Supachai demands explanation on investments' yields
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Supachai Jaisamut, Bhumjaithai MP urges the Yingluck Shinawatra government to better explain how it will recoup the Bt2 trillion money invested in infrastructure, particularly hi-speed train.
Supachai said during the first-day of the House debate Thursday that while tickets are most likely be highly priced it will not be enough to recoup the huge investment that will be put into the projects.
Though stating that the government has good intention, Supachai nevertheless said it’s difficult for him to conceive how the government will repay the loan through money generated from ticket sales alone.
Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt defended the government scheme, saying land development and business expansion due to the introduction of hi-speed train links will and the resulting economic growth will eventually offset the investment.
Democrat Party MP for Bangkok Rachada Dhnadirek criticised the government for failing to conduct environmental impact assessment (EIA) on 15 out of 55 proposed projects. She added that the 15 projects cost Bt1.1 trillion or half of the total proposed budget and this alone should compel the government to conduct thorough studies before putting it on the table anew.
