The Central Administrative Court has ordered the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Krung Thep Thanakom Co., Ltd., to pay 11 billion baht to Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC) within 180 days, covering the debt for Green Line operation and maintenance (O&M) fees, plus interest.
The ruling mandates that the BMA and Krung Thep Thanakom honor their contract and settle the outstanding amount for services provided to operate and maintain the first and second phases of the Green Line extension between June 2021 and October 2022. The payment, including accrued interest, must be completed within 180 days of the court’s decision.
BMA officials have not yet consulted with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt or senior officials regarding whether to appeal the ruling. They noted that pursuing an appeal could result in higher interest charges if the court’s decision is upheld.
In August, BTSC CEO Surapong Laoha-Unya disclosed that, despite a previous Supreme Administrative Court ruling requiring BMA to repay 37 billion baht, there are still unpaid fees related to the Green Line extensions.
The remaining debts, according to Surapong, are divided into three parts:
- Second portion: O&M fees from June 2021 to October 2022, totaling 12.61 billion baht (including 10.13 billion in principal and 2.48 billion in interest). This differs from the court’s recent ruling due to differences in interest calculations.
- Third portion: O&M fees from November 2021 to December 2024, totaling 17.60 billion baht (15.76 billion in principal and 1.83 billion in interest).
- Final portion: O&M fees from January to May 2025, totaling 3.70 billion baht (3.65 billion in principal and approximately 47 million in interest).
The current BMA administration, which did not sign the original contract, is taking a cautious stance. The officials appear to be waiting for a court order before making any payments, likely as a safeguard to avoid potential future legal challenges.