Mega-projects ? Mega-Power Plays

The Mega-Projects are still in the limbo… With mega delays and mega uncertainties about financing…

And now, of course, mega struggles, conflicting interests, and probably a lot of dirty power plays behind the curtains.

It’s the run for the cash.

The mega-projects could be the next large big cash cow. Therefore, it’s important that friends can enjoy some of the windfalls…

Transport Minister Santi Prompat has insisted that changes at the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) are not politically motivated nor influenced by personal conflicts.

He said that the changes were aimed at bringing progress to the nine-route mass-transit project, following the lack of progress during the past three months. One of the goals is for the ministry to reimburse the construction budget of Bt275 billion within this year.

Yesterday, the Cabinet approved the demotion of Maitree Srinarawat, director-general of OTP. As Maitree will be the inspector-general of the Transport Ministry, his position at the OTP will be taken by inspector-general Soithip Trisuddhi. The resolution took effect immediately.

Maitree could not be reached for comment.

Maitree is the third senior official of the Transport Ministry to be demoted outside the regular reshuffle season in the stint of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravek.

However, a ministry source said that the Cabinet approval of Maitree’s demotion was politically motivated as the government is eager to see the mass-transit project materialise as soon as possible. (Nation)