourism Development, Thailand who land in Bangkok each year finding their way around, the Bangkok public can now use Google Maps to plan their routes and make an informed decision on the quickest and most convenient way to reach their destinations. Each time a Google Maps user requests driving directions, the user will also be given the opportunity to plan the same trip using public transit which is very useful when the traffic route is highlighted as red or heavy congestion.
"Each day, millions of commuters travel the streets of Bangkok using BMTA buses. With the launch of transit information on Google Maps for Bangkok with step-by-step instructions in Thai, it is now even easier to go green and take public transportation around the city. We are delighted to be collaborating with Google and our other local partners to provide residents and visitors in Bangkok a comprehensive, easy-to-use trip planner that links BMTA buses to the rest of the city's other public transit options," said Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
"Our office is excited to have worked closely with Google to make it easy for Bangkok motorists to access current traffic conditions on their computers or mobile phones," said Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). "In accordance with our mission to ensure an efficient transportation system in Thailand, we believe that the traffic layer on Google Maps will help drivers in Bangkok save on commuting time and expenses by letting them plan their travel routes in advance or change them on-the-go to avoid congested areas."
"This year marks our 10th anniversary of operations in Bangkok and we are pleased to be joining Google and our other transportation colleagues in announcing the availability of transit information on Google Maps," said Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS). "The train routes and schedules from BTS have been integrated into the transit information on Google Maps to better inform Bangkok commuters about which mode of transportation to use on any given day. We hope that everyone in Bangkok uses the tool in order to make their daily commutes easier."
"Our mission has always been to provide mass transit services to the public that are safe, fast, reliable and punctual. This transit feature integrates MRT data on Google Maps to enhance commuters' experience by making it easy for them to plan their trips across multiple forms of public transit. Whether it's trying to get to the Thai Cultural Center on Rajadapisek road or grabbing a bite to eat at Japanese restaurant near Silom Station, Google Maps will help commuters get to their destinations as quickly as possible," said Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT).
"Google's goal is to bring accurate, comprehensive land transport information from OTP, BMTA, BTS and MRT together on a global mapping platform for easy access, search and use on PCs or mobile phones by millions of Bangkok residents and Google Maps users around the world," said Pornthip. “Google is currently the only organization that has combined all the forms of land transportation in Bangkok into one easy-to-use Thai interface. We're very excited to be launching this service today in Bangkok and we hope that residents and visitors to the city, whether they are traveling by foot, bus, train or car will find it helpful in getting to their destinations."
Google Maps for Mobile offers transit, traffic and driving information on-the-go
Google Maps for Mobile extends the dynamic search capabilities of Google Maps to mobile phones, allowing anyone in Thailand to locate addresses and navigate maps while on the go. Google Maps for Mobile also has the My Location feature, which shows your location on the map even if your phone does not have GPS, and lets you look up business listings in relation to where you are (e.g. type "restaurants" into the map search box and it will display nearby restaurants).
When in Bangkok, users can now also use the traffic and transit features in Google Maps for Mobile to plan their travel while on the move. Google Maps for Mobile is free to download on your phone at http://m.google.co.th/maps. It also comes pre-installed on many web-enabled handsets. The services on Google Maps for Mobile are free; however, standard mobile data fees charged by the telecoms carriers will apply.
About Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP)
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Ministry of Transport, is responsible for recommending policies and formulating transport, traffic and transport safety plans in line with master plans for policy integration purposes
About Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA)
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) was established by a Royal Decree Establishing the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, B.E. 2519. Beginning operations the following October, the BMTA undertook to provide bus service to commuters in six provinces, i.e. Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan.
About Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS)
BTSC operates one of the safest and most punctual mass transit systems in the region, and plays a crucial role in helping to ease Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams while providing an environmentally friendly transport alternative for Bangkok’s commuters.
About Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT)
MRT: safe, fast, convenience, trustworthy, and punctual
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.google.co.th.
Google and Google AdWords are registered trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
Bangkok, November 25, 2009 - What do 1.7 million daily public transit riders per day. Combined total of BTS, MRT and BMTA passengers per day. And over 5 million motorists in Bangkok have in common? They can now use Google Maps to plan their trips around the city through a unique collaboration between Google and the following land transportation organizations in Bangkok: Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) and Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT). Mapping, directions and route planning for the various forms of land transportation in Bangkok - from our own two feet to buses, trains and cars - are now all available for free in Thai on Google Maps. Transit and traffic information are also available on mobile devices with Google Maps for Mobile, so commuters and motorists can check the latest updates on their cellphones to make route changes on-the-go.
Today at Siam Square, overlooking one of Bangkok's busiest transportation hubs, Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS), Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT), Andrew McGlinchey, Head of Product Management, Google Southeast Asia, and Pornthip Kongchun, Thailand Marketing Head, Google Southeast Asia, launched this new service, which can be accessed through Google Maps at maps.google.co.th/transport.
Under this collaboration, Google is the first organization to officially receive bus/train schedules, locations and routes from the BMTA, BTS and MRT. Google also worked with the OTP to integrate live traffic data into the popular and familiar user interface of Google Maps. None of the local partners are incurring any costs for the partnership with Google.
Whether a private car owner switching to go by bus or BTS or MRT, or a public transit rider choosing to drive or take a taxi, or even one of 10 million international visitors Office of Tourism Development, Thailand who land in Bangkok each year finding their way around, the Bangkok public can now use Google Maps to plan their routes and make an informed decision on the quickest and most convenient way to reach their destinations. Each time a Google Maps user requests driving directions, the user will also be given the opportunity to plan the same trip using public transit which is very useful when the traffic route is highlighted as red or heavy congestion.
"Each day, millions of commuters travel the streets of Bangkok using BMTA buses. With the launch of transit information on Google Maps for Bangkok with step-by-step instructions in Thai, it is now even easier to go green and take public transportation around the city. We are delighted to be collaborating with Google and our other local partners to provide residents and visitors in Bangkok a comprehensive, easy-to-use trip planner that links BMTA buses to the rest of the city's other public transit options," said Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
"Our office is excited to have worked closely with Google to make it easy for Bangkok motorists to access current traffic conditions on their computers or mobile phones," said Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). "In accordance with our mission to ensure an efficient transportation system in Thailand, we believe that the traffic layer on Google Maps will help drivers in Bangkok save on commuting time and expenses by letting them plan their travel routes in advance or change them on-the-go to avoid congested areas."
"This year marks our 10th anniversary of operations in Bangkok and we are pleased to be joining Google and our other transportation colleagues in announcing the availability of transit information on Google Maps," said Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS). "The train routes and schedules from BTS have been integrated into the transit information on Google Maps to better inform Bangkok commuters about which mode of transportation to use on any given day. We hope that everyone in Bangkok uses the tool in order to make their daily commutes easier."
"Our mission has always been to provide mass transit services to the public that are safe, fast, reliable and punctual. This transit feature integrates MRT data on Google Maps to enhance commuters' experience by making it easy for them to plan their trips across multiple forms of public transit. Whether it's trying to get to the Thai Cultural Center on Rajadapisek road or grabbing a bite to eat at Japanese restaurant near Silom Station, Google Maps will help commuters get to their destinations as quickly as possible," said Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT).
"Google's goal is to bring accurate, comprehensive land transport information from OTP, BMTA, BTS and MRT together on a global mapping platform for easy access, search and use on PCs or mobile phones by millions of Bangkok residents and Google Maps users around the world," said Pornthip. “Google is currently the only organization that has combined all the forms of land transportation in Bangkok into one easy-to-use Thai interface. We're very excited to be launching this service today in Bangkok and we hope that residents and visitors to the city, whether they are traveling by foot, bus, train or car will find it helpful in getting to their destinations."
Google Maps for Mobile offers transit, traffic and driving information on-the-go
Google Maps for Mobile extends the dynamic search capabilities of Google Maps to mobile phones, allowing anyone in Thailand to locate addresses and navigate maps while on the go. Google Maps for Mobile also has the My Location feature, which shows your location on the map even if your phone does not have GPS, and lets you look up business listings in relation to where you are (e.g. type "restaurants" into the map search box and it will display nearby restaurants).
When in Bangkok, users can now also use the traffic and transit features in Google Maps for Mobile to plan their travel while on the move. Google Maps for Mobile is free to download on your phone at http://m.google.co.th/maps. It also comes pre-installed on many web-enabled handsets. The services on Google Maps for Mobile are free; however, standard mobile data fees charged by the telecoms carriers will apply.
About Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP)
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Ministry of Transport, is responsible for recommending policies and formulating transport, traffic and transport safety plans in line with master plans for policy integration purposes
About Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA)
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) was established by a Royal Decree Establishing the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, B.E. 2519. Beginning operations the following October, the BMTA undertook to provide bus service to commuters in six provinces, i.e. Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan.
About Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS)
BTSC operates one of the safest and most punctual mass transit systems in the region, and plays a crucial role in helping to ease Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams while providing an environmentally friendly transport alternative for Bangkok’s commuters.
About Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT)
MRT: safe, fast, convenience, trustworthy, and punctual
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.google.co.th.
Google and Google AdWords are registered trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
Friday, November 20, 2009
TNT steps up presence With new Penang International Gateway facility
TNT, one of the world’s leading providers of integrated express services, has increased its presence in Malaysia with the opening of a new facility today – The TNT Penang International Gateway. Located at Kompleks Kargo Kedua, next to the airport runway, the integrated air and road facility – the first in northern Malaysia - will improve the transit times of goods passing through Penang and will increase the company’s capability to handle a greater volume of goods. The new facility will provide significant opportunities and benefits businesses in the hi-tech industry, specifically the electronic, computing, telecommunications and semi-con sectors.
TNT’s Penang International Gateway was officially opened today by Y.A.B. Mr Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang. Y.A.B. Mr Lim said, “The fact that TNT is investing in yet another facility in Penang despite the challenging economic times is a big confidence boost to doing business in Penang and also Malaysia. The electrical and electronics industry is a key pillar of Malaysia’s economy and forms a significant portion of Penang’s total trade . TNT’s top-notch services and the attention it pays to providing a high level of security meets the demands of the industry especially in North Malaysia.”
Speaking at the official ceremony, Onno Boots, Regional Managing Director for TNT Southeast Asia and India said, “It is important for TNT to stay nimble and adaptable during these challenging times but also to stay focused on further developing our infrastructure and integrated air-and-road networks in the region. The opening of our Penang Gateway facility is yet another demonstration of our commitment to grow in Malaysia and the region. We understand the needs of our customers especially in the hi-tech sector and want to offer them the most cost-effective supply chain solutions for their business.’
Alan Miu, Managing Director of TNT in Thailand said, “The new Penang TNT facility provides an important and timely boost to our already well established Asia Road Network (ARN) of which TNT Thailand is an integral part. With direct road links to Thailand it reduces transit times for our in and out bound services through Malaysia by a whole day, enabling us to offer our ARN customers an even speedier service.”
TNT’s Penang International Gateway was officially opened today by Y.A.B. Mr Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang. Y.A.B. Mr Lim said, “The fact that TNT is investing in yet another facility in Penang despite the challenging economic times is a big confidence boost to doing business in Penang and also Malaysia. The electrical and electronics industry is a key pillar of Malaysia’s economy and forms a significant portion of Penang’s total trade . TNT’s top-notch services and the attention it pays to providing a high level of security meets the demands of the industry especially in North Malaysia.”
Speaking at the official ceremony, Onno Boots, Regional Managing Director for TNT Southeast Asia and India said, “It is important for TNT to stay nimble and adaptable during these challenging times but also to stay focused on further developing our infrastructure and integrated air-and-road networks in the region. The opening of our Penang Gateway facility is yet another demonstration of our commitment to grow in Malaysia and the region. We understand the needs of our customers especially in the hi-tech sector and want to offer them the most cost-effective supply chain solutions for their business.’
Alan Miu, Managing Director of TNT in Thailand said, “The new Penang TNT facility provides an important and timely boost to our already well established Asia Road Network (ARN) of which TNT Thailand is an integral part. With direct road links to Thailand it reduces transit times for our in and out bound services through Malaysia by a whole day, enabling us to offer our ARN customers an even speedier service.”
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NEW PHETCHABURI BOOMS WITH AIRPORT LINK
Bangkok property firm Fragrant Property says a survey of property and land prices on New Phetchaburi Road has shown that prices there have risen steadily, thanks to the development of public utilities and transport.
It says the increases have resulted from the expansion of real estate business away from Sukhumvit and Sathorn roads, which are considered to be Bangkok's central business district, because property prices have soared in these areas despite the economic crisis.
CEO James Duan said land prices in the central business district had been sharply adjusted upwards with no tendency to decline despite the economic conditions. The amount of available land is rather limited and most of it is held by private owners who will not rush to sell until the price is high enough.
Therefore, project-development expansion has moved into neighbouring places, especially those with convenient transportation. For example, the price of land on Makkasan Road stood at Bt200,000 per square wah in 2006 and has now risen to Bt300,000 per square wah. In some places, particularly near Airport Rail Link stations, the price is even higher.
The company's survey found that five condominiums, together worth Bt13 million, will be built on New Phetchaburi Road between the Makkasan intersection and Klong Tan intersection. Some have already been launched and others are in the development process and are expected to be completed before the end of 2012.
The projects will offer a total of 2,755 units with prices starting at Bt1.8 million. The price per square metre ranges from Bt79,000 to Bt110,000.
Earlier, property experts and analysts revealed that demand for land along the Airport Rail Link route was very active, resulting in rising land prices, particularly on New Phetchaburi Road between the Makkasan intersection and the Asoke-New Phetchaburi intersection.
Developments in this area are not restricted to residential projects, but include hotel projects serving tourists and investors. Negotiations are in progress for several land plots and it is believed that there will be at least 1,500 residential units developed in the area in the next one or two years.
"Regarding condominium prices in this area, it was found that projects near to train stations, Makkasan station and Asoke intersection, have higher prices than others," Duan said.
"Although some people remark that New Phetchaburi Road is full of old commercial buildings and entertainment clubs, it should be pointed out that five new projects are aimed at high-end customers and the response to project launches has been good.
"Therefore, we expect that the image of New Phetchaburi Road will change, especially when the Airport Rail Link opens in the middle of next year," he said.
It says the increases have resulted from the expansion of real estate business away from Sukhumvit and Sathorn roads, which are considered to be Bangkok's central business district, because property prices have soared in these areas despite the economic crisis.
CEO James Duan said land prices in the central business district had been sharply adjusted upwards with no tendency to decline despite the economic conditions. The amount of available land is rather limited and most of it is held by private owners who will not rush to sell until the price is high enough.
Therefore, project-development expansion has moved into neighbouring places, especially those with convenient transportation. For example, the price of land on Makkasan Road stood at Bt200,000 per square wah in 2006 and has now risen to Bt300,000 per square wah. In some places, particularly near Airport Rail Link stations, the price is even higher.
The company's survey found that five condominiums, together worth Bt13 million, will be built on New Phetchaburi Road between the Makkasan intersection and Klong Tan intersection. Some have already been launched and others are in the development process and are expected to be completed before the end of 2012.
The projects will offer a total of 2,755 units with prices starting at Bt1.8 million. The price per square metre ranges from Bt79,000 to Bt110,000.
Earlier, property experts and analysts revealed that demand for land along the Airport Rail Link route was very active, resulting in rising land prices, particularly on New Phetchaburi Road between the Makkasan intersection and the Asoke-New Phetchaburi intersection.
Developments in this area are not restricted to residential projects, but include hotel projects serving tourists and investors. Negotiations are in progress for several land plots and it is believed that there will be at least 1,500 residential units developed in the area in the next one or two years.
"Regarding condominium prices in this area, it was found that projects near to train stations, Makkasan station and Asoke intersection, have higher prices than others," Duan said.
"Although some people remark that New Phetchaburi Road is full of old commercial buildings and entertainment clubs, it should be pointed out that five new projects are aimed at high-end customers and the response to project launches has been good.
"Therefore, we expect that the image of New Phetchaburi Road will change, especially when the Airport Rail Link opens in the middle of next year," he said.
Green fund plans win approval
The cabinet yesterday approved in principle investment plans for low-carbon technologies proposed by the Finance Ministry that would use funding from the World Bank's Clean Technology Fund (CTF).
The investment plans are mainly for developing environment-friendly energy and for transport projects that reduce the use of fuel oil.
The World Bank has told the Thai government it would offer as much as US$300 million in credit to the public and private sectors, said Vachara Kannikar, a deputy government spokesman.
The CTF was set up by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and International Financial Corporation to provide funds mainly to support reductions in greenhouse gas impacts.
The cabinet yesterday also approved plans by state-owned companies including the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to borrow an additional $1.35 billion from overseas lenders to help finance infrastructure projects.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority will seek a loan of $563.9 million from the Japan International Co-operation Agency to finance an electric rail line, an the upgrade of its mobile-phone network to third-generation (3G) technology.
Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the cabinet yesterday also gave a green light for the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC)to set aside 60 billion baht in credit to help prop up rice prices during the current harvest.
Loans of 20 billion baht guaranteed by the Finance Ministry will be extended to the Marketing Organisation for Farmers and the Public Warehouse Organisation to buy rice directly from farmers. Another 20 billion baht in loans to rice millers will improve their liquidity on condition that they buy rice from farmers at prices set by the Commerce Ministry. The government will cover loan interest of 2% and the millers will pay loan interest at 2.75%.
The BAAC will set aside another 20 billion baht for a rice mortgaging scheme to help farmers who need money but prefer not to sell when prices are low.
The investment plans are mainly for developing environment-friendly energy and for transport projects that reduce the use of fuel oil.
The World Bank has told the Thai government it would offer as much as US$300 million in credit to the public and private sectors, said Vachara Kannikar, a deputy government spokesman.
The CTF was set up by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and International Financial Corporation to provide funds mainly to support reductions in greenhouse gas impacts.
The cabinet yesterday also approved plans by state-owned companies including the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to borrow an additional $1.35 billion from overseas lenders to help finance infrastructure projects.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority will seek a loan of $563.9 million from the Japan International Co-operation Agency to finance an electric rail line, an the upgrade of its mobile-phone network to third-generation (3G) technology.
Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the cabinet yesterday also gave a green light for the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC)to set aside 60 billion baht in credit to help prop up rice prices during the current harvest.
Loans of 20 billion baht guaranteed by the Finance Ministry will be extended to the Marketing Organisation for Farmers and the Public Warehouse Organisation to buy rice directly from farmers. Another 20 billion baht in loans to rice millers will improve their liquidity on condition that they buy rice from farmers at prices set by the Commerce Ministry. The government will cover loan interest of 2% and the millers will pay loan interest at 2.75%.
The BAAC will set aside another 20 billion baht for a rice mortgaging scheme to help farmers who need money but prefer not to sell when prices are low.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
SERVICES TO RESUME TODAY AS GOVT READY TO DEPLOY FORCES
All trains, including those on southern route, will resume normal operations today, as the government is ready to deploy police and military forces to end the five-day strike that has inconvenienced commuters and other travellers and disrupted goods shipments.
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) chairman Tawalyarat Onsira said workers at all main stations, apart from those in Hat Yai, had agreed to cooperate.
Patrol police will escort trains past Hat Yai, where most of the rebellious union members are stationed, to the southernmost station in Sungai Kolok, in Narathiwat province.
"The southern trains had been stopped at Surat Thani out of fear that when they reached Hat Yai, the locomotives would be seized by the workers there. To date, they have seized four locomotives. But tomorrow, the services will resume, as the government has to ease the troubles of commuters, particularly those riding on free trains," Tawalyarat said in a phone interview yesterday.
He said the SRT had the government's green light to resume services, as yielding to the union's demands would pose a long-term problem for nationwide train services.
He added that the authorities' filing of a charge on Monday had scared off the union, which did not in the event seize control of the country's main station at Hualamphong as it had threatened to do.
While stating that the trouble was partially caused by Sawit Kaewwan, the union leader who is also chairman of the SRT's savings cooperative, the state rairoad chief said the SRT was ready for damage claims from those inconvenienced by the strike.
Transport Minister Sophon Ssaram yesterday said on television that the ministry would use police and military force to seize the locomotives confiscated by the striking workers.
He also accused union leader Sawit of lying by stating that all the locomotives were in need of repair.
The Cabinet yesterday endorsed a revision of the SRT's recruitment rules, alloing the agency to hire retired drivers and 170 graduates from the train academy for a short period.
Sophon urged all drivers to return to work.
"Our policy is to seek compromise, but this depends on the rules. Service must be resumed, and then there can be negotiations. All drivers need to uphold their duty and cannot [in effect] take passengers hostage," he said.
He said since the accident in Prachuap Khiri Khan on October 4, the ministry had been ordered by the Cabinet to complete the SRT's restructuring plan within three weeks. He said a restructuring of the agency was essential.
PORTS REPORT DELAYS
Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Thailand reported the rail strike had led to delays in shipments destined for Klong Toei and Laem Chabang ports, as they were stuck at Surat Thani train station.
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning yesterday suggested the SRT be upgraded into a department of the Transport Ministry.
Deputy director Chula Sukmanop said the upgrade would lead to better management of the national railroad network, while its funding costs would be lower.
"[Due to its importance], the SRT should be like the Highways Department and the Airport Transport Department, as it is supposed to be the regulator and not just the operator of rail services," he said.
A study by the Thailand Development Research Institute showed the proposed railway department under the ministry should be responsible for development of rail infrastructure, as well as signalling, stations and other key components of the rail service.
It should also have subsidiaries for running the train service, property management and so on.
In the next stage, the government should invite private firms to form joint ventures to run the rail service, the study said.
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) chairman Tawalyarat Onsira said workers at all main stations, apart from those in Hat Yai, had agreed to cooperate.
Patrol police will escort trains past Hat Yai, where most of the rebellious union members are stationed, to the southernmost station in Sungai Kolok, in Narathiwat province.
"The southern trains had been stopped at Surat Thani out of fear that when they reached Hat Yai, the locomotives would be seized by the workers there. To date, they have seized four locomotives. But tomorrow, the services will resume, as the government has to ease the troubles of commuters, particularly those riding on free trains," Tawalyarat said in a phone interview yesterday.
He said the SRT had the government's green light to resume services, as yielding to the union's demands would pose a long-term problem for nationwide train services.
He added that the authorities' filing of a charge on Monday had scared off the union, which did not in the event seize control of the country's main station at Hualamphong as it had threatened to do.
While stating that the trouble was partially caused by Sawit Kaewwan, the union leader who is also chairman of the SRT's savings cooperative, the state rairoad chief said the SRT was ready for damage claims from those inconvenienced by the strike.
Transport Minister Sophon Ssaram yesterday said on television that the ministry would use police and military force to seize the locomotives confiscated by the striking workers.
He also accused union leader Sawit of lying by stating that all the locomotives were in need of repair.
The Cabinet yesterday endorsed a revision of the SRT's recruitment rules, alloing the agency to hire retired drivers and 170 graduates from the train academy for a short period.
Sophon urged all drivers to return to work.
"Our policy is to seek compromise, but this depends on the rules. Service must be resumed, and then there can be negotiations. All drivers need to uphold their duty and cannot [in effect] take passengers hostage," he said.
He said since the accident in Prachuap Khiri Khan on October 4, the ministry had been ordered by the Cabinet to complete the SRT's restructuring plan within three weeks. He said a restructuring of the agency was essential.
PORTS REPORT DELAYS
Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Thailand reported the rail strike had led to delays in shipments destined for Klong Toei and Laem Chabang ports, as they were stuck at Surat Thani train station.
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning yesterday suggested the SRT be upgraded into a department of the Transport Ministry.
Deputy director Chula Sukmanop said the upgrade would lead to better management of the national railroad network, while its funding costs would be lower.
"[Due to its importance], the SRT should be like the Highways Department and the Airport Transport Department, as it is supposed to be the regulator and not just the operator of rail services," he said.
A study by the Thailand Development Research Institute showed the proposed railway department under the ministry should be responsible for development of rail infrastructure, as well as signalling, stations and other key components of the rail service.
It should also have subsidiaries for running the train service, property management and so on.
In the next stage, the government should invite private firms to form joint ventures to run the rail service, the study said.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Magnificent seven
In the most important, most revered event since the invention of the brontosaurus trap,Microsoft shipped the most incredibly fabulous operating system ever made; the release of Windows 7 also spurred a new generation of personal computers of all sizes at prices well below last month's offers.The top reason Windows 7 does not suck: There is no registered website called Windows7Sucks.com
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
TRAIN DRIVER SACKED OVER ACCIDENT
The State Railway of Thailand has dismissed the train driver and cut the salary of the train mechanic and caretaker by 15 per cent for 10 months after concluding they were responsible for the accident in Prachuab Khiri Khan on October 5.
SRT Deputy Governor Pakorn Tangjetsakao said the investigating committee had interrogated eight witnesses and concluded that the accident had been caused by human error because the signalling, rail and locomotive systems were functioning properly.
The driver, Rerngsak Phanthep, admitted that he had fallen asleep when the train was passing the red light at Wang Phong Station. He also testified that he had taken an antihistamine pill for his flu before he went on duty that day and that he didn't hear the warning on the walkie-talkie due to low battery. It was discovered that Rerngsak suffers from high-blood pressure and was not under the influence of alcohol. It was also discovered that he had only had one day off, on September 14, from the beginning of September until the day of the accident.
The train's mechanic, Bowarnrat Suatim, and caretaker Uthai Raksaket said they did not hear the warning either.
Meanwhile, Pakorn said the committee proposed that Rerngsak be fired and Bowornrat and Uthai get their salaries docked for failing to monitor signals and train carriages. The punishment will go into effect as soon as the disciplinary committee, which will be formed in the next few days, approves it. All three employees have been suspended with immediate effect.
More than 80 members of the SRT labour union yesterday petitioned with Transport Minister Sophon Saram that he fire SRT Governor Yuthana Thapcharoen. Union leader Sawit Kaewwan said Yuthana had failed to do his job and that it was wrong of him to announce that the accident had been caused by human error before the investigation was launched. Sawit also noted that the condition of the equipment be studied and that authorities be fair to the employees.
SRT Deputy Governor Pakorn Tangjetsakao said the investigating committee had interrogated eight witnesses and concluded that the accident had been caused by human error because the signalling, rail and locomotive systems were functioning properly.
The driver, Rerngsak Phanthep, admitted that he had fallen asleep when the train was passing the red light at Wang Phong Station. He also testified that he had taken an antihistamine pill for his flu before he went on duty that day and that he didn't hear the warning on the walkie-talkie due to low battery. It was discovered that Rerngsak suffers from high-blood pressure and was not under the influence of alcohol. It was also discovered that he had only had one day off, on September 14, from the beginning of September until the day of the accident.
The train's mechanic, Bowarnrat Suatim, and caretaker Uthai Raksaket said they did not hear the warning either.
Meanwhile, Pakorn said the committee proposed that Rerngsak be fired and Bowornrat and Uthai get their salaries docked for failing to monitor signals and train carriages. The punishment will go into effect as soon as the disciplinary committee, which will be formed in the next few days, approves it. All three employees have been suspended with immediate effect.
More than 80 members of the SRT labour union yesterday petitioned with Transport Minister Sophon Saram that he fire SRT Governor Yuthana Thapcharoen. Union leader Sawit Kaewwan said Yuthana had failed to do his job and that it was wrong of him to announce that the accident had been caused by human error before the investigation was launched. Sawit also noted that the condition of the equipment be studied and that authorities be fair to the employees.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
WHO'S TO TAKE BLAME FOR TRAIN ACCIDENT?
The transport minister and SRT governor |share moral responsibility The recent derailment of the Trang-Bangkok train in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Khao Tao station (about 20km south of Hua Hin), which left eight people dead and more than 80 injured, is yet another case, among the many, of the poor service standards of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
At this stage, all fingers point to the driver Roengsak Panthep. He allegedly jumped the signal and dozed off minutes before the accident.
It is believed the driver had been unwell and taken some medicine before the train went off the rails. Transport Minister Sophon Saram has promised to reveal the result of the investigation by his committee tomorrow.
Eagerly awaiting the result of the probe, the public cannot help but wonder, why is it that we still haven't heard of any offer to resign by either the transport minister or SRT governor Yuthana Thapcharoen?
There was sufficient reason for both to have taken moral responsibility earlier for what was one of the most serious accidents in the history of the SRT.
Clearly both of them have not read recent news reports about some of the good examples set elsewhere by railway chiefs and transport ministers, who resigned to take responsibility for a major railway accident. They did it of their own will, too.
In July, Croatia's Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development Minister Bozidar Kalmeta resigned after a train accident killed six and injured at least 50. That same month, the managing director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) promptly resigned from his post to take moral responsibility after the collapse of an under-construction bridge that killed five people in the Indian capital.
So far the minister and the governor have only expressed their sorrow and regret for what happened. If the results of the investigation point to human error, the top-ranking officials should still resign from their posts as it is clear that they failed to ensure the safety of hundreds of lives who travelled on that doomed train.
The SRT's ageing fleet has been legendary.
Most of its 256 locomotives are very old, ranging in age from 13 to 45 years. Given the current demand for railway travel, the SRT would ideally need at least 155 locomotives per day in service. In reality, it is already struggling with 137.
Meanwhile, its first class air-con passenger carriages are on average 12 years old, the second-class AC cars, 23-34 years old, and the third-class cars, 27-94 years old. In fact, some of the trains will be a hundred years old very soon.
As for the railroads, only 24 per cent of the network is in a very good condition, 38.6 are deemed in good condition and 28.5 per cent are usable.
What's more, there are 2,449 railway crossings around the country, and 1,009 of which still do not have safety barriers.
Whether or not the SRT is understaffed or overloaded with incompetent staff is debatable. The SRT has 2,200 drivers who handle 200 trains and 2,000 engineers. As it turns out, the SRT's labour union has complained that the present workforce is not sufficient. It is estimated that the SRT needs 300 more drivers and 500 additional engineers.
As a result, most drivers have to subject themselves to double shifts. Worse, the SRT has been forced by a Cabinet resolution on July 28, 1998 to replace only 5 per cent of staff who retire or resign.
There is an endless stream of complaints from train travellers. Toilets on the second-class AC and third-class carriages are dirty and stinking.
Ageing locomotives can still be seen belching black plumes of smoke. Trains hardly run on time during rush hours.
All this adds up to some shocking statistics.
Last year, there were 143 cases of derailment, resulting in five people dead and 17 injured, compared to 111 cases, 71 injured and six dead a year earlier. There is every chance of a similar accident happening again.
All the SRT needs is a complete overhaul. Incompetent staff, no matter who they are, should not be kept on, and old fleet should be replaced with new ones. Above all, concerned parties should consider taking moral responsibility for things gone wrong in their organisation. As it turns out, it's the low-ranking officers who are fired. It's time for a top-down reform at the SRT.
At this stage, all fingers point to the driver Roengsak Panthep. He allegedly jumped the signal and dozed off minutes before the accident.
It is believed the driver had been unwell and taken some medicine before the train went off the rails. Transport Minister Sophon Saram has promised to reveal the result of the investigation by his committee tomorrow.
Eagerly awaiting the result of the probe, the public cannot help but wonder, why is it that we still haven't heard of any offer to resign by either the transport minister or SRT governor Yuthana Thapcharoen?
There was sufficient reason for both to have taken moral responsibility earlier for what was one of the most serious accidents in the history of the SRT.
Clearly both of them have not read recent news reports about some of the good examples set elsewhere by railway chiefs and transport ministers, who resigned to take responsibility for a major railway accident. They did it of their own will, too.
In July, Croatia's Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development Minister Bozidar Kalmeta resigned after a train accident killed six and injured at least 50. That same month, the managing director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) promptly resigned from his post to take moral responsibility after the collapse of an under-construction bridge that killed five people in the Indian capital.
So far the minister and the governor have only expressed their sorrow and regret for what happened. If the results of the investigation point to human error, the top-ranking officials should still resign from their posts as it is clear that they failed to ensure the safety of hundreds of lives who travelled on that doomed train.
The SRT's ageing fleet has been legendary.
Most of its 256 locomotives are very old, ranging in age from 13 to 45 years. Given the current demand for railway travel, the SRT would ideally need at least 155 locomotives per day in service. In reality, it is already struggling with 137.
Meanwhile, its first class air-con passenger carriages are on average 12 years old, the second-class AC cars, 23-34 years old, and the third-class cars, 27-94 years old. In fact, some of the trains will be a hundred years old very soon.
As for the railroads, only 24 per cent of the network is in a very good condition, 38.6 are deemed in good condition and 28.5 per cent are usable.
What's more, there are 2,449 railway crossings around the country, and 1,009 of which still do not have safety barriers.
Whether or not the SRT is understaffed or overloaded with incompetent staff is debatable. The SRT has 2,200 drivers who handle 200 trains and 2,000 engineers. As it turns out, the SRT's labour union has complained that the present workforce is not sufficient. It is estimated that the SRT needs 300 more drivers and 500 additional engineers.
As a result, most drivers have to subject themselves to double shifts. Worse, the SRT has been forced by a Cabinet resolution on July 28, 1998 to replace only 5 per cent of staff who retire or resign.
There is an endless stream of complaints from train travellers. Toilets on the second-class AC and third-class carriages are dirty and stinking.
Ageing locomotives can still be seen belching black plumes of smoke. Trains hardly run on time during rush hours.
All this adds up to some shocking statistics.
Last year, there were 143 cases of derailment, resulting in five people dead and 17 injured, compared to 111 cases, 71 injured and six dead a year earlier. There is every chance of a similar accident happening again.
All the SRT needs is a complete overhaul. Incompetent staff, no matter who they are, should not be kept on, and old fleet should be replaced with new ones. Above all, concerned parties should consider taking moral responsibility for things gone wrong in their organisation. As it turns out, it's the low-ranking officers who are fired. It's time for a top-down reform at the SRT.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Derailment probe to be conclude Monday
An investigation into the recent derailment in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which killed 10 people, will be concluded on Monday, the State Railway of Thailand said yesterday.
The extraction of information from the black box of train 84, which travels between Bangkok and Trang and derailed in Hua Hin district on October 5, is under way, said SRT governor Yutthana Thabjaroen.
An internal SRT investigation has initially established that Rerngsak Phanthep, the chief driver, became drowsy and incapable of operating the train because of medication he was taking.
Pluem Phetthongklaing, a superior of Rerngsak, said the driver had not fled the scene and had turned up for work regularly since the accident.
Provincial police chief Pol MajGeneral Rungroj Saengkhram said that besides Rerngsak, the engineer working with him at the time would be prosecuted for causing death and injury through recklessness, if the SRT investigation found he was at fault in carrying out his duties.
The extraction of information from the black box of train 84, which travels between Bangkok and Trang and derailed in Hua Hin district on October 5, is under way, said SRT governor Yutthana Thabjaroen.
An internal SRT investigation has initially established that Rerngsak Phanthep, the chief driver, became drowsy and incapable of operating the train because of medication he was taking.
Pluem Phetthongklaing, a superior of Rerngsak, said the driver had not fled the scene and had turned up for work regularly since the accident.
Provincial police chief Pol MajGeneral Rungroj Saengkhram said that besides Rerngsak, the engineer working with him at the time would be prosecuted for causing death and injury through recklessness, if the SRT investigation found he was at fault in carrying out his duties.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
SRT boss says driver passed out
The driver of the train which derailed in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Monday has admitted he passed out and caused the fatal accident, rail authorities say.
Yuthana Thapcharoen, governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), yesterday said Roengsak Panthep, the driver of the train, had been located after disappearing when the train derailed early on Monday.
The governor said Mr Roengsak insisted he did not run away.
He suffered from a chronic illness which might have caused him to pass out while driving the express train from Trang to Bangkok, the governor said.
Seven passengers died and 88 were injured when the speeding train jumped the rails at Khao Tao station in Hua Hin district in the early hours of Monday morning.
Mr Yuthana said he was ready to listen to the driver's explanation and would guarantee justice for all parties.
Uthai Raksakhet, a train attendant being treated at Hua Hin Hospital, yesterday said he was in the second carriage and felt the train approaching Khao Tao station too quickly.
Radio communication from Wang Phong station, which the train had passed earlier, ordered the driver to stop but he did not respond. Seconds later, the train derailed, Mr Uthai said.
It was reported staff at Khao Tao station tried to switch the express train on to another track to prevent a collision with an oncoming freight train.
Meanwhile, the families of two of the seven dead victims called for action to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
Chatchai Wongtadlong, whose mother Oraphin Chaichit,44, and one-year-old cousin Kanoklak Thawornboonruang,were killed in the derailment, called at the funeral of the two victims yesterday on authorities to pay close attention to the problems besetting the country's railway operations
Mr Chatchai said he could not be compensated for his loss with any amount of assistance money.
Yuthana Thapcharoen, governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), yesterday said Roengsak Panthep, the driver of the train, had been located after disappearing when the train derailed early on Monday.
The governor said Mr Roengsak insisted he did not run away.
He suffered from a chronic illness which might have caused him to pass out while driving the express train from Trang to Bangkok, the governor said.
Seven passengers died and 88 were injured when the speeding train jumped the rails at Khao Tao station in Hua Hin district in the early hours of Monday morning.
Mr Yuthana said he was ready to listen to the driver's explanation and would guarantee justice for all parties.
Uthai Raksakhet, a train attendant being treated at Hua Hin Hospital, yesterday said he was in the second carriage and felt the train approaching Khao Tao station too quickly.
Radio communication from Wang Phong station, which the train had passed earlier, ordered the driver to stop but he did not respond. Seconds later, the train derailed, Mr Uthai said.
It was reported staff at Khao Tao station tried to switch the express train on to another track to prevent a collision with an oncoming freight train.
Meanwhile, the families of two of the seven dead victims called for action to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
Chatchai Wongtadlong, whose mother Oraphin Chaichit,44, and one-year-old cousin Kanoklak Thawornboonruang,were killed in the derailment, called at the funeral of the two victims yesterday on authorities to pay close attention to the problems besetting the country's railway operations
Mr Chatchai said he could not be compensated for his loss with any amount of assistance money.
Friday, October 2, 2009
NGV bus fares likely to rise just a little
Bus users may be feeling a little more at ease as the fares for the new naturalgas fuelled buses, which are set to replace old green minibuses, are expected to go up only slightly.
Cheap natural gas prices will likely offset the high cost of obtaining the new buses, Chairat Sanguanchue,director-general of the Land Transport Department, said yesterday.
The fare is forecast to rise to slightly over seven baht from 6.5 baht currently.
"We have to discuss with related parties and consider many factors before coming up with a standard price which is not expected to increase much as natural gas prices are lower than petrol which will help balance out the cost of buying the new buses," Mr Chairat said.
Many minibus operators have yet to comply with the state policy that requires public bus operators to replace their buses with new natural gas for vehicles (NGV) buses by August this year due to a lack of financial support.
The policy took effect in 2007 with the purpose of lifting the standard of public buses and promoting the use of alternative fuels.
The deadline has been extended to June 2010 to allow more time for minibus operators to replace their buses.
Sombat Laksana-Apinyo, one of the owners of Patchara Bus which operates five minibuses, said although he agreed with the replacement policy as new airconditioned buses will be welcomed by passengers, the timing was not right.
The economy is still bad and banks tend to lend to big firms like bus manufacturers and distributors, not small operators like him, Mr Sombat said. It would have been better to have waited another two years until the economy had fully recovered.
He said the company spent about 3 million baht per natural gas bus, and his company has already ordered five of them to replace its old minibuses.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Bank of Thailand yesterday launched its third auto hire-purchase loan programme aimed at lending 1.5 billion baht to support minibus operators to switch to NGV buses.
Suthep Suebsantiwong, an executive of the Islamic Bank, said loan requests worth 500 million baht requested by 10 minibus operators are being considered.
Mr Suthep said operators will benefit from the replacement as it is a longterm investment. Existing buses consume 3-4 baht worth of petrol per kilometre, while natural gas buses will only cost one baht per kilometre.
The Finance Ministry has directed the Islamic Bank to increase its loan target for this year to 33.7 billion baht from 20.7 billion baht set earlier. The state-owned bank lent 18 billion baht in the first nine months of the year.
Regarding the government's approval for the lease of 4,000 natural gas-fuelled buses, Mr Chairat expects to see the terms of reference (TOR) completed in the next two months in order to arrange orders by the end of the year. Buses are expected to be on the road in 15 months.
With regard to e-tickets, Mr Chairat said e-tickets should not be used with existing public buses as suggested by the National Economic and Social Development Board since the system is not yet ready.
He suggested e-tickets should be used along with the new buses.
Thawatchai Phaolueangthong, a minibus operator under a concession of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), said even though the Land Transport Department's policy is to replace green minibuses with airconditioned natural gas-powered buses from Aug 16, most bus operators are reluctant to take out loans to replace their buses.
This is because they were still waiting for a clearer direction for the government's 4,000 natural gas bus leasing project.
Some were afraid they might not be able to run their new buses on certain routes once the BMTA launches its own natural gas bus lease project, said Mr Thawatchai.
Cheap natural gas prices will likely offset the high cost of obtaining the new buses, Chairat Sanguanchue,director-general of the Land Transport Department, said yesterday.
The fare is forecast to rise to slightly over seven baht from 6.5 baht currently.
"We have to discuss with related parties and consider many factors before coming up with a standard price which is not expected to increase much as natural gas prices are lower than petrol which will help balance out the cost of buying the new buses," Mr Chairat said.
Many minibus operators have yet to comply with the state policy that requires public bus operators to replace their buses with new natural gas for vehicles (NGV) buses by August this year due to a lack of financial support.
The policy took effect in 2007 with the purpose of lifting the standard of public buses and promoting the use of alternative fuels.
The deadline has been extended to June 2010 to allow more time for minibus operators to replace their buses.
Sombat Laksana-Apinyo, one of the owners of Patchara Bus which operates five minibuses, said although he agreed with the replacement policy as new airconditioned buses will be welcomed by passengers, the timing was not right.
The economy is still bad and banks tend to lend to big firms like bus manufacturers and distributors, not small operators like him, Mr Sombat said. It would have been better to have waited another two years until the economy had fully recovered.
He said the company spent about 3 million baht per natural gas bus, and his company has already ordered five of them to replace its old minibuses.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Bank of Thailand yesterday launched its third auto hire-purchase loan programme aimed at lending 1.5 billion baht to support minibus operators to switch to NGV buses.
Suthep Suebsantiwong, an executive of the Islamic Bank, said loan requests worth 500 million baht requested by 10 minibus operators are being considered.
Mr Suthep said operators will benefit from the replacement as it is a longterm investment. Existing buses consume 3-4 baht worth of petrol per kilometre, while natural gas buses will only cost one baht per kilometre.
The Finance Ministry has directed the Islamic Bank to increase its loan target for this year to 33.7 billion baht from 20.7 billion baht set earlier. The state-owned bank lent 18 billion baht in the first nine months of the year.
Regarding the government's approval for the lease of 4,000 natural gas-fuelled buses, Mr Chairat expects to see the terms of reference (TOR) completed in the next two months in order to arrange orders by the end of the year. Buses are expected to be on the road in 15 months.
With regard to e-tickets, Mr Chairat said e-tickets should not be used with existing public buses as suggested by the National Economic and Social Development Board since the system is not yet ready.
He suggested e-tickets should be used along with the new buses.
Thawatchai Phaolueangthong, a minibus operator under a concession of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), said even though the Land Transport Department's policy is to replace green minibuses with airconditioned natural gas-powered buses from Aug 16, most bus operators are reluctant to take out loans to replace their buses.
This is because they were still waiting for a clearer direction for the government's 4,000 natural gas bus leasing project.
Some were afraid they might not be able to run their new buses on certain routes once the BMTA launches its own natural gas bus lease project, said Mr Thawatchai.
Buffett hammered on Forbes rich list
The super-rich are getting poorer with the 400 wealthiest Americans losing $300 billion of net worth in the past year, hurt by sagging capital and real estate markets, according to the annual Forbes magazine ranking.The Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans, released on Wednesday, said Warren Buffett was the biggest loser, with the famed investor shedding $10 billion in net worth as shares in his firm Berkshire Hathaway tumbled.
The list of top 10 richest Americans remained virtually unchanged from the 2008 list, with Microsoft Corp founder Bill Gates in the top spot with a fortune of $50 billion, down $7 billion from last year. Buffett was No.2 with $40 billion and Oracle Corp founder Lawrence Ellison was No. 3, with his fortune unchanged at $27 billion. Ellison was the only member of the top 10 who did not suffer significant losses.
The US stock market, as measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, slid about 43% from September 2008, when the financial crisis erupted, through March - shedding $5 trillion in market value.
The wealth estimates were made according to asset values on Sept 10. Many at the top saw their net worth rise since March, when Forbes published its list of the world's richest people, coinciding with the bottom of the bear market.
The top 10 combined lost almost $40 billion, said Matthew Miller, editor of the Forbes list, in what he called a "bloodbath" of wealth destruction for America's rich and not-so-rich alike. The net worth of all 400 combined fell 19%,to $1.27 trillion from $1.57 trillion.
"No one is going to cry for any of these super-rich guys, because even the ones who dropped from $2 billion last year to $100 million still have a very nice lifestyle," Miller said.
But he warned about a trickle-down effect since many of these executives wield economic power, including control over thousands of jobs.
"It really doesn't spell anything good for any of us," he said."If they're getting poorer, we're likely getting poorer."
Four descendants of Wal-Mart Stores Inc founder Sam Walton returned this year at positions four through seven,with fortunes between $21.5 billion and $19 billion.
Completing the top 10 were New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, with a fortune of $17.5 billion from the news and financial data empire that bears his name, and brothers Charles and David Koch, who run manufacturing and energy company Koch Industries and are valued at $16 billion each.
This marked the fifth time since 1982 - when the business magazine began chronicling the fortunes of America's richest people - that their collective wealth fell.
About 314 members of the Forbes 400 saw their fortunes shrink, lowering the price of admission to the list to $950 million, from $1.3 billion a year ago.
The list includes 19 new members such as Isaac Perlmutter, chief executive of Marvel Entertainment Inc, which recently agreed to be bought by Walt Disney Cos for $4 billion, and Jeffry Picower, a longtime investor with Bernard Madoff who is accused in a civil lawsuit to have profited by at least $5 billion from the Madoff fraud.
One newcomer, banker Andrew Beal,tripled his net worth to $4.5 billion by buying cheap loans and assets.
Thirty-two people fell off the list, including former Citigroup Inc chief executive Sanford Weill, accused swindler Allen Stanford, who has been in a Texas jail since June, and brothers Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, whose Station Casinos Incfiled for bankruptcy during the past year.
The full Forbes 400 list can be seen at www.forbes.com/400richest.
The list of top 10 richest Americans remained virtually unchanged from the 2008 list, with Microsoft Corp founder Bill Gates in the top spot with a fortune of $50 billion, down $7 billion from last year. Buffett was No.2 with $40 billion and Oracle Corp founder Lawrence Ellison was No. 3, with his fortune unchanged at $27 billion. Ellison was the only member of the top 10 who did not suffer significant losses.
The US stock market, as measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, slid about 43% from September 2008, when the financial crisis erupted, through March - shedding $5 trillion in market value.
The wealth estimates were made according to asset values on Sept 10. Many at the top saw their net worth rise since March, when Forbes published its list of the world's richest people, coinciding with the bottom of the bear market.
The top 10 combined lost almost $40 billion, said Matthew Miller, editor of the Forbes list, in what he called a "bloodbath" of wealth destruction for America's rich and not-so-rich alike. The net worth of all 400 combined fell 19%,to $1.27 trillion from $1.57 trillion.
"No one is going to cry for any of these super-rich guys, because even the ones who dropped from $2 billion last year to $100 million still have a very nice lifestyle," Miller said.
But he warned about a trickle-down effect since many of these executives wield economic power, including control over thousands of jobs.
"It really doesn't spell anything good for any of us," he said."If they're getting poorer, we're likely getting poorer."
Four descendants of Wal-Mart Stores Inc founder Sam Walton returned this year at positions four through seven,with fortunes between $21.5 billion and $19 billion.
Completing the top 10 were New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, with a fortune of $17.5 billion from the news and financial data empire that bears his name, and brothers Charles and David Koch, who run manufacturing and energy company Koch Industries and are valued at $16 billion each.
This marked the fifth time since 1982 - when the business magazine began chronicling the fortunes of America's richest people - that their collective wealth fell.
About 314 members of the Forbes 400 saw their fortunes shrink, lowering the price of admission to the list to $950 million, from $1.3 billion a year ago.
The list includes 19 new members such as Isaac Perlmutter, chief executive of Marvel Entertainment Inc, which recently agreed to be bought by Walt Disney Cos for $4 billion, and Jeffry Picower, a longtime investor with Bernard Madoff who is accused in a civil lawsuit to have profited by at least $5 billion from the Madoff fraud.
One newcomer, banker Andrew Beal,tripled his net worth to $4.5 billion by buying cheap loans and assets.
Thirty-two people fell off the list, including former Citigroup Inc chief executive Sanford Weill, accused swindler Allen Stanford, who has been in a Texas jail since June, and brothers Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, whose Station Casinos Incfiled for bankruptcy during the past year.
The full Forbes 400 list can be seen at www.forbes.com/400richest.
Man killed, floods spread in Ketsana path
Storm Ketsana continued its destructive path across the country yesterday, killing a man in Pattani and causing floods in many parts.
Authorities are attempting to assess the damage from Ketsana which began as a typhoon before being downgraded to a depression on Wednesday and a low pressure system as it moved across the country yesterday.
In Pattani, a palm tree fell on an unidentified couple riding their motorcycle on the Kapho-Bacho Road in Kapho district. The husband was killed and the wife seriously injured.
Ketsana also destroyed 40 houses and uprooted rubber trees in the district.
Throughout the country, damage was less than expected.
The Meteorological Department said Ketsana entered the country in Ubon Ratchathani, bringing with it persistent downpours in the Northeast, the East and the Central Plains including Bangkok.
The storm left many northeastern provinces flooded. Hard hit were Muang,Prakhon Chai, Krasang, Nong Ki and Satuk districts of Buri Ram; Muang and Khukhan districts of Si Sa Ket; and Ban Khwao and Muang of Chaiyaphum.
Schools in downtown Chaiyaphum have been closed and will reopen on Monday.
In the North, floods submerged parts of Muang, Thoen, Wang Nua, Muang Pan, Mae Mo and Mae Phrik districts of Lampang, and Mae Sariang and Sop Moei districts of Mae Hong Son.
In the eastern province of Chon Buri,strong winds and high seas forced fishing boats in Si Racha district to remain at anchor.
Ferries between the district and Si Chang island, a popular tourist attraction,were suspended yesterday.
Many small fishing boats reportedly sank.
Royol Chitradon, director of the Science and Technology Ministry's Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute,warned of more wet weather ahead.Several storms were brewing in the Pacific Ocean and could head for the southern parts of China.
The storms may affect weather conditions over much of the country in the coming days.
Authorities are attempting to assess the damage from Ketsana which began as a typhoon before being downgraded to a depression on Wednesday and a low pressure system as it moved across the country yesterday.
In Pattani, a palm tree fell on an unidentified couple riding their motorcycle on the Kapho-Bacho Road in Kapho district. The husband was killed and the wife seriously injured.
Ketsana also destroyed 40 houses and uprooted rubber trees in the district.
Throughout the country, damage was less than expected.
The Meteorological Department said Ketsana entered the country in Ubon Ratchathani, bringing with it persistent downpours in the Northeast, the East and the Central Plains including Bangkok.
The storm left many northeastern provinces flooded. Hard hit were Muang,Prakhon Chai, Krasang, Nong Ki and Satuk districts of Buri Ram; Muang and Khukhan districts of Si Sa Ket; and Ban Khwao and Muang of Chaiyaphum.
Schools in downtown Chaiyaphum have been closed and will reopen on Monday.
In the North, floods submerged parts of Muang, Thoen, Wang Nua, Muang Pan, Mae Mo and Mae Phrik districts of Lampang, and Mae Sariang and Sop Moei districts of Mae Hong Son.
In the eastern province of Chon Buri,strong winds and high seas forced fishing boats in Si Racha district to remain at anchor.
Ferries between the district and Si Chang island, a popular tourist attraction,were suspended yesterday.
Many small fishing boats reportedly sank.
Royol Chitradon, director of the Science and Technology Ministry's Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute,warned of more wet weather ahead.Several storms were brewing in the Pacific Ocean and could head for the southern parts of China.
The storms may affect weather conditions over much of the country in the coming days.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Mass pedal-power protest gets a reward
Over 10,000 cyclists gathered in the centre of the Hungarian capital on Tuesday evening to push for a better deal for the city's cyclists.
The annual event organised by the cycling pressure group Critical Mass to mark World Car-free Day had a political edge this year.
Riders encircled the town hall to protest the cancellation of one of two planned cycle lanes to be laid out as part of the renovation of a major bridge across the Danube river.
Police warnings that motorists should steer clear of the city centre in the evening proved wise as cyclists, from families with young children to the odd pensioner,filled the roads in one colourful, tooting and bell-tinkling mass.
Earlier in the day, government officials cycled from the Hungarian parliament building to the city centre to announce a 1.3-billion-forint (238.5 million baht)city bicycle programme. Almost threequarters of the funding will come from government and European Union sources, the prime minister's chief of staff Csaba Molnar said.
Mr Molnar said that more than 1,000 bikes will be made available for free public use, to be picked up and dropped off at any of 73 planned bicycle stations around the city.
Gabor Bihari, a spokesman for Critical Mass Hungary, the local arm of the global cycling movement, welcomed the news.
He said that he believed it was no coincidence that the government announcement came on the day of a high-profile demonstration.
"We very much look forward to all promises being delivered," he said.
The annual event organised by the cycling pressure group Critical Mass to mark World Car-free Day had a political edge this year.
Riders encircled the town hall to protest the cancellation of one of two planned cycle lanes to be laid out as part of the renovation of a major bridge across the Danube river.
Police warnings that motorists should steer clear of the city centre in the evening proved wise as cyclists, from families with young children to the odd pensioner,filled the roads in one colourful, tooting and bell-tinkling mass.
Earlier in the day, government officials cycled from the Hungarian parliament building to the city centre to announce a 1.3-billion-forint (238.5 million baht)city bicycle programme. Almost threequarters of the funding will come from government and European Union sources, the prime minister's chief of staff Csaba Molnar said.
Mr Molnar said that more than 1,000 bikes will be made available for free public use, to be picked up and dropped off at any of 73 planned bicycle stations around the city.
Gabor Bihari, a spokesman for Critical Mass Hungary, the local arm of the global cycling movement, welcomed the news.
He said that he believed it was no coincidence that the government announcement came on the day of a high-profile demonstration.
"We very much look forward to all promises being delivered," he said.
MRTA backs rail arbitration
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority is asking the cabinet to accept arbitration in disputes involving its Purple Line electric railway project, to help secure financing.
The creditor, Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), wants recourse to arbitration in the event of a dispute.
But in a July 28 decision, the cabinet decided to exclude the arbitration option.
MRTA chairman Supoj Saplorm met Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum yesterday to discuss the cabinet's decision to exclude the option of an arbitration committee to resolve any dispute involving the Purple Line which will link Bang Sue and Bang Yai.
Mr Supoj asked the minister to try to convince the cabinet next Tuesday to restore the arbitration condition in the 50 billion baht electric railway project,because without the condition Jica would not finance the work.
An arbitration committee would consist of a representative of the government,a representative of its contractor and a third member acceptable to the government and the contractor.
Mr Sohpon said arbitration was an internationally recognised mechanism to speed up the process of dispute resolution which otherwise could become bogged down in court.
However, the cabinet decided to exclude arbitration from governmentprivate projects because the mechanism had failed in the past to benefit the state.
"Arbitration is an international principle," the minister said.
"It is applied overseas without a problem but it always causes problems in our country and the government is at a disadvantage.
"I know well what is going on but cannot elaborate. The problems rest with the people who implement it. As there are problems, the government resolved to exclude it and ordered compliance with Thai law in the event of a dispute."
MRTA deputy governor Chukiat Photayanuwat said Jica believed the contracts for the Purple Line project were international agreements and should include the arbitration option.
MRTA chairman Supoj said with the arbitration issue unsettled, work on the Purple Line could not start even though the MRTA had signed one of three contracts for the project.
The creditor, Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), wants recourse to arbitration in the event of a dispute.
But in a July 28 decision, the cabinet decided to exclude the arbitration option.
MRTA chairman Supoj Saplorm met Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum yesterday to discuss the cabinet's decision to exclude the option of an arbitration committee to resolve any dispute involving the Purple Line which will link Bang Sue and Bang Yai.
Mr Supoj asked the minister to try to convince the cabinet next Tuesday to restore the arbitration condition in the 50 billion baht electric railway project,because without the condition Jica would not finance the work.
An arbitration committee would consist of a representative of the government,a representative of its contractor and a third member acceptable to the government and the contractor.
Mr Sohpon said arbitration was an internationally recognised mechanism to speed up the process of dispute resolution which otherwise could become bogged down in court.
However, the cabinet decided to exclude arbitration from governmentprivate projects because the mechanism had failed in the past to benefit the state.
"Arbitration is an international principle," the minister said.
"It is applied overseas without a problem but it always causes problems in our country and the government is at a disadvantage.
"I know well what is going on but cannot elaborate. The problems rest with the people who implement it. As there are problems, the government resolved to exclude it and ordered compliance with Thai law in the event of a dispute."
MRTA deputy governor Chukiat Photayanuwat said Jica believed the contracts for the Purple Line project were international agreements and should include the arbitration option.
MRTA chairman Supoj said with the arbitration issue unsettled, work on the Purple Line could not start even though the MRTA had signed one of three contracts for the project.
CHINA PUTS FEASIBILITY TALKS ON HOLD
China has decided to put on hold talks regarding the rail line that would link the main-land to Thailand. According to the Transport Ministry, the 300-kilometre double-track line will link Den Chai to Chiang Khong, before it links up with a line to Kunming, in China's Yunnan province.
Chula Sukmanop, deputy director-general of the Office of Transport, Traffic Policy and Planning, confirmed yesterday that the Chinese government had postponed discussions about the project's feasibility with its Thai counterparts.
The idea of getting China to invest in the railway line was brought up during Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's visit to Beijing from June 24 to 27.
"The Chinese government has postponed the ministerial-level discussion and has not yet informed us when it will be ready to open talks. However, Thailand has been ready for negotiations since July," Chula said, adding that due to this delay, the project could not be concluded on a government-to-government policy level in terms of setting an investment model.
He said the route proposed by the Transport Ministry would link Den Chai in Phrae province to Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai. Since there are no such links at present, it would be easy to garner investment in forms of both public-private partnership and concessions.
"According to initial evaluations, the 300-kilometre route should cost around Bt30 billion," Chula said.
The route will come under the supervision of the State Railway of Thailand, especially in terms of land expropriation and concession. A source at the Transport Ministry added that this route would be of added interest to China because not only would it link up to Thailand's nationwide railway system, it would also allow easy access to the soon to be set up Pak Bara port in Satun province.
"The rail route will allow goods to be easily moved from China via Thailand before they are loaded onto ships at the port on the Andaman coast," the source said, adding that this transportation route would be much quicker than the one currently used via Melaka in Malaysia.
The route will also boost trade between Asean countries, including China and India.
A source said Bt85 million had been earmarked for the design of the double-track Den Chai-Chiang Khong rail line, which should be completed in a year.
The source added that the negotiations had probably been delayed because China wanted to wait for its leader to announce the country's planned financial aid for Asean countries during the grouping's summit in Cha-am next month. China is expected to set up two funds: the US10-billion (Bt336 billion) China Asean Fund to be used for infrastructure and logistics-related development-especially in terms of the China-Singapore rail-way project-as well as the $15-billion China Asean Loan.
Chula Sukmanop, deputy director-general of the Office of Transport, Traffic Policy and Planning, confirmed yesterday that the Chinese government had postponed discussions about the project's feasibility with its Thai counterparts.
The idea of getting China to invest in the railway line was brought up during Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's visit to Beijing from June 24 to 27.
"The Chinese government has postponed the ministerial-level discussion and has not yet informed us when it will be ready to open talks. However, Thailand has been ready for negotiations since July," Chula said, adding that due to this delay, the project could not be concluded on a government-to-government policy level in terms of setting an investment model.
He said the route proposed by the Transport Ministry would link Den Chai in Phrae province to Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai. Since there are no such links at present, it would be easy to garner investment in forms of both public-private partnership and concessions.
"According to initial evaluations, the 300-kilometre route should cost around Bt30 billion," Chula said.
The route will come under the supervision of the State Railway of Thailand, especially in terms of land expropriation and concession. A source at the Transport Ministry added that this route would be of added interest to China because not only would it link up to Thailand's nationwide railway system, it would also allow easy access to the soon to be set up Pak Bara port in Satun province.
"The rail route will allow goods to be easily moved from China via Thailand before they are loaded onto ships at the port on the Andaman coast," the source said, adding that this transportation route would be much quicker than the one currently used via Melaka in Malaysia.
The route will also boost trade between Asean countries, including China and India.
A source said Bt85 million had been earmarked for the design of the double-track Den Chai-Chiang Khong rail line, which should be completed in a year.
The source added that the negotiations had probably been delayed because China wanted to wait for its leader to announce the country's planned financial aid for Asean countries during the grouping's summit in Cha-am next month. China is expected to set up two funds: the US10-billion (Bt336 billion) China Asean Fund to be used for infrastructure and logistics-related development-especially in terms of the China-Singapore rail-way project-as well as the $15-billion China Asean Loan.
US transit systems terror alert
Counterterrorism officials are warning US mass transit systems around the nation to step up patrols because of fears an Afghanistan-born immigrant under arrest in Colorado may have been plotting with others to detonate backpack bombs aboard New York City trains.
Investigators say Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year-old shuttle van driver at the Denver airport, played a direct role in a terror plot that unravelled during a trip to New York City around the anniversary of the Sept 11,2001 attacks. He made his first court appearance on Monday and remained behind bars.
Mr Zazi and two other defendants have not been charged with any terrorism counts, only the relatively minor offence of lying to the government. But the case could grow to include more serious charges as the investigation proceeds.
Mr Zazi has publicly denied being involved in a terror plot, and defence lawyer Arthur Folsom dismissed as "rumour" any notion that his client played a crucial role.
The investigation into Mr Zazi's role and how many others may be involved was ongoing. Two law enforcement officials said late on Monday that more than a half-dozen individuals were being scrutinised in the alleged plot.
The FBI said in a statement that "several individuals in the United States,Pakistan and elsewhere" were being investigated.
Backpacks and cellphones were seized last week from apartments in Queens where Mr Zazi visited.
In a bulletin issued on Friday, the FBI and Homeland Security Department warned that improvised explosive devices are the most common tactic to blow up railways and other mass transit systems overseas. And they noted incidents in which bombs were made with peroxide.
In the bulletin, officials recommended that transit systems conduct random sweeps at terminals and stations and that law enforcement make random patrols and board some trains and buses.
The effects of the warning were not immediately clear on Monday. New York's transit agency said it was in touch with an FBI-NYPD (New York Police Department) task force but wouldn't comment further.
The task force feared Mr Zazi may have been involved in a potential plot involving hydrogen peroxide-based explosives, according to two law enforcement officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Investigators said they found notes on bomb-making instructions that appear to match Mr Zazi's handwriting,and discovered his fingerprints on materials - batteries and a scale that could be used to make explosives.He also made a trip to Pakistan last year in which he received al-Qaeda explosives and weapons training.
A strange sequence of events began to unfold nearly two weeks ago when Mr Zazi, a legal resident of the US who immigrated in 1999, rented a car in Colorado and made a 2,560km trek across the heartland to New York. He said he went to New York to resolve an issue with a coffee cart he owned.
He was briefly stopped entering the city as part of what was believed to be a routine drug check, and proceeded to his friend's place in Queens. Once there, his car was towed and authorities confiscated his computer. He was told by an NYPD informant that detectives were asking about him, and decided to cut the trip short and fly back to Colorado, authorities said.
Officials speeded up the investigation and launched raids on several Queens apartments in a search for evidence of explosives.
Since 2001, counterterrorism officials have shifted their approach and made the disruption of plots in their early stages a top priority.
Investigators say Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year-old shuttle van driver at the Denver airport, played a direct role in a terror plot that unravelled during a trip to New York City around the anniversary of the Sept 11,2001 attacks. He made his first court appearance on Monday and remained behind bars.
Mr Zazi and two other defendants have not been charged with any terrorism counts, only the relatively minor offence of lying to the government. But the case could grow to include more serious charges as the investigation proceeds.
Mr Zazi has publicly denied being involved in a terror plot, and defence lawyer Arthur Folsom dismissed as "rumour" any notion that his client played a crucial role.
The investigation into Mr Zazi's role and how many others may be involved was ongoing. Two law enforcement officials said late on Monday that more than a half-dozen individuals were being scrutinised in the alleged plot.
The FBI said in a statement that "several individuals in the United States,Pakistan and elsewhere" were being investigated.
Backpacks and cellphones were seized last week from apartments in Queens where Mr Zazi visited.
In a bulletin issued on Friday, the FBI and Homeland Security Department warned that improvised explosive devices are the most common tactic to blow up railways and other mass transit systems overseas. And they noted incidents in which bombs were made with peroxide.
In the bulletin, officials recommended that transit systems conduct random sweeps at terminals and stations and that law enforcement make random patrols and board some trains and buses.
The effects of the warning were not immediately clear on Monday. New York's transit agency said it was in touch with an FBI-NYPD (New York Police Department) task force but wouldn't comment further.
The task force feared Mr Zazi may have been involved in a potential plot involving hydrogen peroxide-based explosives, according to two law enforcement officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Investigators said they found notes on bomb-making instructions that appear to match Mr Zazi's handwriting,and discovered his fingerprints on materials - batteries and a scale that could be used to make explosives.He also made a trip to Pakistan last year in which he received al-Qaeda explosives and weapons training.
A strange sequence of events began to unfold nearly two weeks ago when Mr Zazi, a legal resident of the US who immigrated in 1999, rented a car in Colorado and made a 2,560km trek across the heartland to New York. He said he went to New York to resolve an issue with a coffee cart he owned.
He was briefly stopped entering the city as part of what was believed to be a routine drug check, and proceeded to his friend's place in Queens. Once there, his car was towed and authorities confiscated his computer. He was told by an NYPD informant that detectives were asking about him, and decided to cut the trip short and fly back to Colorado, authorities said.
Officials speeded up the investigation and launched raids on several Queens apartments in a search for evidence of explosives.
Since 2001, counterterrorism officials have shifted their approach and made the disruption of plots in their early stages a top priority.
BMA cleared of negligence in BTS dispute
The Administrative Court has cleared the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and three other defendants of any responsibility in not providing suitable facilities for disabled people at skytrain stations.
The case went to court in September 2007 when Suporntham Mongkolsawat,the secretary-general of the Council of Disabled People of Thailand, and two others filed a lawsuit naming the BMA,the Bangkok governor, the chief of the Civil Service Commission which comes under the BMA and Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc as defendants.
The four were accused of neglecting their duty by not setting up proper facilities for disabled people, such as lifts and ramps, and providing other facilities.
The BMA granted the concession to run the skytrain to BTS.
Hundreds of disabled people attended the court yesterday to hear the verdict.
The court ruled that although the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Act was enacted in 1991, a year before construction work began on the skytrain, there was no regulation at the time demanding that special facilities be installed for disabled people in buildings, public places and the transport sector.
The Interior Ministry issued the appropriate regulation after the con-struction of the skytrain had begun.
The court said the BMA fulfilled its duty later by installing elevators for disabled people at five of the most crowded stations -Asok, Onnuj,Chong Nonsi, Mor Chit and Siam Square - in 1999.
This showed the BMA was not neglecting its duty, the court said.
Mr Suporntham said he would lodge an appeal against the Administrative Court ruling with the Supreme Administrative Court on behalf of all networks for disabled people.
The fight was to ensure equality for disabled people and to encourage government agencies and the private sector to pay more attention to the problems of the underprivileged, the elderly,children and pregnant women, he said.
Mr Suporntham said even though there were many programmes to help disabled people, they were of no use if disabled people were unable to venture out of their homes because of poor facilities.
All networks of disabled people would be asked to conduct a survey and circulate pictures of public places lacking in suitable facilities, he said.
"All humans are born free but the disabled are being deprived of their freedom by a disabled-unfriendly environment," he said."To use the BTS is more difficult than taking a plane and flying overseas these days."
Udomchok Churut, president of the Independent Living Pilot Project in Thailand, a non-governmental organisation supporting disabled people, said five disabled-friendly stations were not enough to help disabled people use the entire skytrain network.
The case went to court in September 2007 when Suporntham Mongkolsawat,the secretary-general of the Council of Disabled People of Thailand, and two others filed a lawsuit naming the BMA,the Bangkok governor, the chief of the Civil Service Commission which comes under the BMA and Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc as defendants.
The four were accused of neglecting their duty by not setting up proper facilities for disabled people, such as lifts and ramps, and providing other facilities.
The BMA granted the concession to run the skytrain to BTS.
Hundreds of disabled people attended the court yesterday to hear the verdict.
The court ruled that although the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Act was enacted in 1991, a year before construction work began on the skytrain, there was no regulation at the time demanding that special facilities be installed for disabled people in buildings, public places and the transport sector.
The Interior Ministry issued the appropriate regulation after the con-struction of the skytrain had begun.
The court said the BMA fulfilled its duty later by installing elevators for disabled people at five of the most crowded stations -Asok, Onnuj,Chong Nonsi, Mor Chit and Siam Square - in 1999.
This showed the BMA was not neglecting its duty, the court said.
Mr Suporntham said he would lodge an appeal against the Administrative Court ruling with the Supreme Administrative Court on behalf of all networks for disabled people.
The fight was to ensure equality for disabled people and to encourage government agencies and the private sector to pay more attention to the problems of the underprivileged, the elderly,children and pregnant women, he said.
Mr Suporntham said even though there were many programmes to help disabled people, they were of no use if disabled people were unable to venture out of their homes because of poor facilities.
All networks of disabled people would be asked to conduct a survey and circulate pictures of public places lacking in suitable facilities, he said.
"All humans are born free but the disabled are being deprived of their freedom by a disabled-unfriendly environment," he said."To use the BTS is more difficult than taking a plane and flying overseas these days."
Udomchok Churut, president of the Independent Living Pilot Project in Thailand, a non-governmental organisation supporting disabled people, said five disabled-friendly stations were not enough to help disabled people use the entire skytrain network.
GRIDLOCK IN BANGKOK AFTER BIG STORM
Heavy rain deluged many parts of Bangkok yesterday evening, paralysing traffic across the city.
Traffic moved at a snail's pace on Lat Phrao Road, which was partly flooded.
Gridlock was reported on main roads like Suksawad, Bang Na-Trat and Srinakarin.
After standing still since 5pm, traffic from Bang Na to Suhumvit started to ease around 9pm.
At press time, many company employees were still staying put inside their offices to avoid heavy rain and the traffic nightmare.
The worst traffic congestion was at Sri-Udom intersection, where a tunnel-construction project was in progress and police were hard stretched trying to direct the traffic flow.
Hail was reported in the Udomsuk area, and on the Srinakarin Road the rainstorm uprooted trees.
Meanwhile, three villages in Tambon Nasao in Nan's Mueang district were hit with flash floods early yesterday.
Water and mud swept through 80 houses leaving residents'belongings underwater and sweeping away livestock and chickens. Paddies were inundated and road surfaces damaged.
A villager, Thawat Kongchoom said drinking water was in short supply after sources were contaminated with mud.
Traffic moved at a snail's pace on Lat Phrao Road, which was partly flooded.
Gridlock was reported on main roads like Suksawad, Bang Na-Trat and Srinakarin.
After standing still since 5pm, traffic from Bang Na to Suhumvit started to ease around 9pm.
At press time, many company employees were still staying put inside their offices to avoid heavy rain and the traffic nightmare.
The worst traffic congestion was at Sri-Udom intersection, where a tunnel-construction project was in progress and police were hard stretched trying to direct the traffic flow.
Hail was reported in the Udomsuk area, and on the Srinakarin Road the rainstorm uprooted trees.
Meanwhile, three villages in Tambon Nasao in Nan's Mueang district were hit with flash floods early yesterday.
Water and mud swept through 80 houses leaving residents'belongings underwater and sweeping away livestock and chickens. Paddies were inundated and road surfaces damaged.
A villager, Thawat Kongchoom said drinking water was in short supply after sources were contaminated with mud.
RAIL-LINK LAUNCH NOT DELAYED BY PHEU THAI COMPLAINTS, SAYS SRT
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is insisting the launch of the airport-link service will not be delayed by the opposition Pheu Thai Party's complaints about the premier and the interior minister allowing conflicts of interest in the project.
Suphoth Sublom, an SRT board director, said yesterday the project had made a lot of progress and the civil construction work was complete. The SRT is expected to officially start testing the system on December 5, which will run for three months. The service will be officially launched in April.
On Monday, a Pheu Thai MP filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission saying that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul had allowed conflicts of interest in the project because Chaovarat's family members held shares in a construction company.
Pheu Thai's Lamphun MP Sanguan Pongmanee and the party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit claimed that Chaovarat's wife and children held shares in Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, which won the Bt408-million project contract for adding more trimmings to the rail link. The Cabinet had approved the budget on March 10.
Chaovarat, also leader of Bhum Jai Thai Party, argued he had already declared his assets and has had nothing to do with the company for a long time now.
Moreover, he said, since Sino-Thai was a public company, anybody could buy its shares and as his children were all adults, they could do what they wanted with their money.
On March 10, the Cabinet approved the Transport Ministry's request for an additional Bt115 million to hire a consultant to supervise the construction of elevated paths linking the Phya Thai Skytrain station and the Petchaburi subway station to the airport-rail link at Makkasan. This is part of the connection between airport-rail link and the SRT transportation system in the city.
It also approved Bt11 million and Bt87 million for the construction of the paths from Phya Thai station and Petchaburi subway station respectively.
The government will cover the cost of the construction, which should be completed in 15 months.
The Cabinet also approved the expenditure of Bt195 million for the services of an independent safety and system certification engineer for three years. The government will be responsible for this cost as well.
The Cabinet has acknowledged the relocation of public facilities near the airport-rail link, which would cost Bt140 million. The Metropolitan Water Works Authority and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority each will be responsible for relocation costs of Bt83 million and Bt57 million, respectively.
Suphoth Sublom, an SRT board director, said yesterday the project had made a lot of progress and the civil construction work was complete. The SRT is expected to officially start testing the system on December 5, which will run for three months. The service will be officially launched in April.
On Monday, a Pheu Thai MP filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission saying that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul had allowed conflicts of interest in the project because Chaovarat's family members held shares in a construction company.
Pheu Thai's Lamphun MP Sanguan Pongmanee and the party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit claimed that Chaovarat's wife and children held shares in Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, which won the Bt408-million project contract for adding more trimmings to the rail link. The Cabinet had approved the budget on March 10.
Chaovarat, also leader of Bhum Jai Thai Party, argued he had already declared his assets and has had nothing to do with the company for a long time now.
Moreover, he said, since Sino-Thai was a public company, anybody could buy its shares and as his children were all adults, they could do what they wanted with their money.
On March 10, the Cabinet approved the Transport Ministry's request for an additional Bt115 million to hire a consultant to supervise the construction of elevated paths linking the Phya Thai Skytrain station and the Petchaburi subway station to the airport-rail link at Makkasan. This is part of the connection between airport-rail link and the SRT transportation system in the city.
It also approved Bt11 million and Bt87 million for the construction of the paths from Phya Thai station and Petchaburi subway station respectively.
The government will cover the cost of the construction, which should be completed in 15 months.
The Cabinet also approved the expenditure of Bt195 million for the services of an independent safety and system certification engineer for three years. The government will be responsible for this cost as well.
The Cabinet has acknowledged the relocation of public facilities near the airport-rail link, which would cost Bt140 million. The Metropolitan Water Works Authority and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority each will be responsible for relocation costs of Bt83 million and Bt57 million, respectively.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
LAND-PRICE TUMBLE SLOWING IN JAPAN
Land prices in Japan have fallen their most in five years as the recession has discouraged buyers and tighter credit markets have choked off funding to developers.
Average prices declined 4.4 per cent in the 12 months to the end of June. It was the 18th consecutive annual decline, said the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. Values fell in all but three of the 22,435 locations surveyed.
Land value are now about half of what they were at the hight of Japan's bubble economy of the 1980s. However, the decline may slow as the nation emerges from its deepest postwar recession. An 18-month climb in Tokyo office vacancies ended last month and the number of unsold condominiums on the market is down 43 per cent since last December.
"There are signs the deline in land prices in Tokyo and other big cities is coming to a halt," said Mizuho Financial Group real-estate analyst Takashi Ishizawa, in Tokyo.
"It's possible Tokyo prices could even rise next year, but the regional districts will continue to see declimes."
Price declines in Japan have been less severe than those in other markets that have rallied in recent years.
The value of ocmmercial property in Japan dropped 5.9 per cent year on year in the 12 months to the end of June. In the United States, commercial real-estate values fell 27 per cent in the same period.
Prices in residential and commercial districts fell in all of Japan's 47 prefectures for the first time since the ministry began compiling the data in 1975.
Values in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, the three major metropolitan areas, declined 6.1 per cent, breaking a three-year gaining streak. Prices in rural districts dropped 3.8 per cent.
Property developers and managers accounted for eight of the 10 biggest bankruptcies of listed Japanese companies this year, stoking consumer concern about job security and deterring banks from refinancing loans to the industry.
KK daVinci Holdings, which manages property assets worth more than Yen1 trillion (Bt365 billion), said last week it might not be able to reach and agreement with creditors to extend a loan secured by its Pacific Century Place building in central Tokyo because of the market slump.
The most expensive piece of commercial property remains Tokyo's Ginza shopping district, where land can cost as much as Yen25 million a square metre. The value has declined 17 per cent year on year.
The capital's Chiyoda ward, where the Imperial Palace is located, has the most expensive residential land, even after values have fallen 11 per cent to about Yen3 million a square metre.
Average prices in Tokyo's commercial districts dropped 8.9 per cent, reversing a4-per-cent gain the previous year, as companies relocated or negotiated lower rents.
The ministry said in June that commercial property prices in the Tokyo metropolitan area were still at the same level they were 35 years ago, after the collapse of the real estate bubble of the 1980s erased what had been a four-fold increase.
Office vacancy rates rose for 18 straight months to the end of July, said office-brokerage company Miki Shoji. The rate was unchanged at 7.57 per cent last month.
Average prices declined 4.4 per cent in the 12 months to the end of June. It was the 18th consecutive annual decline, said the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. Values fell in all but three of the 22,435 locations surveyed.
Land value are now about half of what they were at the hight of Japan's bubble economy of the 1980s. However, the decline may slow as the nation emerges from its deepest postwar recession. An 18-month climb in Tokyo office vacancies ended last month and the number of unsold condominiums on the market is down 43 per cent since last December.
"There are signs the deline in land prices in Tokyo and other big cities is coming to a halt," said Mizuho Financial Group real-estate analyst Takashi Ishizawa, in Tokyo.
"It's possible Tokyo prices could even rise next year, but the regional districts will continue to see declimes."
Price declines in Japan have been less severe than those in other markets that have rallied in recent years.
The value of ocmmercial property in Japan dropped 5.9 per cent year on year in the 12 months to the end of June. In the United States, commercial real-estate values fell 27 per cent in the same period.
Prices in residential and commercial districts fell in all of Japan's 47 prefectures for the first time since the ministry began compiling the data in 1975.
Values in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, the three major metropolitan areas, declined 6.1 per cent, breaking a three-year gaining streak. Prices in rural districts dropped 3.8 per cent.
Property developers and managers accounted for eight of the 10 biggest bankruptcies of listed Japanese companies this year, stoking consumer concern about job security and deterring banks from refinancing loans to the industry.
KK daVinci Holdings, which manages property assets worth more than Yen1 trillion (Bt365 billion), said last week it might not be able to reach and agreement with creditors to extend a loan secured by its Pacific Century Place building in central Tokyo because of the market slump.
The most expensive piece of commercial property remains Tokyo's Ginza shopping district, where land can cost as much as Yen25 million a square metre. The value has declined 17 per cent year on year.
The capital's Chiyoda ward, where the Imperial Palace is located, has the most expensive residential land, even after values have fallen 11 per cent to about Yen3 million a square metre.
Average prices in Tokyo's commercial districts dropped 8.9 per cent, reversing a4-per-cent gain the previous year, as companies relocated or negotiated lower rents.
The ministry said in June that commercial property prices in the Tokyo metropolitan area were still at the same level they were 35 years ago, after the collapse of the real estate bubble of the 1980s erased what had been a four-fold increase.
Office vacancy rates rose for 18 straight months to the end of July, said office-brokerage company Miki Shoji. The rate was unchanged at 7.57 per cent last month.
AIRPORT RAIL LINK CREATES NEW CONDOMINIUM CLUSTER
The route of the Airport Rail Link, between Makkasan and Suvarnabhumi, is rapidly becoming a focal area for the development of new residential projects in Bangkok.
A survey by The Nation last week found projects worth nearly Bt10 billion under construction or on drawing boards. Popular locations include Asoke, Phetchaburi, Rajprarop and Makkasan, at the city end of the link.
Property developers began launching residential projects around the Airport Link when its construction began two years ago. Among the early projects were The Complete Rajprarop by Prinsiri, which is worth Bt1 billion and offers 547 units; Ideo Verb Rajprarop by Ananda Development, which offers 447 units and has a market value of Bt1.5 billion; and Chiwathai Rajprarop, which has 329 units and a value of Bt1.3 billion.
The Fragrant Property Group launched a condominium project, The Circle, last year. With a market value of Bt4 billion, 90 per cent of its 901 units have already been sold.
Last year's starters also included My Resort by Equity Residential, offering more than 200 units on Phetchaburi Road, and a 400-unit condominium called True Thonglor, developed by Pool Asset.
Meanwhile, test runs are expected to start on the completed Airport Link in December. As the rail link builds up to full services, two more major projects worth a combined Bt6.3 billion will be gaining momentum.
Asian Property Development introduced its latest luxury condominium, the Address Asoke-Phetchaburi, last week. With a market value of Bt3.3 billion, it offers 574 units at a starting price of Bt5.23 million per unit.
TCC Capital Land, a joint venture between Singaporean-based CapitaLand and TCC Land, which is owned by beverage tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, will launch Villa Asoke, with a market value of Bt3 billion, this weekend. It will offer 525 units at a starting price of Bt2.99 million per unit.
Alan Lin, CEO of real-estate firm Harrison, said the area around the Airport Rail Link was a new focal destination for property developers because of the convenient transportation offered by the rail service.
The company is currently negotiating management deals with developers who own four land plots near the Airport Link and plan to launch residential projects worth nearly Bt5 billion next year, he said.
"We believe that this location will continue to be popular through 2010. More than five projects are currently being planned that will offer a total of 4,400 units between now and 2011," he said.
Condominium units in the area have starting prices between Bt75,000 and Bt150,000 a square metre.
Asian Property Development's managing director Pichet Vipavasuphakorn said his company had launched The Address Asoke-Phetchaburi because the location would become a new destination for home-buyers when the Airport Link was complete and there was easy transportation in the area.
Land prices in the area also remain lower than those in the Sukhumvit, Sathorn and Silom areas. Home-buyers around the Airport Link will be offered new condominium units at lower prices than those in the inner central business district, although the inner CBD will be within easy reach, he said.
Bookings for The Address Asoke-Phetchaburi have now reached about 60 per cent of its units, following the opening of presales last week, Pichet said.
TCC Capital Land chief executive Soammaphat Traisorat said that after introducing Villa Asoke to the market earlier this month, a number of customers had shown enough interest to visit the project. As a result, the company believes that when bookings open this weekend, there will be positive feedback from customers.
"We believe that this area will be the new destination for residential development after the Airport Link starts operations," he said.
Agency For Real Estate Affairs managing director Wasan Kongchan said demand for residences around mass transit systems continued to grow despite the economic downturn. The behaviour of many home-buyers has changed away from single detached houses to condominiums because of last year's spike in fuel prices.
The popular Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn areas now have less land available for residential development, and some projects are demanding prices above Bt100,000 per square metre. Property developers have therefore moved to new locations, especially around the Airport Link because it is close to a new mass-transit system and land prices continue to be lower than those in the central business district, he said.
"We believe this is a good time to buy a residence around the Airport Rail Link, before land and condominium prices in the area begin to rise," he said.
Wasan said when the Airport Rail Link began full operations, nearby land and residential prices would rise 10-20 per cent, depending on supply in the market.
A survey by The Nation last week found projects worth nearly Bt10 billion under construction or on drawing boards. Popular locations include Asoke, Phetchaburi, Rajprarop and Makkasan, at the city end of the link.
Property developers began launching residential projects around the Airport Link when its construction began two years ago. Among the early projects were The Complete Rajprarop by Prinsiri, which is worth Bt1 billion and offers 547 units; Ideo Verb Rajprarop by Ananda Development, which offers 447 units and has a market value of Bt1.5 billion; and Chiwathai Rajprarop, which has 329 units and a value of Bt1.3 billion.
The Fragrant Property Group launched a condominium project, The Circle, last year. With a market value of Bt4 billion, 90 per cent of its 901 units have already been sold.
Last year's starters also included My Resort by Equity Residential, offering more than 200 units on Phetchaburi Road, and a 400-unit condominium called True Thonglor, developed by Pool Asset.
Meanwhile, test runs are expected to start on the completed Airport Link in December. As the rail link builds up to full services, two more major projects worth a combined Bt6.3 billion will be gaining momentum.
Asian Property Development introduced its latest luxury condominium, the Address Asoke-Phetchaburi, last week. With a market value of Bt3.3 billion, it offers 574 units at a starting price of Bt5.23 million per unit.
TCC Capital Land, a joint venture between Singaporean-based CapitaLand and TCC Land, which is owned by beverage tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, will launch Villa Asoke, with a market value of Bt3 billion, this weekend. It will offer 525 units at a starting price of Bt2.99 million per unit.
Alan Lin, CEO of real-estate firm Harrison, said the area around the Airport Rail Link was a new focal destination for property developers because of the convenient transportation offered by the rail service.
The company is currently negotiating management deals with developers who own four land plots near the Airport Link and plan to launch residential projects worth nearly Bt5 billion next year, he said.
"We believe that this location will continue to be popular through 2010. More than five projects are currently being planned that will offer a total of 4,400 units between now and 2011," he said.
Condominium units in the area have starting prices between Bt75,000 and Bt150,000 a square metre.
Asian Property Development's managing director Pichet Vipavasuphakorn said his company had launched The Address Asoke-Phetchaburi because the location would become a new destination for home-buyers when the Airport Link was complete and there was easy transportation in the area.
Land prices in the area also remain lower than those in the Sukhumvit, Sathorn and Silom areas. Home-buyers around the Airport Link will be offered new condominium units at lower prices than those in the inner central business district, although the inner CBD will be within easy reach, he said.
Bookings for The Address Asoke-Phetchaburi have now reached about 60 per cent of its units, following the opening of presales last week, Pichet said.
TCC Capital Land chief executive Soammaphat Traisorat said that after introducing Villa Asoke to the market earlier this month, a number of customers had shown enough interest to visit the project. As a result, the company believes that when bookings open this weekend, there will be positive feedback from customers.
"We believe that this area will be the new destination for residential development after the Airport Link starts operations," he said.
Agency For Real Estate Affairs managing director Wasan Kongchan said demand for residences around mass transit systems continued to grow despite the economic downturn. The behaviour of many home-buyers has changed away from single detached houses to condominiums because of last year's spike in fuel prices.
The popular Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn areas now have less land available for residential development, and some projects are demanding prices above Bt100,000 per square metre. Property developers have therefore moved to new locations, especially around the Airport Link because it is close to a new mass-transit system and land prices continue to be lower than those in the central business district, he said.
"We believe this is a good time to buy a residence around the Airport Rail Link, before land and condominium prices in the area begin to rise," he said.
Wasan said when the Airport Rail Link began full operations, nearby land and residential prices would rise 10-20 per cent, depending on supply in the market.
SRT to seek bigger budget for double-track project
The State Railway of Thailand plans to seek more funds soon for the double-track Kaeng Koi-Klong 19-Chachoengsao project.
"The SRT will propose to the transport minister to consider the increased budget first before seeking Cabinet approval," SRT Governor Yuthana Thapcharoen said yesterday.
The 106-kilometre route is part of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning's three-part development stretegy and 20 projects worth Bt350 billion designed to improve rail transport eficiency.
The SRT has increased the estimated construction cost for the route from Bt7.65 billion to Bt10 billion after completing its feasibility study.
The route would be extended to avoid passing near the Phra Phutthachai Temple located in Kaeng Koi.
After the Kaeng Koi-Khlong 19-Chachoengsao route is expanded from single track to paralkel tracks, freight capacity is expected to more than double from 28 trains daily to 60 daily or from 250,000 tonnes of freight per year to 570,000 tonnes of freight per year.
The SRT would seek approval for Bt5 billion in working capital loans from the Cabinet meeting today.
Previously, the authority received approval for loans with the same liquidity purpose of a total of more than Bt5 billion.
For the double-track Chachoengsao-Sri Racha-Laem Chabang route, construction has been delayed more than 40 per cent as expected.
However, the SRT has assigned agencies to speed up the contractor, TSC Joint Venture, to complete the construction by the due date.
The route is 78 kilometres long with a construction budget of Bt3.93 billion, he added.
"The SRT will propose to the transport minister to consider the increased budget first before seeking Cabinet approval," SRT Governor Yuthana Thapcharoen said yesterday.
The 106-kilometre route is part of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning's three-part development stretegy and 20 projects worth Bt350 billion designed to improve rail transport eficiency.
The SRT has increased the estimated construction cost for the route from Bt7.65 billion to Bt10 billion after completing its feasibility study.
The route would be extended to avoid passing near the Phra Phutthachai Temple located in Kaeng Koi.
After the Kaeng Koi-Khlong 19-Chachoengsao route is expanded from single track to paralkel tracks, freight capacity is expected to more than double from 28 trains daily to 60 daily or from 250,000 tonnes of freight per year to 570,000 tonnes of freight per year.
The SRT would seek approval for Bt5 billion in working capital loans from the Cabinet meeting today.
Previously, the authority received approval for loans with the same liquidity purpose of a total of more than Bt5 billion.
For the double-track Chachoengsao-Sri Racha-Laem Chabang route, construction has been delayed more than 40 per cent as expected.
However, the SRT has assigned agencies to speed up the contractor, TSC Joint Venture, to complete the construction by the due date.
The route is 78 kilometres long with a construction budget of Bt3.93 billion, he added.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Forget the car, get on your bikes
The whole point of World Carfree Day is to remind us all that Homo sapiens really do not need cars to get from point A to point B, and that alternative low or zero-emission means _ like walking, cycling or taking public transport _ should be used instead whenever possible.
GREEN COMMUTERS: Drive a car or ride a bike—it’s your choice, but I hope you opt for the cleaner option.
Some may think it's sloth _ one of Christianity's seven deadly sins _ or just plain laziness that people so easily become addicted to the painless mobility of driving or riding in a car.
As ever, most activities for Carfree Day in most countries revolve around a cycle rally where cyclists roam from one side of town to the other in the hope of garnering attention from the general public and car drivers.
And the message does get across if members of the public learn that all those cyclists took the effort to swap their cars for a noiseless, pollution-free mode of transport and were still able to get to work as usual.
The Thai Carfree Day is, however, a bit of a sloth, since the activities are held on the Sunday closest to Sept 22, and this year, that's today.
I almost joined them last year when I weakened after interviewing a spokesperson for one of the Carfree Day event organisers.
PORTABLE: Easy to use folding bikes make car-free commuting more practical.
But my conscience stopped me when I was searching through the picture archive to find accompanying pictures for last year's Carfree Day story.
I came across several of photos of the Bangkok governor riding a women's bike, all smiles, promoting cycling in the city with a bunch of civil servants and politicians. What a load of fakes!
They gave a speech, cut a ribbon, said a few nice things about why we should ride and not drive to work, rode a couple of kilometres and finished.
And how did the governor get to the event? By car.
And how did the governor go home after the event? By car. And the other 364 days a year they still drive their cars to work _ what a load of hypocrites!
Most of the cyclists you see in public parks drive there, so how does that help?
The point of Carfree Day is not to drive at all, not to show off on a bicycle at a public gathering.
Sure, there are cyclists who do ride from home to the park at weekends, and I sincerely respect them for taking the effort, but their numbers are likely to be very low.
That's why I won't join in such a hypocritical activity just for the sake of indulging my ego or for publicity.
POCKET-SIZE: If we all drove small, zeroemission cars, that would be a good start.
Some people criticised Khun Heart (the TV celebrity and former pop singer) for pretending to be environmentally conscious by showing off his folding bike on the Skytrain.
Let's be fair, if he was a nobody, would he still have been accused of showing off?
It's fine that people look in to using their car less for the betterment of the environment and their personal health.
But next year, can we please have some more productive and meaningful Carfree Day activities _ such as having it on Sept 22 for a start, no driving to bike rides and no governor or celebrities acting pretentiously?
Better yet, don't wait for Carfree Day to pretend to do something good for your health and the environment. Do it whenever you can for the cause and not just to make a statement.
GREEN COMMUTERS: Drive a car or ride a bike—it’s your choice, but I hope you opt for the cleaner option.
Some may think it's sloth _ one of Christianity's seven deadly sins _ or just plain laziness that people so easily become addicted to the painless mobility of driving or riding in a car.
As ever, most activities for Carfree Day in most countries revolve around a cycle rally where cyclists roam from one side of town to the other in the hope of garnering attention from the general public and car drivers.
And the message does get across if members of the public learn that all those cyclists took the effort to swap their cars for a noiseless, pollution-free mode of transport and were still able to get to work as usual.
The Thai Carfree Day is, however, a bit of a sloth, since the activities are held on the Sunday closest to Sept 22, and this year, that's today.
I almost joined them last year when I weakened after interviewing a spokesperson for one of the Carfree Day event organisers.
PORTABLE: Easy to use folding bikes make car-free commuting more practical.
But my conscience stopped me when I was searching through the picture archive to find accompanying pictures for last year's Carfree Day story.
I came across several of photos of the Bangkok governor riding a women's bike, all smiles, promoting cycling in the city with a bunch of civil servants and politicians. What a load of fakes!
They gave a speech, cut a ribbon, said a few nice things about why we should ride and not drive to work, rode a couple of kilometres and finished.
And how did the governor get to the event? By car.
And how did the governor go home after the event? By car. And the other 364 days a year they still drive their cars to work _ what a load of hypocrites!
Most of the cyclists you see in public parks drive there, so how does that help?
The point of Carfree Day is not to drive at all, not to show off on a bicycle at a public gathering.
Sure, there are cyclists who do ride from home to the park at weekends, and I sincerely respect them for taking the effort, but their numbers are likely to be very low.
That's why I won't join in such a hypocritical activity just for the sake of indulging my ego or for publicity.
POCKET-SIZE: If we all drove small, zeroemission cars, that would be a good start.
Some people criticised Khun Heart (the TV celebrity and former pop singer) for pretending to be environmentally conscious by showing off his folding bike on the Skytrain.
Let's be fair, if he was a nobody, would he still have been accused of showing off?
It's fine that people look in to using their car less for the betterment of the environment and their personal health.
But next year, can we please have some more productive and meaningful Carfree Day activities _ such as having it on Sept 22 for a start, no driving to bike rides and no governor or celebrities acting pretentiously?
Better yet, don't wait for Carfree Day to pretend to do something good for your health and the environment. Do it whenever you can for the cause and not just to make a statement.
STREET LEGAL, AT LONG LAST
Life Lesson number three: Good things come in small denominations. How many life experiences can one learn in one day? Surely two is already one too many, but little do I know I'm about to learn a third.
‘‘ It does make you wonder just how many drivers out there put a purple note into the short fat man’s hand to earn their right to speed, kill, maim and drink-drive on the streets of Bangkok.
I didn't come here to learn truisms about my very existence. I just want to drive on the damned roads with my new company car. Instead, the whole fiasco is turning into a dreary chapter out of Zen and the Art of Motorcar Maintenance.
"Do you need a hand?" a short fat man asks me, jolting me out of my daydreams as I approached the testing centre.
"Sorry?"
"Do you need some help in passing the driving test? 500 baht ensures you will pass," he says softly yet earnestly.
The implication of his words goes right over my head. "Thank you but no. I've already been driving for nearly 10 years. I know how to drive."
The short fat man disappears as quickly as he manifested himself. I continue on my merry path to the driving test area towards the back of the grounds.
And what's this? A temple fair? It's as if the testing centre has been thrown a challenge: Construct a cute little road far removed from the reality of Bangkok streets as you possibly can. Not 200 metres away, the cacophony of Sukhumvit Road roars and turns itself inside out with the clanging and charging of maniacs zipping in and out between lanes at breakneck speeds. I'd assumed I'd be joining that madhouse on wheels as part of my driving test.
Not so. Here out the back is a gorgeous little road with a mini stop sign, a cute little bridge and all sorts of other replicas of things that would not seem out of place on the set of the Teletubbies. The city with the world's worst traffic jams makes you do your driving test on a carriageway I fully expect to see adorned with chocolate trees and flowers made out of cupcakes topped with hundreds and thousands, while nursery rhymes seep out of gaily-coloured loudspeakers.
If this is all I have to do, then the driving test is a piece of cake.
There is a wizened old driving instructor sitting at an equally wizened old wooden table in a cement office. He is an unhappy looking fellow, and he scowls as he takes my application form. "Get your car and bring it around to the start of the road," he says in Thai. English translation: "I hate farangs."
Another official explains that I have to drive around at a very slow speed, stop at a stop sign, cross the bridge, and then park no more than two metres from the kerb. I could have done the whole thing with a blindfold, and within minutes I am happily chugging through the course singing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to myself.
It's all over in five minutes. I'm filled with elation that finally my dream of having a Thai driving license is becoming a reality; that soon I would be joining the ranks of legalised madmen raping and pillaging every road rule known to mankind on the streets of Bangkok. I stride confidently to the wizened old driving instructor.
"You failed," he says in Thai. English translation: "And I really hate bald ones."
With a flushed face, shocked and angry, I leave the driving centre with an appointment to return for my second try the following week.
It's a very long seven days between driving tests, although the seven nights were good as I dreamed of various methods to slowly torture wizened old driving instructors. The movie Se7en starring Brad Pitt came out the year after and it reminded me of all the fantasies I'd had in that week. The official reason I'd failed was I had parked too far away from the kerb, but my Thai co-workers were unanimous in their judgement: If only I'd paid the short fat man 500 baht.
You have to understand I had only been in Thailand five years, and I was young and foolish and still possessing the western mentality that bribery was bad. Fifteen years have passed since that day, and no doubt if it was today I'd have gladly passed him 500 baht - maybe even 600 baht - if he could guarantee I'd have my license in an hour.
But back then I was determined not to pay, and on the morning of my new driving test I had a brainwave.
Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.
I arrived with the same bright smile I put on the week before. I waved away the short fat man who attempted to approach me as I walked confidently towards Khun Wizened.
Confidently, because other than my official papers and my car, I was also carrying something else. My office photographer.
As I started the car and drove around the course, my photographer was conspicuous in his click-click-clicks. He clicked me at the stop sign. He clicked me at the bridge.
The wizened instructor was not happy.
"Who are you? What are you doing?" he barked.
"I work for a news magazine with Khun Andrew," my photographer replied. "I'm taking some pictures ... for a story."
As I approached the kerb to park not more than two metres away, my photographer went in for the kill, standing right by the car and clicking away as if every second was yet another Kodak moment, which it wasn't, which was just as well because there was no film in the camera.
But there was really no need. Even before I'd crossed the cute little bridge I'd passed, with a hurried angry signature of the wizened instructor on my documents.
It took a lot of sweat, patience, confusion and wasted energy to get my license all those years ago. In all fairness, the system has changed a lot since then. Gone is the motorcycle taxi driver doubling as a doctor. The test papers have been cleaned up and translated into readable English. The wizened media-shy instructor is long-since retired, and one can only hope the short fat man learned about Jenny Craig and found a nice pair of pumps.
Instead is a far more streamlined clean process in place, as I witnessed earlier this month when I went back to renew my license.
And while it would have been nice to buy my license for 500 baht, it does make you wonder just how many drivers out there put a purple note into the short fat man's hand to earn their right to speed, kill, maim and drink-drive on the streets of Bangkok with as little effort as possible.
Oh no. I guess that constitutes Life Lesson Number four. Way too much for one day! No more preaching - enjoy your Sunday.
‘‘ It does make you wonder just how many drivers out there put a purple note into the short fat man’s hand to earn their right to speed, kill, maim and drink-drive on the streets of Bangkok.
I didn't come here to learn truisms about my very existence. I just want to drive on the damned roads with my new company car. Instead, the whole fiasco is turning into a dreary chapter out of Zen and the Art of Motorcar Maintenance.
"Do you need a hand?" a short fat man asks me, jolting me out of my daydreams as I approached the testing centre.
"Sorry?"
"Do you need some help in passing the driving test? 500 baht ensures you will pass," he says softly yet earnestly.
The implication of his words goes right over my head. "Thank you but no. I've already been driving for nearly 10 years. I know how to drive."
The short fat man disappears as quickly as he manifested himself. I continue on my merry path to the driving test area towards the back of the grounds.
And what's this? A temple fair? It's as if the testing centre has been thrown a challenge: Construct a cute little road far removed from the reality of Bangkok streets as you possibly can. Not 200 metres away, the cacophony of Sukhumvit Road roars and turns itself inside out with the clanging and charging of maniacs zipping in and out between lanes at breakneck speeds. I'd assumed I'd be joining that madhouse on wheels as part of my driving test.
Not so. Here out the back is a gorgeous little road with a mini stop sign, a cute little bridge and all sorts of other replicas of things that would not seem out of place on the set of the Teletubbies. The city with the world's worst traffic jams makes you do your driving test on a carriageway I fully expect to see adorned with chocolate trees and flowers made out of cupcakes topped with hundreds and thousands, while nursery rhymes seep out of gaily-coloured loudspeakers.
If this is all I have to do, then the driving test is a piece of cake.
There is a wizened old driving instructor sitting at an equally wizened old wooden table in a cement office. He is an unhappy looking fellow, and he scowls as he takes my application form. "Get your car and bring it around to the start of the road," he says in Thai. English translation: "I hate farangs."
Another official explains that I have to drive around at a very slow speed, stop at a stop sign, cross the bridge, and then park no more than two metres from the kerb. I could have done the whole thing with a blindfold, and within minutes I am happily chugging through the course singing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to myself.
It's all over in five minutes. I'm filled with elation that finally my dream of having a Thai driving license is becoming a reality; that soon I would be joining the ranks of legalised madmen raping and pillaging every road rule known to mankind on the streets of Bangkok. I stride confidently to the wizened old driving instructor.
"You failed," he says in Thai. English translation: "And I really hate bald ones."
With a flushed face, shocked and angry, I leave the driving centre with an appointment to return for my second try the following week.
It's a very long seven days between driving tests, although the seven nights were good as I dreamed of various methods to slowly torture wizened old driving instructors. The movie Se7en starring Brad Pitt came out the year after and it reminded me of all the fantasies I'd had in that week. The official reason I'd failed was I had parked too far away from the kerb, but my Thai co-workers were unanimous in their judgement: If only I'd paid the short fat man 500 baht.
You have to understand I had only been in Thailand five years, and I was young and foolish and still possessing the western mentality that bribery was bad. Fifteen years have passed since that day, and no doubt if it was today I'd have gladly passed him 500 baht - maybe even 600 baht - if he could guarantee I'd have my license in an hour.
But back then I was determined not to pay, and on the morning of my new driving test I had a brainwave.
Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.
I arrived with the same bright smile I put on the week before. I waved away the short fat man who attempted to approach me as I walked confidently towards Khun Wizened.
Confidently, because other than my official papers and my car, I was also carrying something else. My office photographer.
As I started the car and drove around the course, my photographer was conspicuous in his click-click-clicks. He clicked me at the stop sign. He clicked me at the bridge.
The wizened instructor was not happy.
"Who are you? What are you doing?" he barked.
"I work for a news magazine with Khun Andrew," my photographer replied. "I'm taking some pictures ... for a story."
As I approached the kerb to park not more than two metres away, my photographer went in for the kill, standing right by the car and clicking away as if every second was yet another Kodak moment, which it wasn't, which was just as well because there was no film in the camera.
But there was really no need. Even before I'd crossed the cute little bridge I'd passed, with a hurried angry signature of the wizened instructor on my documents.
It took a lot of sweat, patience, confusion and wasted energy to get my license all those years ago. In all fairness, the system has changed a lot since then. Gone is the motorcycle taxi driver doubling as a doctor. The test papers have been cleaned up and translated into readable English. The wizened media-shy instructor is long-since retired, and one can only hope the short fat man learned about Jenny Craig and found a nice pair of pumps.
Instead is a far more streamlined clean process in place, as I witnessed earlier this month when I went back to renew my license.
And while it would have been nice to buy my license for 500 baht, it does make you wonder just how many drivers out there put a purple note into the short fat man's hand to earn their right to speed, kill, maim and drink-drive on the streets of Bangkok with as little effort as possible.
Oh no. I guess that constitutes Life Lesson Number four. Way too much for one day! No more preaching - enjoy your Sunday.
PPP model planned for Purple Line
The government will use a public-private partnership (PPP) model for train operations and signalling systems used with the new Purple mass-transit rail line in Bangkok.
Talks have already been opened with four or five Japanese trading conglomerates about investing in the 50-billion-baht Purple Line, said Theeraj Athanavanich, director of the public infrastructure financing bureau of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO).
The PDMO plans to use the PPP model for two phases of the Purple line, covering train operations and investments in the signalling system, which combined are projected to cost 13 billion baht.
Mr Theeraj said the PDMO would sound out potential investors worldwide about participating in the programme later this year.
Under a PPP, the private sector enters into a contract with a public authority to provide a service or project in return for set compensation. The contract typically stipulates minimum service quality that the private operator is obliged to provide over the term of the agreement.
Mr Theeraj said that while the process of opening bids for a contractor for Purple Line currently was under way, the PPP guidelines for the two elements of the project must be done in advance, as it may take at least 12 to 15 months before completion before going before the cabinet.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority has already awarded a 14-billion-baht construction contract for the Purple Line to CKTC, a joint venture between Ch.Karnchang and Tokyo Construction.Sino-Thai Engineering won a second contract worth 13 billion baht, with Power Line Engineering willing a third contract worth 5 billion.
Two of the contracts have yet to be signed, and are awaiting final approval from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the lender for the project.
Mr Theeraj said potential bidders for the PPP projects had already expressed the view that the Thai government may have to offer guarantees on revenues and ridership to attract interest.
Ultimately, the government may have to offer subsidies to operators to help keep fares low to encourage public use,while at the same time giving a fair rate of return to the private operator.
Talks have already been opened with four or five Japanese trading conglomerates about investing in the 50-billion-baht Purple Line, said Theeraj Athanavanich, director of the public infrastructure financing bureau of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO).
The PDMO plans to use the PPP model for two phases of the Purple line, covering train operations and investments in the signalling system, which combined are projected to cost 13 billion baht.
Mr Theeraj said the PDMO would sound out potential investors worldwide about participating in the programme later this year.
Under a PPP, the private sector enters into a contract with a public authority to provide a service or project in return for set compensation. The contract typically stipulates minimum service quality that the private operator is obliged to provide over the term of the agreement.
Mr Theeraj said that while the process of opening bids for a contractor for Purple Line currently was under way, the PPP guidelines for the two elements of the project must be done in advance, as it may take at least 12 to 15 months before completion before going before the cabinet.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority has already awarded a 14-billion-baht construction contract for the Purple Line to CKTC, a joint venture between Ch.Karnchang and Tokyo Construction.Sino-Thai Engineering won a second contract worth 13 billion baht, with Power Line Engineering willing a third contract worth 5 billion.
Two of the contracts have yet to be signed, and are awaiting final approval from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the lender for the project.
Mr Theeraj said potential bidders for the PPP projects had already expressed the view that the Thai government may have to offer guarantees on revenues and ridership to attract interest.
Ultimately, the government may have to offer subsidies to operators to help keep fares low to encourage public use,while at the same time giving a fair rate of return to the private operator.
Skytrain link tests delayed
Testing on the BTS Sukhumvit line extension will probably be pushed back until late 2011 due to delays in the procurement of signalling and electrical systems, says deputy Bangkok governor Teerachon Manomaipibul.
Procurement should have taken place nine months ago if the original December 2010 deadline for the test run was to be met. But purchasing of the operating systems for the 5km extension from Onnuj to Soi Baring, or Sukhumvit Soi 107, has not been approved yet, said Mr Teerachon, who is responsible for mass transit projects.
The senior City Hall official responsible for making the purchase has apparently stalled the scheme over fears of being investigated if something went wrong with the purchase, he said.
The official in question is due to retire and does not want to take risks despite being told the scheme is strictly in line with regulations, said Mr Teerachon.
Former city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin was accused of irregularities over the purchase of fire trucks and boats by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
City Hall retroactively fired her from the post this week.
Mr Teerachon said he cannot be sure the test run can take place by mid-2011 as the consulting and bidding process normally takes about seven months.
Construction of the superstructure and stations by contractor Italian-Thai Development Plc is about 95% complete.
Procurement should have taken place nine months ago if the original December 2010 deadline for the test run was to be met. But purchasing of the operating systems for the 5km extension from Onnuj to Soi Baring, or Sukhumvit Soi 107, has not been approved yet, said Mr Teerachon, who is responsible for mass transit projects.
The senior City Hall official responsible for making the purchase has apparently stalled the scheme over fears of being investigated if something went wrong with the purchase, he said.
The official in question is due to retire and does not want to take risks despite being told the scheme is strictly in line with regulations, said Mr Teerachon.
Former city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin was accused of irregularities over the purchase of fire trucks and boats by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
City Hall retroactively fired her from the post this week.
Mr Teerachon said he cannot be sure the test run can take place by mid-2011 as the consulting and bidding process normally takes about seven months.
Construction of the superstructure and stations by contractor Italian-Thai Development Plc is about 95% complete.
FASHION SHOPS PLANNED FOR SKYTRAIN
ICC International, the trading and manufacturing arm of Saha Group, is interested in opening permanent shops for branded fashion products at Skytrain stations.
"Similar to the Japanese, Bangkokians today have a rushed lifestyle and always require greater convenience," executive director Nonglak Techabunanek said yesterday.
It would be the first time for ICC to tap the new sales channel of mass rapid transit, which carries heavy traffic of potential shoppers. The Skytrain retail outlets would cater very well to their changing urban lifestyle, she said.
About 80-90 per cent of the company's sales are from department stores, and 10 per cent from other modern retail channels such as hypermarkets.
The company also started a TV-shopping channel at the beginning of this year, but the sales contribution is still small.
Community centres are another potential retail channel of interest to the company.
"Our sales in the first eight months are flat compared to the same period last year. We also expect our full-year sales to be flat or enjoy slight growth to about Bt10.05 billion this year," she said.
Surapong Laoha-unya, director and chief operating officer of Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), the operator of the Skytrain, said the transit system now attracts 400,000-500,000 passengers a day on average, which is up from about 380,000 last year.
"Our passengers have increased significantly by 5-7 per cent year on year in the first eight months of this year. We expect our sales to reach nearly Bt4 billion this year, of which over 90 per cent will be from passenger tickets and the rest from the lease of retail and advertising space to vendors," he said.
ICC International, in cooperation with BTS and VGI Global Media, will organise the "ICC Sky Shopping Rally" at three major stations - Siam, National Stadium and Ploenchit - from September 28-October 4.
All major fashion brands manufactured and distributed by ICC - including BSC, Wacoal, Arrow, Guy Laroche, Getaway, Elle, Naturalizer, Speedo, Absorba and Enfant - will be available at the stations for the first time at a huge discount of 30-60 per cent.
Marut Arthakaivalvatee, CEO of VGI Global Media (Thailand), said the company had been appointed by BTS to manage the marketing, shop areas and advertisements at its stations.
Specialising in transit and in-store media, VGI Global Media expects its overall sales to grow 15-20 per cent this year to about Bt1.2 billion.
"Our direction is to focus on our specialised format of digital-based semi-outdoor media," he said.
"Similar to the Japanese, Bangkokians today have a rushed lifestyle and always require greater convenience," executive director Nonglak Techabunanek said yesterday.
It would be the first time for ICC to tap the new sales channel of mass rapid transit, which carries heavy traffic of potential shoppers. The Skytrain retail outlets would cater very well to their changing urban lifestyle, she said.
About 80-90 per cent of the company's sales are from department stores, and 10 per cent from other modern retail channels such as hypermarkets.
The company also started a TV-shopping channel at the beginning of this year, but the sales contribution is still small.
Community centres are another potential retail channel of interest to the company.
"Our sales in the first eight months are flat compared to the same period last year. We also expect our full-year sales to be flat or enjoy slight growth to about Bt10.05 billion this year," she said.
Surapong Laoha-unya, director and chief operating officer of Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), the operator of the Skytrain, said the transit system now attracts 400,000-500,000 passengers a day on average, which is up from about 380,000 last year.
"Our passengers have increased significantly by 5-7 per cent year on year in the first eight months of this year. We expect our sales to reach nearly Bt4 billion this year, of which over 90 per cent will be from passenger tickets and the rest from the lease of retail and advertising space to vendors," he said.
ICC International, in cooperation with BTS and VGI Global Media, will organise the "ICC Sky Shopping Rally" at three major stations - Siam, National Stadium and Ploenchit - from September 28-October 4.
All major fashion brands manufactured and distributed by ICC - including BSC, Wacoal, Arrow, Guy Laroche, Getaway, Elle, Naturalizer, Speedo, Absorba and Enfant - will be available at the stations for the first time at a huge discount of 30-60 per cent.
Marut Arthakaivalvatee, CEO of VGI Global Media (Thailand), said the company had been appointed by BTS to manage the marketing, shop areas and advertisements at its stations.
Specialising in transit and in-store media, VGI Global Media expects its overall sales to grow 15-20 per cent this year to about Bt1.2 billion.
"Our direction is to focus on our specialised format of digital-based semi-outdoor media," he said.
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