GPC International Terminal Co., Ltd.Private± Mixed
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Phiphat Demands Accountability Over Substandard Sand Fill at Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 Berth F
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Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 development project, specifically the land reclamation work at Berth F, still cannot hand over the area to the private sector because of a problem with the density of the sand fill, or the relative density, of the fill material below water level at Berth F. The specification given to the contractor, the CNNC group, differs from the specification set in the handover conditions for the concessionaire, the GPC joint venture. The Port Authority of Thailand is currently holding discussions with the consulting firm, the designer, the contractor and the concessionaire to reach a resolution, with priority given to safety. Phiphat said the GPC group had earlier submitted a letter demanding 4 billion baht in compensation, but no negotiations on the matter have taken place. He insisted there will be no "stupidity payment," and that the facts must be examined to determine where the error originated and who must be held responsible. He stressed that if damage occurs, someone will definitely be held accountable. On the policy of reducing the role of Bangkok Port, or Klong Toey Port, Phiphat confirmed that port services will be consolidated at Laem Chabang Port alone, so that the current Bangkok Port area can be developed commercially to generate more revenue for the Port Authority of Thailand. He assigned the Port Authority to study the feasibility. If still necessary, some areas might be retained only where essential, such as for handling goods that require speed, like fresh food or fresh fruit. If the study shows it can be done, he wants the Bangkok Port operation closed 100 percent. However, no clear timeframe can yet be set, because it involves the management of 26 communities around Bangkok Port. If the communities must be relocated, the Port Authority must build replacement housing and carry this out gradually in phases.