Transport Minister Denies 4 Billion Baht 'Waste' in Laem Chabang Port Expansion

Thailand's Transport Minister, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, has firmly denied allegations of a 4 billion baht ('waste' - approximately 16 billion JPY) concerning land reclamation work for the Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 expansion project. The minister revealed that he has instructed relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the origins of this issue and find a swift resolution. The allegations are believed to have arisen from concerns regarding financial opacity and the contracting process within the port's expansion project. Laem Chabang Port is a crucial international trade hub in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), located on the Gulf of Thailand, and its expansion holds a vital position in Thailand's economic growth strategy. However, for projects involving substantial public funds, transparency and accountability are strongly demanded. The Ministry of Transport plans to expedite the clarification of facts, potentially by forming an independent investigative team from outside to address these allegations. To maintain public trust and ensure the smooth progress of the project, the minister has urged relevant departments to ensure full information disclosure and provide clear explanations to the public. Source: MGR Online (Business)