Transport News
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Sponsored Inside Trippy Nation, a cannabis haven in Bangkok and Pattaya
It’s hard to miss Trippy Nation’s bright purple and orange sign when you walk down BTS Thonglor station. The bright and vivid colours aren’t just an aesthetic choice; they’re a sneak peek of all the cool stuff you’re about to...
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Shocking stop: Thai Smile Buses Co., face backlash as passengers left stranded
The Thai Smile Bus Company faced a barrage of criticism as their electric buses ground to a halt, leaving passengers stranded and services disrupted. The uproar prompted an investigation into the sudden cessation of operations, revealing a deep-seated issue affecting the company’s ability to provide a reliable service. The Corporate Communications Department of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited officially addressed…
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Bangkok’s Pink Line monorail to open on December 18: Free rides until January 2
Passengers can now embark on a thrilling ride through Bangkok‘s Pink Line monorail, soaring 34.5 kilometres from northwest to northeast. Offering an early holiday treat, the city is generously providing free rides until January 2, creating a buzz of excitement among locals and tourists alike. Mark your calendars for the grand opening on Monday, December 18. The Pink Line, an…
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Thailand poised to become regional hub for electric vehicle production
Thailand is stepping into the spotlight as a potential regional centre for Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing, bolstered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s confidence and support. This sentiment was shared with the public on December 1 by the Government Spokesperson, Chai Watcharong. PM Srettha has reportedly been working closely with various agencies to encourage and aid international private entities, particularly those…
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Thai EV solutions provider teams up with Chinese manufacturer for electric taxis
In an innovative move to capitalise on the upswing in electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand, EVme Plus Co, a leading EV solutions provider, is partnering with a Chinese EV manufacturer. This collaboration is aimed at promoting the usage of battery-powered cars among taxi drivers. EVme Plus Co is a part of the oil and gas colossus PTT Plc. The company…
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Bangkok: Flat fare of 20 baht for Red and Purple line interchange
The Transport Ministry announced the implementation of a flat fare of 20 baht for passengers interchanging between the Red and Purple lines using EMV contactless payment. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote unveiled the scheme yesterday, November 30, stating that it is in line with a Cabinet resolution from October 16, which authorised the ministry to establish a 20-baht flat fare…
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Phuket president seeks solutions for traffic, proposes electric buses
Phuket’s traffic woes might soon see a respite, with Rewat Areerob, the President of Phuket’s Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), urging Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to implement measures to ease the city’s road congestion. Additionally, Rewat is advocating for the introduction of electric buses in Phuket Town, under the PPAO’s jurisdiction. Rewat yesterday played host to travel experts and policy planning…
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Minibus manager fined 5,000 baht for leaving Thai YouTuber stranded (video)
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) imposed a 5,000 baht fine on a minibus station manager after he refused to serve a Thai YouTuber, leading to the victim being stranded at a station in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen. Thai travel YouTuber, Worrachat “Chiang” Thamrongwarangkun, shared his bad experience with his followers on Facebook and YouTube (Chiang Paiyoonaima). Chiang…
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TAT forecasts surge of Chinese tourists into Thailand via land in 2023
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts that over 300,000 Chinese tourists are expected to cross into Thailand overland next year. This surge is due to the China-Laos railway, contributing to visitor numbers, especially in the northeast’s second-tier cities. Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT’s regional marketing director for East Asia, indicated that around 70,000 to 100,000 Chinese tourists, 2% to 3% of…
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7km bridge over Songkhla Lake to boost southern Thailand transport
Plans are underway to construct a 7 kilometre bridge over Songkhla Lake starting next year, a project aimed at enhancing regional transport in southern Thailand. This proposal includes a commitment to protect the local environment and wildlife, particularly the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins living within the lake. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has formed a pact with four other state…
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Chang’an automobile invests over 120 million baht in Thai EV parts research
Chang’an Automobile, China’s leading automotive company, received encouragement from the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, to invest in the research and development of electric vehicle (EV) parts in Thailand. This came about after a meeting between Phumtham and Churu Huarong, Chang’an Automobile’s Chairman today. As a prominent player in the automotive industry, Chang’an Automobile has a…
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Taxi cooperatives dispute: Phuket vice governor urges calm
Tensions have been simmering amongst taxi cooperatives in Phuket, as a recent meeting saw the island’s vice governor pleading with drivers to keep their emotions in check when dealing with mobile app taxi drivers. Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan’s plea comes in light of a series of confrontations and issues that have been escalating on the island’s roads. The gathering took…
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Thai car exports surge 12.2% in October despite domestic sales slump
Thai car exports witnessed a 12.2% surge in October, reaching 105,726 units, thanks to the escalating demand for pickups primarily in the Middle East. However, domestic sales didn’t keep pace, suffering from the burden of high household debt. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)’s Automotive Industry Club reported robust sales in other markets last month, including Australia, Europe, North America,…
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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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