High-speed railways to rival air travel, deputy minister warns

High-speed railways to rival air travel, deputy minister warns

The new deputy minister of transport urges the Department of Airports to get ready to compete with high-speed trains - and clean up the drab regional airports. (Image via Bombardier.com)
The new deputy minister of transport urges the Department of Airports to get ready to compete with high-speed trains - and clean up the drab regional airports. (Image via Bombardier.com)

Newly-appointed Deputy Transport Minister Pailin Chuchottaworn has warned the Department of Airports (DOA) the domestic aviation industry will face stiff competition from railways in the near future, with high-speed trains due to come on line in the next few years.

His comments came during a visit to the DOA on Wednesday, when he outlined future policies to the department.

"In three to four years' time, we will see high-speed railways being completed, especially in the northeastern region," he said. "People, out of curiosity, would naturally opt to try this new mode of transport, even if it may cost more than air fares.

"The possible income consequences are something that airports must soon acknowledge," he added.

Mr Pailin said the DOA should look at diversifying into "non-aero" income, such as selling more products at airports.

He also said the interiors of DOA airports should look more appealing to passengers.

DOA director-general Daroon Saengchai said the department began improving the interiors of its airports since late last year, after it decided to change its official colour scheme and employee uniforms.

He said possible revenue options include public-private partnerships (PPP), where local or non-local private companies can invest in airport development plans.

These plans will be finalised by the end of the year.

According to a DOA report, the department's airports spent around 805 million baht in operating expenses, acquiring 1.4-billion-baht in revenue in 2017. It said profit amounted to around 580 million baht.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith instructed Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) to review food and beverage prices at all its airports, after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said regular checks must be carried out on prices at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.

The premier was reacting to complaints from a Japanese Facebook user with the online name "Akihiro Koki Tomikawa" who criticised Don Mueang for selling food at excessively high prices, claiming he bought a bottle of water at the airport for 40 baht.

The man, reportedly a businessman, also claimed airport taxes in Thailand are higher than those at other airports in Southeast Asia.

An official statement later released by the AOT, which operates both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, said businesses which sell items in its airports can mark up prices by a maximum of 25%.

The statement also said that the AOT conducts regular checks at shops in its airports.

Dispensers providing free water are available at the airports, as well as stalls selling food at cheap prices, it added.

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