New superboard set to commence
The newly appointed superboard for overseeing procurement at state agencies is set to take action, starting with seven double-track rail projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said the superboard for procurement will be chaired by former central bank governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul, with other members including Kan Trakulhoon, former president and chief executive of Siam Cement Group; Manas Jamveha, former director-general of the Comptroller-General’s Department; and Sompol Kiatpaiboon, former permanent secretary for commerce.
Other members include the director-general of the Budget Bureau, the secretary-general of the Council of State, the director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office, the director-general of the Office of the Attorney General and the director-general of the Comptroller-General’s Department.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday ordered that the new superboard be set up. The superboard will consider the procurement for infrastructure projects worth more than 5 billion baht.
Mr Somkid said the new superboard, to begin work immediately, will help expedite the development not only of the seven double-track rail projects, but also other projects including the Eastern Economic Corridor.
The seven double-track rail projects are: the Chachoengsao-Kaeng Khoi route; the route from Jira in Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen; the Map Kabao (Saraburi)Jira Junction; Lop Buri to Pak Nampho in Nakhon Sawan; Nakhon Pathom to Hua Hin; Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan; and Prachuap Khiri Khan to Chumphon.
The Transport Ministry plans to open bidding for nine double-track rail projects this year, spanning a combined 2,217 kilometres with total investment of 390 billion baht.
A mini-cabinet chaired by Gen Prayut on Monday approved a proposal requiring state development projects valued at more than 5 billion baht be opened up for international bids to ensure transparency and competitiveness.
Public investment is also expected to become more active this year. The National Economic and Social Development Board report puts the 2016 transport infrastructure action plan (urgent phase) at 20 priority projects with a total investment value of 1.4 trillion baht that will continue to be implemented this year.
Of the 20 projects, construction has commenced on four with total investment value of 45 billion baht, while 11 projects valued at 533 billion are in the bidding process.
Two projects with total investment value of 247 billion baht have been proposed to the cabinet and the Public-Private Partnership committee, and two other projects are under negotiation.