006 Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Annual Report 2013 007 Message from MRTA’s Chairperson Since the very first day of taking up the position of Chairman of the MRTA’s Board of Directors, my intention was clear. As mandated by the government policy, I was to drive the execution of the mass transit system’s projects to ensure that they are completed successfully as planned. My other goal was to bring about changes which would lead to sustainable growth for MRTA. Under my guidance, MRTA would achieve its target status as the principle organisation to operate and manage the mass rapid transit projects as well as amassing all knowhow related to Thailand’s mass rapid transit system. In 2013, there were several challenges that were both complex and multifaceted, in particular, to expedite the execution of the MRT projects so that all contracts concerned can be signed by 2015 in line with the government policy. Consequently, I and the MRTA Board of Directors, as MRTA’s supervisor have thrown our full support behind the management in their efforts to advance works in accordance to the set deadlines and plans. I am therefore delighted to report that substantial progress has been made as planned. In Fiscal Year 2013, MRTA signed two contracts: the construction contract for the Green Line’s (Bearing - Samut Prakarn Section) track works and the Concession Agreement for Purple Line (Bang Yai - Bang Sue Section). In Fiscal Year 2013, MRTA’s financial results showed significantly high net profits of THB14,909 million, compared to losses of THB955 million in Fiscal Year 2012 and losses of THB11,000 million in Fiscal Year 2011 due to the instigation of MRTA’s foreign exchange risk management. With the Public Debt Management Office’s co-operation and help, certain portions of MRTA’s Japanese Yen loans were repaid early while Cross Currency Swap transactions with financial institutions were completed on MRTA’s behalf. Aside from these, the weakened value of the Japanese Yen led to exceptionally high profits for MRTA as the Japanese Yen loans were marked to the market and realised. Provided that MRTA continues to manage its foreign exchange risk management appropriately and completely, MRTA’s overall performance should become stable and sustainable. I, as the MRTA’s Chairperson of its Board of Directors, am more determined than ever to continue driving all MRT projects under MRTA’s responsibility to ensure that all lines commence their operations in line with their targeted plans so that the public - in Bangkok and surrounding provinces can enjoy convenient, speedy and safe public transport service. We would like to express our gratitude to all our stakeholders for their support, especially the members of the public who have been affected by the MRT system construction works and land acquisition, MRTA executives and staff at all levels, all our contractors and service providers as well as the government agencies. All have played an important role in helping us to advance our project works and to safeguard the public’s interest and to help further Thailand’s development. (Miss Rachanee Tripipatkul) MRTA Chairperson 008 Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Annual Report 2013 009 Message from the Governor The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has been pursuing its vision, “To be the main provider of efficient Mass Transit services that improve people’s quality of life” by creating extensive MRT network that extensively connects and covers Bangkok and nearby provinces. In fiscal year 2013, MRTA’s projects have progressed substantially. The projects under construction are: Purple Line North Project (Bang Yai-Bang Sue Section, 23 km.): the construction started late 2009 and has progressed by 74.72% as of September 2013. MRTA also signed a PPP contract for the procurement of M&E system and operation services. The target service date is middle of 2016. Blue Line Extension Project (Hua Lamphong-Bang Kae and Bang Sue-Tha Pra Sections, 27 km.): the constructions started in 2011 and has progressed by 42.62% as of September 2013. The target service date is middle of 2017. Green Line South Project (Bearing-Samut Prakarn Section, 13 km.): the construction started early 2012 and has progressed by 14.92% as of September 2013. The target service date is middle of 2017. Moreover, MRTA has been mandated by the government to implement 5 new MRT projects: Green Line North Project (Mo Chit-Sapan Mai-Khu khot Section, 18.2 km.): the cabinet approved the construction and tender in October 2013. Construction is targeted to start around the end of 2014 and the service is targeted in 2018. The projects in advanced stage of expecting Cabinet’s approval by third quarter of 2014 are Orange Line East Project (Thailand Cultural Centre-Min Buri Section, 21.2 km.) and Pink Line Project (Khae Rai-Min Buri Section, 34.5 km.). The projects in advanced stage of design and feasibility study by middle of 2014 are Purple Line South Project (Tao Poon-Rat Burana Section, 21 km.), Orange Line West Project (Taling Chan-Thailand Cultural Centre Section, 18 km.) and Yellow Line Project (Lad Prao-Samrong Section, 30.4 km.). It is hoped that these MRT lines that cover Bangkok and the surrounding provinces would help reduce the traffic problem, raise the standard of living and boost the country’s economy substantially. For other endeavors to enhance services to the passengers, increase revenues in order to reduce government’s burden in providing subsidy for public transportation, and to lower the fare price, to increase means to remedy land acquisition, as well as to promote the growth of smart and sustainable city development. MRTA has a policy to cooperate with various sectors to develop and promote the utilization of properties around MRT stations with the objectives of raising the transportation efficiency and the frequency of MRT use by the public. On corporate social responsibility, in 2013, MRTA initiated MRTA Volunteer Spirit activity to help communities along the MRT lines of MRTA to improve schools with learning and teaching materials, to name a few. MRTA also organized the campaign “MRTA Biking to Reduce Energy Consumption and Protect Environment”. In addition, MRTA promote the so called “BMW,” or Bike Metro Walk, as the outside station design concept to enhance commuting to and from MRT stations, with the aim to further improve traffic congestion, save energy and better health benefits. Furthermore, MRTA pay special attention to environment and transparency under the “Clean & Green” concept, which included better remedies for those affected by the projects whether by the constructions, the structures, the expropriation, and the traffic problems, etc. MRTA’s achievements cannot be without the collaboration of MRTA’s staff and its business partners. I would also like to specially thank you the MRTA Board of Directors and the Sub-Committees for their continued supports. Although the mission to build and operate 6 MRT lines, with a total length of more than 200 km., almost 200 stations, and investment budget of more than 600 billion baht, is a big leap forward for MRTA, given its past 20 km. MRT line, but we at MRTA are confident to meet the objectives and targets, in order to provide such highly anticipated and needed MRT network throughout Bangkok and its vicinities in the near future. (Mr. Yongsit Rojsrikul) Governor of Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand General Information of the State Enterprise Background and History of MRTA In Bangkok the traffic problem has intensified as each year passes. In 1971, with the assistance from the German Government to the Thai Government, a group of experts was sent to Thailand in order to study, survey and set a master plan for traffic and transportation in Bangkok. Accordingly, a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system was recommended. In terms of the solution for the travelling and traffic problems in Bangkok, the Announcement of the National Executive Council No. 290, dated 27 November 1972, authorized setting up the Expressway Authority of Thailand to construct “special routes” consisting of express ways and Mass Rapid Transit system which have already been carried out by the Expressway Authority of Thailand respectively. Later on the government considered the traffic congestion in Bangkok has worsened, therefore, the operation of MRT should be speeded up to facilitate travelling without private cars. Thus, the Cabinet issued a Resolution on July 28, 1992 to approve establishing a state enterprise under the supervision of the Office of the Prime Minister to be responsible for the conduct of the MRT projects in Bangkok and its vicinities. Consequently, the Royal Decree Establishing the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority B.E. 2535 (1992) or MRTA was announced (published in the Government Gazette, Vol. 109, Part 90, on August 20, 1992) in accordance with the Act on the Establishment of the Government Organizations B.E. 2496 (1953). Owing to the Royal Decree Establishing the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority B.E. 2535’s lack of comprehensive provisions for the establishment, management and services of mass transportation by MRT, including the public safety, The MRTA is severely limited legally thereby affecting its ability to provide efficient services. In the mean time. MRT need has been increasing rapidly. Therefore, the Royal Decree Establishing the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand B.E. 2543 (2000) was announced (published in the Government Gazette, Vol. 117, Part 114 A.) on December 1, 2000) establishing the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, with abbreviation “MRTA”. For the tasks of improving the authority and duties of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority to enable the transit business to be operated more systematically and efficiently. In particular, the authority is to ensure the safety of the operation of the transit business and its passengers.