Civic networks slammed the government Sunday for merging development of areas near the Makkasan railway station into the terms of reference (ToR) for the 200-billion-baht high-speed train megaproject linking the country's main three international airports.
Speaking during a seminar on corruption in the state policy on the project, Metha Matkhao, secretary-general of the 1992 May Heroes Relatives Committee, called on the government to amend the ToR as its details served only leading firms due to the project's high value.
According to the ToR, the contractor will supervise the construction of the high-speed railway connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports plus the development of the State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) land and train maintenance depot at Makkasan station.
Mr Metha said the practice did not benefit the public and the nation as it barred other companies from bidding for the project which also breached the constitution.
He proposed the SRT establish an affiliated company to handle this project while the bidding should be staged next year under the new government's administration as it would be easier for the public to scrutinise its policies and operations.
The move came after the bid envelope for the project was opened during June 18 to July 9.
According to the SRT, 31 leading Thai and foreign construction firms bought the bid envelopes. They included 16 companies from Thailand, seven from China, three from Japan, two each from Malaysia and France and one from Italy.
Bids must be in by Nov 12 and the winner will be named the next day.
The high-speed train is also backed by the government's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development plan which covers the three eastern provinces of Rayong, Chachoengsao and Chon Buri.
Adul Kheawborriboon, the president of the 1992 May Heroes Relatives Committee, said the bid winner would be offered a 50-year contract to use the land that can be extended for another 49 years, resulting in 99 years in total.
Mr Adul claimed some companies' executives said this project was more worthy of investment than the EEC.
He said he would also lodge a petition with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, his deputy Somkid Jatusripitak, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith and the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) next week.
Mr Adul said he was disappointed with the state's scrutiny mechanisms, particularly those overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
As for the EEC project, former finance minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala doubted why the Investment Promotion Act was not applied to the project.
Instead, he said, the government drafted the Eastern Economic Corridor Act to serve tycoons and foreign investors, especially the 99-year leases.
According to the law, income and machinery taxes including part of labour tax are exempt, he said.