Four key infrastructure projects worth a combined 650 billion baht are scheduled to have agreements signed with private companies by this May or June.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered four infrastructure projects to have contracts signed with the private sector by May or June, with construction to commence later this year.
The four projects are the 224-billion-baht high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang airport in Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi in Samut Prakan and U-tapao in Rayong; the 200-billion project to develop U-tapao airport and aerotropolis; the 84-billion scheme for third-phase development of Laem Chabang port; and the 55-billion project for third-phase development of Map Ta Phut port.
The four projects is expected to be handled under public-private partnership deals.
Mr Somkid insisted once finished, the four projects would offer proof of progress on EEC development.
"This government has taken four years to implement the EEC scheme, and the conclusion of these four vital projects will provide concrete evidence that we can achieve infrastructure objectives," he said.
Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office, said negotiations on the high-speed rail to link three airports with a consortium led by Charoen Pokphand Group will be settled by April 26.
State Railway of Thailand is expected to sign a contract for the consortium in May or June.
Mr Kanit said the Port Authority of Thailand reported the third-phase projects for Map Ta Phut and Laem Chabang ports are expected to be signed with the private sector by May.
He said three groups have also proposed to bid for the U-tapao airport.
The government is expected to settle negotiations with the private sector in May and sign a contract in June, said Mr Kanit.
