High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Risks Cancellation After Seven-Year Delay

Democrat Party Deputy Spokesperson Prasin Pitisetchai voiced concern and warned residents in the eastern region, Rayong province, and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) about the uncertain fate of the high-speed rail project linking three airports (Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao), which shows signs of being terminated or unable to proceed after the public has waited over seven years for progress.

Prasin stated that clear signals have emerged, including the EEC Office acknowledging difficulties in pushing the project forward, private-sector contract cancellations, and the government's lack of a clear stance on resolving the issues. He noted that the eastern region and Rayong have long been vital cogs in generating national revenue and driving the economy through industry and exports, with full public cooperation. Yet when the area should receive a mega-project to stimulate GDP and provincial economic development, the project has stalled again.

Prasin pointed out that this project is the "first button" in developing a high-speed rail network extending to Klaeng district, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. When the flagship project stalls, it creates a chain reaction affecting the entire region's transport infrastructure development. Moreover, the project has already consumed a significant amount of public funds for feasibility studies.

The Deputy Spokesperson posed questions and demands to the government and relevant agencies: 1. If the high-speed rail linking three airports is truly cancelled, who will take responsibility between the government and the EEC Office for the delays and losses over the past seven years? 2. He demanded an urgent review of the direction and solutions, along with a clear explanation of contingency or replacement plans, so that eastern residents do not bear the brunt of one-sided waiting.