Rail projects need reformThe legal dispute between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the BTS Group over the bidding for the western extension of the Orange Line is getting nasty to the point that the government needs to step in to bolster trust in the state project. On Feb 22, the company filed a complaint with the Criminal Court accusing the MRTA of dereliction of duty. Yet, the government should not stop after probing the questionable Orange Line bidding. Meanwhile, the BTS Group has promised to lower fares if wins the 30-year renewal from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Both disputes speak loud and clear about the lucrative nature of the projects, and that stakeholders are ready to do anything to advance their interests.

Source: Bangkok Post March 12, 2021 23:15 UTC