The Central Administrative Court today (August 23) dismissed a request by the Transport Ministry for a retrial of the controversial case involving Hopewell (Thailand) Co Ltd.&nbsp;

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The Supreme Administrative Court had ruled on March 21 that the ministry and the State Railway of Thailand must jointly repay Bt11.888 billion (US$386,978,176) to the Hong Kong-based company , following a concession dispute.

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Today's ruling meant that the arguments put forward by both complainants were based on factual information in past verification of contract conditions, which were not permissible under court procedural rules.

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Transport Minister Saksyam Chidchob said after the court's decision in the morning that he would seek legal counsels with the Office of Attorney General, before the six-month deadline on the repayment of the so-called "cost of stupidity" to Hopewell is due in October.