The government will hold a discussion with the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) on Monday after the former’s invocation of Section 44 of the interim Constitution to speed up the implementation of the 250-km Thai-Chinese high-speed train project between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.

EIT president Thanet Veerasiri said that the EIT agreed in principle with the government’s wish to speed up the project in cooperation with the Chinese government, but has reservations over some aspects of the deal.

He pointed out that, for instances, no Thai engineers are involved in the implementation of the project and this means there will be no technological transfer from Chinese engineers to Thai engineers who will be responsible for maintenance and services after the completion of the project.

“This is necessary in the long run. It is not just about construction and everything is over,” said Mr Thanet.

He went on saying that Section 44 will enable Chinese engineers to work here without having to register with the EIT, which is against the norm of practice and will create double-standard practice among foreign engineers, especially Asean engineers who are required to go through qualifications process.

Meanwhile, Mr Amorn Pimarnmat, secretary-general of Council of Engineers, insisted that Chinese engineers must be required to register with the EIT, but the registration process could be shortened to 2-3 months instead of 5-6 months as normally practiced.

He added that construction workers and materials to be used in the project must be locally sourced.