BMA Vows to Clear THB 30 Billion Green Line Debt Within 30 Days
Bangkok authorities are in negotiations with BTSC, offering a partial payment to settle the dispute and avoid rising interest costs
- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has vowed to resolve its over 30 billion baht debt owed to the Green Line operator, BTSC, within 30 days.
- The debt stems from outstanding operations and maintenance fees, and a settlement is complicated by stalled negotiations and an ongoing lawsuit filed by BTSC.
- Bangkok's Governor is assessing the BMA's financial reserves to cover the payment and has confirmed a resolution will be determined within the promised timeframe.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has committed to resolving its 30 billion baht debt for the Green Line electric railway within 30 days.
The BMA owes Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC) over 31.5 billion baht for outstanding operations and maintenance (O&M) fees.
The announcement comes after a special committee report revealed the full extent of the debt, which includes principal and interest.
According to Kanoknuch Klinsung, a Bangkok Council member on the committee, the total outstanding amount includes 12.2 billion baht from a lawsuit filed between 2021 and 2022, and another 17.1 billion baht from November 2022 to December 2024. An additional 8.3 billion baht is expected to be added in 2025.
Negotiations between the BMA, represented by its company Krungthep Thanakom, and BTSC have stalled.
The BMA has proposed paying a portion of the debt on the condition that BTSC unconditionally withdraws its legal action. If no agreement is reached, the matter would be settled in the Central Administrative Court.
For its part, BTSC has countered by demanding full payment by October 2025, warning that any late payments would incur an interest rate of MLR+1%.
The committee has advised the BMA to accelerate negotiations, warning that a failure to resolve the issue would lead to continuous increases in interest and potential fiscal damage.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has acknowledged the report and said the BMA is currently checking its financial reserves to determine if there is enough to cover the payment. He confirmed that all proposals and details would be reviewed, and a resolution would be found within 30 days.
