Santi to carry over transport projects

These include mass transit, Suvarnabhumi Airport expansion and a natural-gas-for-vehicle (NGV) bus fleet.

"All policies from the previous government will go forward, and we'll rush the nine suburban electric-train routes," Santi said after arriving at the ministry accompanied by new deputies Sophon Salum and Varawut Silapa-archa.

He said some train projects had suffered delays, due to scrutiny for transparency.

The infrastructure projects, phase II of the airport expansion and the requisition of 4,000 NGV buses, were vital for economic development and the rapid-transit system.

"I must admit that political instability has affected mega-project investment. But under the new government, the situation should improve, and this will restore investor confidence. I insist that the ministry has clear guidelines in proceeding with large-scale projects," he told reporters.

Topping the priority list are the Bt77-billion Bang Sue-Rangsit route, Bt33-billion Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue-Hua Mark routes, Bt31-billion Green Line, Bt24.6-billion Light-Green Line, Bt80.4-billion Blue Line and Bt50-billion Purple Line. Suvarnabhumi Airport's expansion will cost Bt73.7 billion.

While Varawut has not learned of his responsibilities , Sophon is expected to oversee the departments that were under his predecessor Songsak Thongsri: the Land Transport Department, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and Airports of Thailand.

Transport permanent secretary Chaisawat Kittipornpaibul said he would step down as chairman of Thai Airways International  and the State Railway of Thailand after his retirement this month. His successor as permanent secretary will be Surachai Thansithiphong.