Airport Rail Link Operations Extended to January 31

At 12:35 p.m. on September 11, 2026, at Government House, Transport Secretary Piyapongse Chiwattanakul, acting as chairman of the Railway Board, and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Director Anant Pothinimdaeng briefed the prime minister on progress in managing the Airport Rail Link after meeting at the Thai Government Building. They reported that the service currently faces operational issues and user concerns stemming from contractual disputes between the SRT and Asia Era One Company Limited. The SRT has prepared for negotiations with the private operator, who submitted four conditions, some of which remain unresolved and require further discussion. The SRT is also preparing to take over operations when needed, and the prime minister has instructed the SRT to ensure continuity of service and public confidence. Transport Secretary Piyapongse also reported on issues affecting the high-speed rail project connecting three airports, which has contractual problems under clause 6.2 that will be discussed in the project oversight committee, with the prime minister directing all actions to follow regulations and law without compromising the state's interests. When asked about special conditions for the private operator to continue the Airport Rail Link for another four months, the transport secretary stated there are none. A proposed 60 million baht budget is separate from the four-month extension and concerns annual operational contracting, not the current discussion which focuses solely on service continuation. Regarding clarity on the three-airport high-speed rail project, the transport secretary noted two urgent issues: resolving the Airport Rail Link operations and the high-speed rail project linked to the Thailand-China high-speed rail in Nakhon Ratchasima, which has not yet begun construction under contract, plus the rail connection from Phya Thai to Bang Sue, all requiring immediate resolution. SRT Director Anant stated the Airport Rail Link has existing agreements on operations and support, and the private operator has agreed in preliminary discussions to continue until January 31, 2027, before the SRT takes over, assuring the public that services will continue after the end of September. Contract details have been reported to the prime minister and will be submitted to the oversight committee this month for resolution, with updates to follow. The SRT will work to resolve all issues as quickly as possible. Service continuity should face no concerns since the private operator has agreed to continue, and there is time to finalize contract amendments pending review of relevant conditions. When asked how staffing shortages during the extended Airport Rail Link period will be addressed, the SRT director's full response was not included.