The Railway Workers' Confederation (RWC) has slammed a draft rail transport bill which it says could make it possible for the privatisation of state rail services and infrastructure.
The draft is currently being deliberated by the Council of State. If approved, it will be sent back to the cabinet, which will forward it to parliament.
RWC president, Suwit Sumanon, said it paves the way for the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), which was established in April this year, to act as the operator of rail services, in addition to overseeing the entire operations.
Mr Suwit said some sections of the bill may lead to the transfer of ownership of existing rail tracks, stations, and other supporting facilities to the DRT.
"Since the bill also grants the DRT the power to hand over the construction of rail projects and operations to the private sector through licensing agreements, assets and properties that currently belong to the State Railway of Thailand could end up in the hands of the private sector," he said.
He cited the TOT and CAT -- two state-owned telecom operators which were privatised but ended up failing to compete with competitors from the private sector.
"The bill has a broad impact, but no efforts have been made to gauge public opinion about it," said Mr Suwit, before adding that the DRT should only act as a regulator.
Thai Labour Solidarity Committee president, Sawit Kaewwan, said that if passed, the bill will see the formation of a rail transport board that will be chaired by the prime minister.
"It is highly unlikely that someone will challenge the board's proposals," he said.