Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved the return of land rights for the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center in U-Tapao to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), enabling a fresh auction or allowing private companies to invest. Thai Airways has also secured a new partner for investment, and the contract for the high-speed rail linking three airports is set to be submitted to the Cabinet in July, with private sector signing anticipated in August.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECPC), stated that the Cabinet acknowledged the EECPC’s decision to cancel the previous Cabinet resolution from October 30, 2018. This resolution had initially granted the U-Tapao MRO Center project to Thai Airways in collaboration with Airbus. With the cancellation of the original resolution, the EEC is now permitted to lease the land to the private sector for new project development.
Consideration is underway on whether to open a bid for a new MRO project, with a limited number of private sectors capable of investing in such a venture. Potential private investors may collaborate on this project, and Thai Airways remains eligible to participate by partnering with other investors, given its sizable fleet that can be serviced domestically.
The initiative aims to commence investment in the U-Tapao MRO project this year, aligning with plans for a second runway and a new passenger terminal at U-Tapao Airport. If investment begins this year, the MRO facility is expected to be operational by 2029.
Mr. Chula mentioned that if the MRO project does not undergo an auction, private investors-either Thai or foreign-will be invited to invest, adhering to legal considerations.
Regarding the progress of the high-speed rail project connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports, the Attorney General is currently reviewing the draft contract. Once finalized, it will be presented to the EEC meeting in June, followed by submission to the Cabinet in July. A new contract with the private sector is expected to be signed by August 2025, with no hindrances in site handover, allowing construction to commence post-signing.
Mr. Chula noted that the Attorney General’s review focuses primarily on ensuring legal clarity and compliance. Once reviewed, the contract will proceed to the NESDB board and subsequently to the Cabinet for approval.