Thailand : Greater Mekong Subregion Highway Expansion Phase 2 Project
The project includes: (i) upgrading National Highway (NH) 22 and NH23 sections from their present single 2-lane carriageway to 4-lane carriageways with a median; and (ii) strengthening capacity in road safety management. The project road sections span about 142.422 kilometers (km) traversing the four provinces of Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, and Yasothon in northeastern Thailand covering 10 districts, 29 sub-districts, and 64 villages. Road sections for expansion are 54.514 km for NH22 and 55.057 km for NH23. The works for road safety purpose under all civil works packages have a total length of 32.851 km, as a result of technical adjustments at the time of bid documents finalization and reflected in the contractors' contracts. They involve median works, and improvement of pavement within the existing right-of-way (ROW). Furthermore, three truck rest areas have been established to offer quality driving environment.
Project Details
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Project Officer
Roop, James A.
Southeast Asia Department
Request for information -
Country/Economy
Thailand -
Modality
-
Sector
- Transport
| Project Name | Greater Mekong Subregion Highway Expansion Phase 2 Project | ||||
| Project Number | 41682-039 | ||||
| Country / Economy | Thailand |
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| Project Status | Active | ||||
| Project Type / Modality of Assistance | Loan |
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| Source of Funding / Amount |
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| Strategic Agendas | Inclusive economic growth Regional integration |
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| Drivers of Change | Knowledge solutions |
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| Sector / Subsector | Transport / Road transport (non-urban) |
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| Gender | No gender elements | ||||
| Description | The project includes: (i) upgrading National Highway (NH) 22 and NH23 sections from their present single 2-lane carriageway to 4-lane carriageways with a median; and (ii) strengthening capacity in road safety management. The project road sections span about 142.422 kilometers (km) traversing the four provinces of Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, and Yasothon in northeastern Thailand covering 10 districts, 29 sub-districts, and 64 villages. Road sections for expansion are 54.514 km for NH22 and 55.057 km for NH23. The works for road safety purpose under all civil works packages have a total length of 32.851 km, as a result of technical adjustments at the time of bid documents finalization and reflected in the contractors' contracts. They involve median works, and improvement of pavement within the existing right-of-way (ROW). Furthermore, three truck rest areas have been established to offer quality driving environment. To enhance the road safety features of the upgrading of the sections, the road design was subjected to detailed road safety audits before construction commences, during construction, and before final acceptance of the completed roads. The project has also strengthened the government's capacity in road safety management through safety awareness training and hands-on experience in road safety audits. |
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| Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy | According to Thailand 4.0 and 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan, 2017-2021, the Government of Thailand has been further promoting its economic reform by rehabilitating, modernizing, and expanding Thailand transport infrastructure, which will in turn upgrade key business clusters, attract new industries, and enhance competitiveness of the country in the region. The government's strategic goal is to strengthen connectivity throughout the country by expanding the road network, transforming railway lines from single track to double track, introducing high-speed rail, and building an urban mass rapid transit system. The ADB's country partnership strategy (CPS) and related country operations business plans with Thailand are fully aligned with these Government's priorities, including on strengthening connectivity and facilitating regional cooperation and integration (RCI) through infrastructure development. Thailand also accords importance to RCI through its active engagement with the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) program in promoting connectivity, competitiveness and community through economic corridor development, among others. The project has improved National Highway (NH) 22 and NH 23, both of which are located in northeast Thailand contributing to better domestic connectivity, and serving as key link roads in the vicinity of the GMS East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) running from Viet Nam through the Lao PDR and Thailand to Myanmar, linking economic centers in the GMS providing increased opportunities for trade and investment flows toward greater regional integration. |
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| Impact | Access to social and economic opportunities enhanced (the Twelfth National Economic and Social Development Plan 2017 -2021) |
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| Project Outcome | |
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| Description of Outcome | Efficiency and safety of movements of goods and people improved |
| Progress Toward Outcome | All civil works (output 1) were completed between November 2020 and October 2021. For road safety management (output 2), road safety audits at pre-construction (one time), during construction (three times), and post-construction (six times) were completed with recommendations duly being considered by EA and contractors. Road safety campaigns and awareness trainings were provided to road users, including students and communities. Safeguards: The Grievance Redress Working Groups (GRWG), established for each of the 6 packages, had been meeting at least every two months to discuss concerns, remedial measures and follow-up actions. Due to restrictions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, GRWG meetings were suspended from November 2020 to December 2021. DOH's online complaint system was ended since completion of the construction work in November 2021. Environment: The project's COVID-19 health and safety plan were completed by the DOH, construction supervision consultant (CSC) and the contractors, and its implementation had been closely monitored. Compliance with environmental safeguards has been generally satisfactory. Seven Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Reports (SEMR) were uploaded on the ADB's project website. Social: Monitoring of compliance to social safeguards was completed. Six Semi-Annual Social Safeguards Monitoring Reports (SSMR) were uploaded on the ADBs project website. Labor standards, health and safety: Core labor standards and its applicable laws and regulations, including health and safety concerns, were complied with the project requirement. Awareness-raising activities on HIV/AIDS and human trafficking had been completed. DOH, CSC and contractors had educated all employees and workers of infection prevention and control measures as part of the COVID-19 health and safety plan implementation. COVID-19 related updates were reported in the last project's quarterly report No. 13. Gender: Gender and development elements were mainstreamed in the resettlement plan. Payment was differentiated based on skills in accordance with the relevant Thai laws, and there was no gap in the wages of male and female. DOH and CSC had been reminded to closely monitor and record male-female participation in all project activities. The gender summary, in terms of labor force, was reported as part of the DOH's project completion report. Under the project there was women participation in the civil works, both skill and unskilled labor. The number of average monthly labor force through the entire project period was 715 persons for which, about 20.42% (146 persons) were women and 79.58% (569 persons) were men. Financial Management (FM): FM and quarterly liquidation of withdrawal applications requirements have been fully complied with, to date. The FY2022 Audited Project Financial Statement (final APFS) was submitted and posted publicly on project website in February 2023. |
| Implementation Progress | |
| Description of Project Outputs | 1. Sections of NH 22 and NH 23 upgraded 2. Capacity in road safety management strengthened |
| Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues) | As of 31 December 2021, all civil works (output 1) were completed, behind of schedule by around 0.631%. The six packages were completed between December 2020 and December 2021. The taking-over certificates for package J, K, L, N, I and M were submitted to the Department of Highways (DOH), the executing agency, on 9 December 2020, 8 March 2021, 17 March 2021, 31 March 2021, 25 August 2021 and 20 December 2021 respectively.Per workplan, audits at pre-construction (one time) and during construction (three times) were completed with recommendations duly being considered by EA and contractors. Road safety campaigns and awareness trainings had been undertaken with DOH staff.Road safety campaigns and road safety-awareness raising trainings have been undertaken targeted at schools, communities, pedestrians and drivers/vehicle owners. |
| Geographical Location | Nation-wide |
| Safeguard Categories | |
|---|---|
| Environment | B |
| Involuntary Resettlement | B |
| Indigenous Peoples | C |
| Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects | |
|---|---|
| Environmental Aspects | Environment (category B). The project was not anticipated to cause significant adverse environmental impacts as road expansion activities were confined within the ROW of the project with only minor and short-term environmental impacts during construction. The project road sections in NH 22 and NH 23 were not within any ecologically protected area. An initial environmental examination (IEE) was prepared to meet the requirements of the ADBs Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) and this includes an environmental management plan (EMP). The recommended environmental mitigation measures and monitoring activities set out in the EMP covered the preconstruction, construction, and operation stages of the project. DOH set a unit for resettlement and environmental protection. The unit was well staffed with specialists for environmental protection and had experience in ADB project. DOH was assisted by the construction supervision consultant's environmental specialists during project implementation. The EMP, which also defined the institutional arrangements and responsibilities for implementation of the plan, were included in the bidding documents and in the ensuing contracts. The contractors were required to prepare site-specific Contractors EMP (CEMP) before commencing construction. Public consultations were conducted to inform the stakeholders about the project and know their concerns so that these should be adequately addressed. The highlights of the public consultations were included in the IEE with additional consultations scheduled during project implementation. A grievance redress mechanism (GRM) for resolving environmental complaints was developed for the project. |
| Involuntary Resettlement | Involuntary resettlement (category B). The project did not entail any further land acquisition as the land acquisition for the ROW of the project were completed as early as in 1967. The involuntary resettlement safeguard was to mainly mitigate and address minor impacts that occurred within the ROW. Based on the detailed inventory prepared during project preparation, a total of 155 potentially affected households were determined. Out of this number, 11 were to be severely affected. All of these households were unlawfully using governments land within the ROW. Impacts were all characterized as economic displacements of shop owners and paddy farmers. A resettlement plan was prepared in accordance with ADBs Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). The plan ensured measures for affected persons to assist them in maintaining if not improving on their socio-economic pre-project conditions. Measures in the plan include the (i) gradual transfer of shops by DOH and contractors on the residual area along the road; (ii) farmers encroaching and tilling the land within the ROW discontinue farming activities; (iii) linking affected households with livelihood assistance programs. Consultations with affected households were carried out during preparation of the plan and the households acknowledged willingness to terminate and transfer their income generating activities when the project commenced. The plan was disclosed to the affected persons prior to ADB appraisal. A grievance mechanism and monitoring system were established per Thai legal framework. With the assistance of a resettlement specialist, DOH was responsible for implementing the plan. |
| Indigenous Peoples | Indigenous peoples (category C). No indigenous peoples were in the area as the project roads did not cross or affect any communities of indigenous peoples. |
| Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation | |
| During Project Design | Public consultations with stakeholders and with project-affected people were held during project planning. The results of these consultations were incorporated in the resettlement plan, environmental impact assessment, and the environmental management plan. |
| During Project Implementation | Findings of the consultations were reflected in the implementation of resettlement plans and environmental management plans. |
| Business Opportunities | |
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| Consulting Services | The two consulting services packages under this project (i.e., construction supervision consultants or CSC, and the external independent financial auditor) were awarded in August 2018 following loan effectiveness, consistent with the advance actions per project design. Their services commenced on 1 October 2018. |
| Procurement | All six civil works packages were awarded in August 2018 following loan effectiveness, consistent with the advance actions per project design. Their services commenced on 1 October 2018. Remaining procurement activities only cover small-value items under the provisional sum contract of the CSC, to which ADB's no objections were requested per activity. To date, ADB provided no objections to all eight requests for purchases/expenses for environment equipment and project evaluation equipment; seven SUV survey vehicles; financial report system and computers; CSC Office renovation; purchase of necessary furniture for CSC office; and three domestic training programs. The first domestic training was done in January 2019 and the second training was done in November 2019. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, DOH had postponed the third domestic training which was earlier planned in early 2021. The third domestic training was finally done in November 2021 through online platform. |
| Responsible ADB Officer | Roop, James A. |
| Responsible ADB Department | Southeast Asia Department |
| Responsible ADB Division | Thailand Resident Mission |
| Executing Agencies |
Department of Highways |
| Timetable | |
|---|---|
| Concept Clearance | 28 Mar 2017 |
| Fact Finding | 24 Apr 2017 to 05 May 2017 |
| MRM | 23 Jun 2017 |
| Approval | 20 Oct 2017 |
| Last Review Mission | - |
| Last PDS Update | 25 Apr 2023 |
Loan 3582-THA
| Milestones | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approval | Signing Date | Effectivity Date | Closing | ||
| Original | Revised | Actual | |||
| 20 Oct 2017 | 04 Jul 2018 | 27 Aug 2018 | 30 Sep 2022 | - | - |
| Financing Plan | Loan Utilization | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total (Amount in US$ million) | Date | ADB | Others | Net Percentage | |
| Project Cost | 213.60 | Cumulative Contract Awards | |||
| ADB | 99.40 | 26 Apr 2023 | 88.10 | 0.00 | 97% |
| Counterpart | 114.20 | Cumulative Disbursements | |||
| Cofinancing | 0.00 | 26 Apr 2023 | 90.80 | 0.00 | 100% |
| Status of Covenants | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Sector | Safeguards | Social | Financial | Economic | Others |
| Rating | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | - | Satisfactory |
Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.
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Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.
Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation
None currently available.
Related Publications
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Tenders
| Tender Title | Type | Status | Posting Date | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervision Consultant | Firm - Consulting | Closed | ||
| External Independent Financial Auditor Consultant | Firm - Consulting | Closed | ||
| 41682-039-THA: Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Highway Expansion Phase 2 Project [Packages I, J, K, L, M, N] | Invitation for Bids | Closed | ||
| 41682-THA: Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Highway Expansion Phase 2 Project | Advance Notice | Active |
Contracts Awarded
| Contract Title | Approval Number | Contract Date | Contractor | Address | Executing Agency | Total Contract Amount (US$) | Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PACKAGE N - CIVIL WORKS FOR HIGHWAY 23 ROI ET-YASOTHON SECTION 2 KM 142 412.000 TO KM 175 500.000 | Loan 3582 | 28 Aug 2018 | CH. THAVEE-THONGMA JOINT VENTURE | 244 MOO 6, LAMNARAI, CHAIBADAN LOPBURI PROVINCE THAILAND | Department of Highways | 33,635,155.00 | 15,920,349.00 |
| PACKAGE I - CIVIL WORKS FOR HIGHWAY 22 A. NONG HAN - A. PHANG KHON SECTION 1 KM60 000 TO KM74 850 / KM79 420 TO 88 00 | Loan 3582 | 28 Aug 2018 | BANCHAKIJ CO., LTD | BANGKOK, THAILAND THAILAND | Department of Highways | 30,035,655.00 | 15,060,437.00 |
| PACKAGE M - CIVIL WORKS FOR HIGHWAY 23 ROI ET-YASOTHON SECTION 1 KM 115 512.000 TO KM 141 412.00 | Loan 3582 | 28 Aug 2018 | CHINA RAILWAY 20TH BUREAU GROUP CORPORATION | NO.89 TAIHUA NORTH ROAD, XI'AN CITY SHAANXI PROVINCE CHINA,PEOPLE'SREP.OF | Department of Highways | 29,227,105.00 | 14,655,015.00 |
| PACKAGE J - CIVIL WORKS FOR HIGHWAY 22 A. NONG HAN - A. PHANG KHON SECTION 2 KM 88 000 TO KM 104 700 | Loan 3582 | 28 Aug 2018 | THAIWAT ENGINEERING CO. LTD | BANGKOK, THAILAND THAILAND | Department of Highways | 29,030,091.00 | 14,556,229.00 |
| PACKAGE L - CIVIL WORKS FOR HIGHWAY 22 SAKON NAKHON-NAKHON PHANOM SECTION 2 KM197 676 TO KM 223 073.635 | Loan 3582 | 28 Aug 2018 | PHRANAKORNSRIAYUTHAYA COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRY | 2 SOI CHOKCHAI 4, LADPHRAO, BANGKOK THAILAND | Department of Highways | 26,376,840.00 | 13,225,839.00 |
| PACKAGE K - CIVIL WORKS FOR HIGHWAY 22 SAKON NAKHON - NAKHON PHANOM SECTION 1 KM155 480 TO KM156 950,KM180 540-188 400,189 100 | Loan 3582 | 28 Aug 2018 | SERMSANGUAN CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. | 44/10 MOO 5 PINKLAO-NAKHON CHAISI RD TAWI WATTHANA DISTRICT, BANGKOK THAILAND | Department of Highways | 25,182,584.00 | 12,627,017.00 |
| CS1 - CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION CONSULTANT | Loan 3582 | 28 Aug 2018 | KOREA ENGINEERING CONSULTANT CORP. | KOREA KOREA, REPUBLIC OF | Department of Highways | 8,347,688.00 | 4,047,507.00 |
Procurement Plan
| Title | Document Type | Document Date |
|---|---|---|
| GMS Highway Expansion Phase 2 Project: Procurement Plan | Procurement Plans | Dec 2018 |