"The tender process is aimed to ensure transparency and it will be acceptable if the process delays the project's completion," said Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen.

He is confident that the bidding to procure a contractor for the Red Line from Bang Sue to Taling Chan will begin next month.

MRTA governor Prapat Chongsanguan said the state agency's board would discuss the matter on Tuesday and was ready to follow the ministry's policy.

MRTA's board has already approved the appointment of design consultants for two lines. AEC Group has a Bt53.9-million deal for the Purple Line and BMTC Group a Bt223.4-million deal for the Blue Line.

MRTA said both groups had experience in this area.

Prapat expressed concern that the MRTA would face a complaint or legal action from the groups if it had to change to a bidding process to award such deals.

"The change to the tender process means we have to go back to square one and will mean a further delay to the mass-transit system," he added.

Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said the ministry had already ordered all state transport agencies to use the tender process. This is to avoid allegations of corruption.

"The agencies can resort to the special procurement process if the project is urgent, but those in charge have to be able to explain to the public why they have done so," he said.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation