Transport News
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Sponsored Why is Bangkok's air quality so bad?
Imagine waking up early in Bangkok and you see all the beautiful morning fog from your balcony, but as you sip your coffee you realise it's just Bangkok's air pollution that's making the sun rise aesthetic. Ranked as the 36th...
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Thai tour buses set to drive cross-border travel surge into Malaysia
Thailand’s tour buses are now set to roll into Malaysia, promising a surge in cross-border travel. According to Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, this exciting development allows Thai buses to bring in tourists, provided they secure temporary permits from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) beforehand. Speaking to the press yesterday, Loke emphasised that tour bus operators must submit…
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Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge to remain amid new construction plans
Phuket’s iconic Sarasin Bridge is set to remain untouched amid plans to construct a new bridge connecting the island to the mainland, according to Yutthana Phitak, the Chief of Phuket Highways Office. The announcement was made at a meeting held yesterday to address concerns over the Sarasin Bridge’s future, sparked by social media rumours of its potential demolition. The Sarasin…
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Chiang Mai’s rot daeng under threat from ride-hailing apps
Chiang Mai’s iconic rot daeng, or red cars, transport service is under threat as tourists are opting for alternative modes of transport, causing local operators to urge the government for assistance. The issue was highlighted in an online debate where a Facebook user expressed concerns over the survival of the rot daeng services, which are now facing stiff competition from…
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Free electric buses spark hope in Phuket’s traffic chaos
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, where tourists flock to soak in the community’s charm, a groundbreaking project has taken flight to combat congestion and pollution. Led by local businesses, the Phuket Smart Bus EV initiative promises a greener, smoother journey for all. To tackle the notorious traffic gridlock plaguing Phuket’s picturesque Old Town, a group of local businesses…
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Phuket seaplane to take flight by year-end in tourism boost
The holiday island of Phuket is slated to receive a seaplane service by the end of the year, a move steered by the Transport Ministry as an extension of the government’s aviation hub policy. Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri, revealed the development during a workshop yesterday. The aviation hub policy, Manaporn elaborated, was orchestrated by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The…
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Car industry faces crunch as EV demand slumps and costs rise
The automobile industry, stretching from Europe to Asia, is bracing for a tough year ahead as rising costs and a slump in electric vehicle (EV) demand begin to take their toll on profits. Mercedes-Benz Group AG, yesterday, revealed plans to extend the lifespan of their combustion-engine cars due to underwhelming EV sales. Toyota Motor Corp, anticipating a 20% drop in…
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Shock delay: Phuket’s electrifying free bus service hits a roadblock
The eagerly awaited launch of Phuket’s electrifying free bus service has been put on hold until May 17, as revealed by the local business consortium, Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD). This unexpected detour stems from licensing procedures that have hit a few bumps in the road, causing the delay. PKCD, in conjunction with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, expressed…
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Asphalt truck flip on Rama VII Bridge snarls Bangkok traffic
A sudden swerve and flip of an asphalt truck on the Rama VII Bridge caused severe Bangkok traffic disruption in the early hours of this morning. The incident occurring at 4am, resulted in the complete blockage of all lanes on Charansanitwong Road, extending from Bang Phlat junction towards the Pracha Chuen Road and Wong Sawang areas. Bang Kruai police were…
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Euro EV sales dip but Thai operators charge ahead with optimism
Despite a recent 11% drop in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe, Thai business operators remain optimistic about local EV market growth. They believe that the circumstances in Thailand significantly differ from those in Europe, making direct comparisons of the two markets inappropriate. The European EV market downturn, says Bloomberg, is attributed to factors such as high insurance and repair…
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Bangkok taxi meter scam outcry after 1,800 baht airport fare
A recent social media post sparked an outcry over alleged taxi meter fraud in Bangkok. A passenger complaint was highlighted, claiming an overcharge for a ride from Bang Khae to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where the fare meter read an exorbitant 1,800 baht. The incident has raised concerns about overcharging and exploitation of foreigners by taxi drivers in the city. Bangkok’s…
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Thai woman demands justice after taxi takes her to wrong airport
A Thai woman is seeking justice after an app-based taxi driver took her to the wrong airport in Bangkok, causing her to miss her flight. The woman, whose identity was not revealed, shared her story on Facebook, expressing frustration that both the driver and the ride-hailing app refuse to take responsibility for her losses. The driver blamed her for not…
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Thailand announces toll-free expressways for Coronation Day
Thailand celebrates as the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announces toll exemptions on three major expressways for Coronation Day on May 4. In a move to facilitate travel during the public holiday and alleviate expenses for citizens, some 60 toll booths across the Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, and Udon Ratthaya expressways will not charge fees for 24 hours. The…
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Thailand’s MRTA tests smart parking system for free
Bangkok motorists have the opportunity to utilise the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand’s (MRTA) innovative smart parking system free of charge during its testing phase. Starting yesterday, May 1, the Orange Line’s 10-storey Park’n’Ride facility on Ramkhamhaeng Road and a parking ground at the MRTA station on Rama IX Road are open for the public to test out. The…
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Phuket’s tram feasibility study on track for smooth ride ahead
The much-awaited tram project in Phuket, set to link Phuket International Airport with the Ha Yeak Chalong intersection, is advancing steadily as its feasibility study is on track to finish within six months. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed yesterday that the 41.7-kilometre tram system’s study is being carried out by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), with intentions to present…
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Thailand probe after passengers trapped in BTS lift for an hour
Following a distressing incident where passengers were trapped in a lift at a BTS station for over an hour, Thailand’s Deputy Transport Minister, Surapong Piyachote, has ordered an immediate investigation into the malfunction. The incident took place yesterday between the ticketing floor and the street level, heading towards Kheha station on the BTS Skytrain’s Sukhumvit and Silom lines. Surapong instructed…
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EEC office finalises plan for high-speed railway districts
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office is on the brink of completing a commercial development plan for districts within Chon Buri and Chachoengsao. This initiative is a segment of the projected high-speed rail system set to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. After a recent discussion in Pattaya City, recommendations are now being collated into an actionable outline for…
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Toyota’s electric pickup fleet revs up Thai beaches
Toyota’s groundbreaking project in Pattaya showcases nine fully electric Hilux Revo pickup trucks revamped for public transport, marking a pivotal moment in Thailand’s automotive landscape. Reflecting Japan’s determination to reclaim the electric vehicle (EV) market throne from Chinese rivals, this initiative aims to redefine urban transit in the Land of Smiles. Surapoom Udomwong, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand…
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Thai car production takes a hit with 23.08% decline in March
Thailand’s car production experienced a significant downturn of 23.08% in March compared to the same period last year, producing only 138,331 units, according to data from the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This follows a year-on-year decline of 19.28% in February. Over the first quarter of the year, car production has decreased by 18.45% year-on-year, amounting to 414,123 units. According…
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Transport minister sets off for China for high-speed rail talks
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will jet off to China next month for a meeting to discuss Thailand’s ambitious high-speed railway project and ignite the engines on the Land Bridge megaproject, worth a staggering 1 trillion baht. Suriya declared yesterday his forthcoming leadership at the 31st Thailand-China joint ministerial committee meeting scheduled for May 7 to 9. Topics on the agender…
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ExxonMobil projects 10% sales rise in Thailand’s lubricants market
ExxonMobil Marketing, Thailand, projects a 10% rise in sales of its flagship product, Mobil 1 lubricants, this year, ensuring its continued role as a prominent player in the finished lubricants and chemical marketing industry in Thailand. This follows Bangchak Corporation’s acquisition of a 65.99% stake in oil retailer Esso (Thailand) Plc from ExxonMobil Asia Holdings Pte last year, consequently leaving…
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Thailand’s State Railway unveils tour adventures on Kiha 183 train
To attract tourists, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has rolled out an array of thrilling train tours aboard the Kiha 183 locomotive. Culture vultures are being invited to embark on a journey through the heart of Thailand’s cultural and natural wonders with 14 exhilarating trips spanning nine distinct routes. From Phetchaburi’s tranquil shores to Lopburi’s lush forests, each escapade…
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Smooth ride: Thai highways unveil toll-free M81 weekend stretch
The Department of Highways in Thailand announced the inauguration of a 50-kilometre segment of the new M81 motorway, connecting Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi provinces, providing motorists with toll-free access over the weekends. This section will be accessible from 3pm on Fridays until 9pm on Sundays, with no specified end date for the offer. However, all the other gates along the…
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Electric car sales to surge by 2024 despite economic challenges
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a robust growth in the sales of electric cars in 2024, despite economic challenges in certain markets. Key driving factors for this surge include affordability and the development of charging infrastructure. The IEA estimates that electric car sales will reach 17 million this year, a boost from 14 million the previous year. This indicates…
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Second phase of Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project approved
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has given the green light for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase, which spans from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, has an investment total of 341.35 billion baht. Details were shared by SRT governor, Nirut Maneepan, who disclosed that the project’s approval occurred during a recent board meeting. Chirute…
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BYD electric bus charges Thong Lo roads in Bangkok
In a move towards eco-friendly commuting, BYD, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer from China, has unleashed its electric bus onto the bustling streets of Bangkok. Offering complimentary rides to commuters in the vibrant Thong Lo area until April 30, this trial run marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s transportation landscape. Under the auspices of Rever Commercial Vehicles Ltd, the…
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Phuket man escapes major harm as car collides with electricity pole
A Thai man narrowly avoided significant harm when his car collided with an electricity pole and subsequently caught fire in the early hours of this morning in Phuket Town. Phuket City Police received notification of the accident, which occurred close to the juncture of Phang Nga Road and Surin Road, at 1.55am today, April 19. On arrival at the scene,…
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Phuket launches free electric bus to drive sustainable tourism
Phuket is gearing up for a greener future with the launch of a free air-conditioned electric bus service in the heart of the city. Scheduled to accelerate on May 9, this eco-friendly initiative is driven by a collaboration between local companies under the banner of PKCD and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation. The announcement for the 22-seat Smart Bus EV…
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Jomtien Beach’s Songkran splash sees a dip in tourists
Jomtien Beach in Chon Buri experienced a noticeable dip in the usual influx of visitors during the recent Songkran celebration. The local businesses situated in the area attribute this decline to the newly introduced one-way traffic system, which they believe has puzzled and deterred potential tourists. Poolsawat Singhsawasdi, a vendor operating on the beachfront, expressed her concerns to the local…
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Hyundai’s electrifying dismay: Thailand EV sales spark low
Hyundai Mobility Thailand, the Korean automaker’s subsidiary, warns that this year’s electric vehicle (EV) sales in Thailand may fall short of the predicted 130,000 units. The company cites an ongoing price war amongst Chinese EV manufacturers as the primary obstacle, leading to unstable car prices and discouraging potential buyers. The managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand, Wallop Chalermvongsavej, noted the…
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Thailand’s PTT Plc sees future in hydrogen fuel for vehicles
PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is forecasting a future where hydrogen could potentially replace oil-powered vehicles, contributing to the reduction of air pollutants. This year, the company’s subsidiary Arun Plus, in collaboration with Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., is planning to domestically produce electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, PTT is partnering with various companies to advance the…
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