Pipat Chairs Meeting with TEBA to Drive Thailand's Super-Hub Development and Economic Growth

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakij received Mr. Pierre Jaffre, president of the Thai-European Business Association (TEBA), and the association's board of directors for discussions on developing Thailand's transport and logistics systems. Attending was Chayathorn Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Transport Ministry, alongside other transport ministry executives. The meeting aimed to exchange information and adapt European technology and standards to improve quality of life, safety, and economic stimulation.

Ratchakij stated that the ministry would consider all technologies and recommendations from TEBA with the goal of maximizing public benefit across road safety, travel efficiency, and reducing product costs through improved logistics systems.

TEBA's committee presented four key areas of discussion:

1. Vehicles and Road Safety: Mr. Krzysztof Tokarz highlighted Europe's success in reducing road fatalities by 60%, proposing that Thailand expand ABS brake system requirements to standard motorcycles beyond the current law limiting it to 1,200 cc vehicles and above (covering only 20% of the market). The Land Transport Department agreed road safety is a priority and will establish a working group with relevant agencies and TEBA to exchange safety technologies, review vehicle inspection policies, and implement speed control measures.

2. Aviation and Digital Technology: TEBA raised concerns about airport capacity amid growing passenger volumes and energy costs. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited demonstrated end-to-end biometric facial scanning systems from check-in through boarding to reduce congestion. However, concerns about passenger data storage have caused hesitancy. The ministry instructed the airport authority to expedite resolving these issues to align with global security standards.

3. Supply Chain and Logistics Management: TEBA highlighted congestion at Laem Chabang port affecting shipping costs and questioned the feasibility and environmental impact of the proposed Landbridge project. The Port Authority of Thailand confirmed they are reducing cargo handling delays.