Former Pheu Thai official analyzes RFT lawsuit against CP group over 13.3 billion baht airport rail link rights

Key summary

Dr. Samart Rachapolsri, former deputy head of the Pheu Thai Party and former Bangkok Metropolitan Administration deputy governor, posted an analysis on Facebook on October 24, 2026, regarding the State Railway of Thailand's (RFT) lawsuit against Asia Era Wan Co., Ltd. (CP Group). The RFT sued eight parties, including the contractor, guarantor banks, and insurance companies, at the Central Administrative Court to recover rights fees for the Airport Rail Link totaling approximately 13,335.94 million baht, including interest. Dr. Samart outlined five key issues: the integration of the Airport Rail Link into the broader three-airport high-speed rail project; the contractual obligation for the concessionaire to pay the fee by October 24, 2026, which was missed due to COVID-19 impacts and subsequent government consideration but not automatic debt cancellation; the calculation of the claim including principal and interest; potential defense arguments regarding project delays, lack of Notice to Proceed (NTP), and contract termination clauses; and the government's need to balance state interests with contractual fairness while the case proceeds in court.