Transport News
Thailand transport news, infrastructure updates, public transit, and traffic reports—stay informed on groundbreaking developments and real-time travel updates. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for transport news in Thailand.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Bangkok’s transit bombshell: BTSC to back 20 baht train rides but at what cost?
Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company (BTSC) is poised to back the government‘s bold move to limit train fares to a mere 20 baht on the city’s suburban rail network. However, there is a catch. BTSC CEO Keeree Kanjanapas revealed yesterday that this support comes with a crucial condition – the government must engage in talks with train operators to…
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All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride
It’s full steam ahead for historic Hua Hin Train Station as it readies itself for its inaugural journey next month. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced it’s all aboard the ticketing express at the opening of the new elevated station which is on track for partial operations on Monday, December 11. As outlined in the State Railway of Thailand…
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All aboard: China’s rail freight trail blazes historic route to Thailand, breaking new ground in cross-border cargo collaboration
A monumental event unfolded at 10am on November 17 as a Chinese freight train, packed with 35 cargo containers, embarked on its maiden journey to Thailand. This is the first official rail freight transport from China to Thailand, made possible through a collaborative effort between the Chinese government and Thai private sectors. The destination of this freight train is the…
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Global EV trend surges with Thailand joining the race
A surge in the global trend of electric vehicles (EVs) usage has been highlighted by Poonphong Naiyanaphakorn, the director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office. This information was shared with the public on a day not too long ago. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has predicted that the total EV sales are set to rise from 10 million units…
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Thailand’s Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong railway project on track for 2028
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is progressing well with the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double-track railway project, a 323.1-kilometre initiative set to be operational by 2028. Construction of the railway started on February 15 last year and is ahead of its schedule with 3% completion while 80% of the required land has been expropriated, as per Nirut Maneephan, the…
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Fare play: Bangkok’s Green Line extension bets on 15-baht flat fee, rolling out in January
The Green Line extension of the Bangkok Mass Transit System, also known as the BTS Skytrain, is set to begin charging a flat fare of 15 baht across the entire line, with the implementation projected to start in January next year. The fare will apply to the second extended section, which includes Mo Chit to Saphan Mai to Khu Khot,…
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Thailand PM invites Tesla, HP, and Analog Devices to invest
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended an invitation to three significant American corporations to consider investing in Thailand, asserting the nation’s capability to act as their productive bases. The 61 year old prime minister recently visited the manufacturing plant of Tesla’s electric vehicles (EVs), where he participated in a trial run of the company’s cyber truck, which is set for unveiling…
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Power to the pavement: Phuket’s bold move buries cables, sparks a brighter future
A significant initiative has been launched in Phuket, with the city’s Municipality signing a deal to bury power cables underground along three major roads. The undertaking is part of a broader plan aimed at enhancing safety, elevating aesthetics, and improving the quality of life for residents. Phuket Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas announced the development yesterday. The initiative, a partnership between Phuket…
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Sino-Thai rail project advances with 13.3km track deal in Ayutthaya
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to ink a deal this month with Boonchai Panich (1979) Co Ltd, for the construction of a 13.3-kilometre rail track between Ban Pho and Phra Kaeo in Ayutthaya province. This development is a part of the ambitious Sino-Thai rail project stretching from Bangkok to Nong Khai. Nirut Maneephan, SRT’s governor, unveiled this…
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Phuket transport twist: Anytime car caught in green-plate pickle, faces regulatory roadblock
Bright and early yesterday morning, representatives from the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) descended upon Patong. Their mission? To probe into an Anytime car-sharing vehicle found parked in a spot earmarked for green-plate taxis and tourist rental vehicles. This inspection was initially reported by the Phuket Info Center. It was noted that the PLTO, in conjunction with police and other…
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The Energy Ministry crackdown on petrol retailers stockpiling fuel after price cut
The Energy Ministry has pledged to take stringent action against oil retailers found to be illegitimately stockpiling fuel. This decision comes in response to complaints about a sudden shortage of oil at petrol stations, following the government’s decision to lower the prices of gasohol 91 and gasohol 95. On the morning of November 7, petrol stations across the nation began…
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Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao set to become one-way street in major traffic overhaul
The streets of Pattaya are on the brink of a significant transformation. Officials announced that Soi Buakhao, a bustling road in the city, will soon be converted into a one-way street. To alleviate the regular high congestion and traffic density in the area, the traffic system change is set to take place within the next two weeks. The plan follows…
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Phra Mettha Road in Phuket reopens after four-month closure
Phuket’s Phra Mettha Road, which had been sealed off for approximately four months, once again welcomed the hustle and bustle of traffic on November 1. The artery of Patong, this road spans 1 kilometre behind the Jungceylon shopping mall, stretching from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai. The closure, which began on June 20, was necessary for the construction of…
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Railway development gains speed: Thailand fast-tracks five-country rail link
A plan to accelerate the development of dual railway tracks connecting five countries – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China – was announced at the 4th iTIC FORUM 2023: Power of Connectivity and Smart Mobility. The 4500-kilometre-long Singapore-Kunming rail line, expected to be completed by 2027, aims to boost the capacity of goods and passenger travel, making it more efficient…
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Bangkok bus bust-up: Dismissed driver’s fare share of woes
A bus driver has been dismissed following an incident in which a young man claimed he was verbally abused and forced off the bus. The driver, who said he was afraid of dismissal, confirmed he had been let go by the company. The incident occurred on Route 1013, between Hua Takhe and Seacon Square, and was posted on the popular…
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Phuket advances new road project to ease traffic and boost disaster resilience
The working group tasked with overseeing the proposed new road project linking Kathu and Srisoonthorn in Phuket confirmed that it will proceed with the required surveys and inspections. The group will also create maps delineating the land boundaries, thus paving the way for the road’s construction. The working group, led by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, convened at Phuket Provincial…
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Bangkok’s 20-baht electric train policy boosts ridership by 30% on key lines
Bangkok was abuzz with positivity on October 28, as Dr Pichet Kunadhamraks, the Director General of the Department of Rail Transport, stepped forward to share the latest numbers. The recently implemented 20-baht electric train ride policy on the Red and Purple BTS lines saw a significant increase in ridership since its inception on October 16. The director general revealed a…
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Thailand and Laos aim for US$11 billion bilateral trade boost with enhanced transport links
Thailand and Laos have set in motion plans to increase the value of bilateral trade to US$11 billion (395.7 billion baht) within the next two years, as announced by government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke. This ambitious target was a significant point of discussion during a meeting between the Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone. Covering an…
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Phuket MP urges swift action on delayed Patong Tunnel
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee recently took the floor in the House of Representatives, using his platform to challenge the ongoing delay in the construction of the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. The Speaker of the House and the Deputy Minister of Transport were present to hear his concerns. With a reputation as a renowned tourist hotspot, Patong’s economic health is largely reliant…
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Phuket taxis: Drivers demand action against illegal private car services
Over 100 public transport operators, including metered taxi drivers, green plate taxis, and passenger van drivers, assembled at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday to formally complain. They are demanding that the Phuket provincial government take more robust action against illegal private car services operating through taxi apps on the island. The formal complaint was received by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan…
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Motorway project linking Nonthaburi and Ayutthaya set for 2029
The Department of Highways (DoH) in Thailand is gearing up to construct a new 34.1 kilometre motorway project, linking Bang Bua Thong in Nonthaburi and Bang Pa-in in Ayutthaya. The project, with a budget of almost 15 billion baht, is slated to be completed by 2029. DoH’s director-general Sarawut Songsivilai has stated that this motorway is one among 46 projects…
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Phuket Airport’s ‘cool’ conundrum: A chilling malfunction
Phuket International Airport publicly addressed the ongoing issue of its malfunctioning air conditioning system at the international terminal managed by Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Phuket International Airport general manager is Monchai Tanode but a response to the problem was delivered in a press release yesterday with no specific signatory. The document clarified the issue of the air conditioning system’s…
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Thailand’s EV initiative: Driving towards a greener future
The Thai government has embarked on an ambitious plan to replace ageing government vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs), in line with their carbon neutrality goal set for 2050. The Thai EV initiative move was prompted by a notification issued by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, encouraging the use of EVs within the government sector. PM Srettha’s order, issued via the Secretariat…
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Phuket to introduce ‘baht bus’ style transport service in tourist hotspot
Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) is currently accepting applications from operators to establish a circular ‘baht bus’ style public transportation system in Phuket’s busiest tourist area. The announcement was made on the PLTO’s official Facebook page yesterday, with three separate notices for potential operators to provide bus transport services within Patong. Two of these notices outlined two circular routes, while…
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Bangkok’s electric train flat fare drops to 20 baht, ridership soars by 90%
A surge of nearly 90% in ridership was recorded on Bangkok’s Red and Purple electric train lines on Monday, following the introduction of a 20-baht flat fare. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) source revealed that the number of passengers on both lines escalated to 94,446 on Monday, marking an 86% increase from the previous day. The 20-baht flat fare…
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Tesla ghost hunt goes viral: Scientist on track to uncover cemetery mystery in Thailand
A viral TikTok video featuring a Tesla car detecting a ghost in a cemetery sparked scientific analysis today by Dr Chetsada Denduangboripant, a lecturer in the Department of Biology at Chulalongkorn University. He suggested that the anomaly could be due to a malfunction in the car’s sensor and software systems. The viral video was posted by @aunnyc, who drove her…
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Petrol prices to drop by 2.50 baht as new year gift, says Thailand’s Energy Minister
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy announced plans to reduce petrol prices by 2.50 baht per litre as a new year’s gift to the Thai people. The minister, Peeraphan Saleerathaviphak, also revealed the establishment of an official committee to investigate fuel pricing. Peeraphan revealed that the Ministry of Energy is considering ways to reduce petrol prices to help the…
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Thai prime minister zaps to police meeting in eco-style – EV-entful ride
The Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Srettha Thavisin, attended a National Police Office meeting today in an electric vehicle (EV) to reduce pollution. The meeting with Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukvimol, the National Police Chief, was held in a white Tesla with Bangkok licence plates 2KHP5171. The 61 year old Thai prime minister personally stated that he chose a Tesla…
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Bangkok’s electrifying fare cap: Next week’s ’20 baht’ trial ride
The Thai Transport Minister last night revealed that an impending fare cap on Bangkok’s electric train network is set to materialise next week. The initiative, spearheaded by the government, proposes a maximum fare of 20 baht per trip and is expected to be trialled on the Red and Purple lines next Monday, as disclosed by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The…
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Thailand’s TCL suspends VIP bus service after passenger complaints, slaps 10,000 baht fine on operator
Dr Sanlak Panuwatli, the managing director of Transport Company Limited (TCL), addressed recent complaints made by passengers about the standard of their VIP bus services. The complaints were raised on the Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6, which posted images and messages about the substandard conditions of TCL’s VIP buses. Upon investigation of the raised issues, TCL found that the…
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