Bangkok: Negotiations have collapsed as representatives from China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Company Limited expressed dissatisfaction during discussions, insisting that they did not owe any outstanding payments and abruptly walked out. The meeting was arranged to address the issue of unpaid wages for subcontractors involved in the construction project of the new Office of the Auditor General of Thailand building.
According to Thai News Agency, the ITD-CREC Joint Venture Coordination Center, a collaboration between Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Company Limited, met with Kao PK Company Limited (9PK) to negotiate the outstanding payments owed to small contractors. Mr. Thitiphong Pothiprom, also known as Chang Bird, who is leading the electrical system installation, attended the meeting to discuss the unpaid wages owed to his team.
Mr. Chatchai Srithipyarat, Managing Director of 9PK Company Limited, explained that they were contracted by the ITD-CREC Joint Venture for 520 million baht to install the electrical system. However, the joint venture had only paid 110 million baht of the 190 million baht owed, leaving 9PK Company with over 80 million baht in unpaid dues. This financial shortfall has left 9PK unable to pay their subcontractors, including Mr. Thitiphong and his team, who are owed a collective 9 million baht.
In previous negotiations, 9PK Company requested the return of a 5 million baht construction deposit from the ITD-CREC Joint Venture to alleviate their financial strain. They also sought approval for the remaining 4 million baht to settle their debts with subcontractors. However, the Chinese representatives remained firm in their stance, claiming all payments had been made and dismissing the claims of 9PK Company.
The tension during the meeting escalated when the Chinese representative stood up, expressing dissatisfaction and refusing to acknowledge any outstanding debts. Despite 9PK's attempts to present documents supporting their claims, the representative insisted that no money was owed and left the meeting without further discussion.
Mr. Thitiphong expressed frustration over the lack of resolution, stating that the Chinese company had previously agreed to pay, but their recent actions contradicted this commitment. He suggested a private meeting between the contractor and the Chinese company to find a solution, excluding 9PK from future discussions.
The contractors, including Mr. Thitiphong, plan to meet with the Chinese representatives again to resolve the issue. They hope to secure payment before the Songkran festival and have already begun preparing documentation to facilitate the process.
The situation remains unresolved, with the contractors awaiting a final decision from the Chinese company. Mr. Thitiphong emphasized the urgency of the matter, as many workers have already been paid in advance, and a timely resolution is necessary to ensure all parties are compensated fairly.