SRT Electrified Train Company (SRTET) already runs the Red Line commuter rail. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has asked it to prepare to take over management of the Airport Rail Link. That would happen if Asia Era One’s operating contract lapses on September 30.
Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Chandrasopha, a board member and acting SRTET director, said the company is ready to run the Airport Rail Link. He expects it will need about a month to prepare, mainly to recruit and organise staff.
For SRTET to take over the moment the current contract ends, SRT needs to settle the terms of that operating arrangement. It needs to confirm them by September 1.
“We have no concerns about running the Airport Rail Link operationally, since we’ve managed this project before,” Kongsak said. “But we do need time to prepare staffing. The fastest option we’re looking at is transferring Asia Era One’s existing employees over to SRTET, so we can keep the service running without interruption.”
Kongsak said SRTET estimates it would need around 300 staff to run the Airport Rail Link. The company would manage the project and pass revenue to SRT directly, without setting up a new subsidiary.
SRTET is now waiting on SRT to finalise the contract terms and pay rate. If that isn’t settled in time for SRTET’s one-month preparation window, SRT may instead extend a short-term contract with the current operator. That would buy SRTET more time.
“If SRTET takes the trains back, we’ll need to keep running services for passengers while also pushing through maintenance work. We’re considering bringing in Siemens to help with interim maintenance before a full overhaul on the usual schedule, so some trains would likely be in for maintenance at the same time others are running,” Kongsak said.
SRTET maintains the transition will take at least a month. It’s asking SRT for clarity on how the project will be managed. That would let it start surveying the assets and rolling stock, and sort out the legal basis for taking over the Airport Rail Link. Once SRT settles the contract terms, the SRT board must approve them before they’re reported to the Cabinet.
The looming end of Asia Era One’s contract stems from the current agreement’s September 30 expiry date. Rights to run the Airport Rail Link are tied to the joint investment contract for the high-speed rail line. That line links Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports. That contract is currently under review. SRT is weighing two options: amend it, or terminate it.
The Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) has proposed a way forward. It’s waiting for a meeting of the EEC Policy Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, to decide between two paths.
The first would proceed with amendments already agreed by the EEC Policy Committee. That follows an amended draft contract reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General. The draft would then go to Cabinet for approval, before both sides sign the revised agreement.
The second would end the contract altogether. That path opens up if the committee decides the contract can’t be amended. SRT and its private partner would then have to review their legal options.
SRT sources say the agency is waiting on the EEC Policy Committee meeting to weigh in on both options — proceeding under existing Cabinet and committee resolutions, or terminating the joint investment contract. The private consortium has already submitted a request to SRT, dated July 6, to negotiate an end to the contract. It argues the project can’t move forward without the amendment.
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The story State Railway Unit readies takeover plan for Airport Rail Link as seen on Thaiger News.
