Settlement on “Missing Link” not true

BANGKOK, Dec 17 (TNA) -- There is still no settlement on an ongoing negotiations between the government and the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Co, Ltd (BEM) on the Blue Line train service on Bangkok outskirts to fill a gap in a section known as the “missing link”, said a government spokesman. Spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the problem is not yet settled as approval must be given by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha. The public and business entrepreneurs should “not believe” about the rumour that the talks on the issue have ended, said the spokesman, adding that settlement on the problem must be based on maximum benefits to be achieved by commuters and on a reasonable profits to be received by the state. Gen Prayut in his capacity as the leader of the National Council for Peace and Order wanted to solve the problem in line with the 2013 Private Investments in State Undertakings Act in order to create continuity and a same train service network, Lt Gen Sansern said. Gen Prayut earlier this week expressed his frustration over the slow progress in resolving the problem on the “missing link” between the existing Blue Line, which ends at Bangkok’s Bang Sue station, and the recently opened Purple Line, which runs from Nonthaburi to Tao Pun stations. The two lines are supposed to be connected but a missing link remains, forcing an inconvenient for train commuters. (TNA)