Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has invoked Section 44 to streamline management of the Green Line electric train project.
The order, published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday, instructed the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to quickly seek a private operator to deal with system installation and train management on the Green Line's second extension -- the Bearing-Samut Prakan section and the Mor Chit-Saphan Mai-Kukot section.
The order suggested the move was needed to address traffic problems and ease burdens on the public.
The service must be offered quickly, conveniently and inexpensively and be beneficial to passengers travelling between the line's second extension to the main Green Line and the first extension -- On Nut-Bearing section and Taksin- Bang Wa section -- which has been overseen by City Hall.
According to the order, such a concession would not fall under the Joint State and Private Investment Act. This means the scheme would not have to undergo an evaluation process via the PPP committee, the State Enterprise Policy Office and the cabinet.
The cabinet earlier approved transferring Green Line second extension property from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to the BMA.
It said the transfer would ensure effective management of the Green Line by the BMA, which will handle its entire length from Kukot in Pathum Thani to Samut Prakan, stretching 55.95 kilometres and covering 47 stations.
According to the S44 order, the Interior Ministry will set up a committee to iron out criteria for sharing train-fare benefits between City Hall and the concessionaire of the two extensions.
The committee will be chaired by the ministry's permanent secretary. Other members include the director of the Budget Bureau, permanent secretary for finance, secretary-general of the Council of State, secretary-general of Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council and the Attorney-General.
The panel will be obliged to hold joint talks with the concessionaire about the benefit sharing criteria within 30 days of it being set up.
