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.
-
Sponsored 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
-
Transport minister updates on Nakhon Ratchasima rail projects
Transport Deputy Minister Surapong Piyachote announced significant updates on July 1 regarding the rail transport and logistics systems in Nakhon Ratchasima. These developments are crucial for the overall improvement of the country’s logistics infrastructure. Nakhon Ratchasima serves as a gateway to the northeastern region, making it a focal point for various key projects, especially the urgent double-track railway project from…
-
Blue Line MRT fares to rise by up to 2 baht from tomorrow
The fares for the Blue Line MRT will increase by 1 to 2 baht, starting tomorrow, with a maximum fare of 45 baht. Discounts for children and seniors remain at 50%. Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) announced the new fare rates for the Blue Line MRT, known as the Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line. Starting tomorrow, July 3, the…
-
SEC bill to launch 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project by 2026
The draft of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill is on track to be submitted to the Cabinet by the end of September, aiming to kickstart the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject in 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. The blueprint for the project is currently being adjusted to align with the expectations of foreign investors and locals. These adjustments…
-
Phuket bans heavy trucks on key roads during peak hours
Heavy-duty trucks with 10 wheels or more are now restricted from travelling on certain Phuket roads during peak traffic hours, effective today. This measure, enforced under Section 139 of the Land Traffic Act 1979, aims to mitigate the island’s worsening traffic congestion. Phuket Provincial Police Commander Sinlert Sukhum issued the order on June 7, citing the imbalance between the growing…
-
Fare cut: Bangkok train rides slashed to just 20 baht
The Transport Ministry announced that commuters on Bangkok’s Blue, Yellow, and Pink electric train lines will pay a maximum fare of 20 baht by June 2025. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, revealed the progress of the government’s initiative to implement this fare cap on all electric train routes in the capital by September next…
-
Thai cycle woes: Motorcycle sales hit brakes amid economic woes
Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing and sales are experiencing a downturn this year, as the economy faces challenges from high household debt and weakened consumer purchasing power, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club, Surapong Paisitpatanapong revealed that economic uncertainty has led to cautious spending among consumers, compounded by recent layoffs…
-
Thailand truckers protest rising diesel prices, demand 30 baht cap
A convoy of trucks will hit the roads next week as truckers in northeast Thailand protest against rising diesel prices which are massively cutting into their profits, demanding the government cap the price at 30 baht per litre. Chairman of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand in the northeast and transport company owner, Somkid Kingkrodklang, highlighted the severe impact of…
-
Government to accelerate Sino-Thai HSR project
The Sino-Thai high-speed rail (HSR) link construction will be a major item on the agenda at next week’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the government eager to accelerate the project, according to Digital Economy and Society (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. The 250.77-kilometre high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is projected to be completed by 2028. Currently,…
-
Weak economy and loan restrictions further plummets pickup sales
Domestic car sales are facing significant challenges as pure pickup sales dropped by 40.8% in the first five months of 2024, primarily due to a weak economy and difficulties in accessing loans, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). From January to May, sales of pickup trucks fell by 40.8% year-on-year to 75,510 units. While sales of pickup passenger…
-
DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) proposes four new electric bus routes to improve connectivity to the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red Line Rangsit Station in Pathum Thani province. The plan aims to address the inadequacies in the current feeder system, which were highlighted by a recent Transport Ministry survey. Transport Ministry spokesperson Krichanont Iyapunya stated that the DLT’s…
-
Older diesel cars said to face stricter inspections to curb pollution
The Pollution Control Department is set to introduce new regulations requiring diesel vehicles over 20 years old to undergo bi-annual inspections to tackle PM2.5 pollution. Pollution Control Department Director-General, Preeyaporn Suwannakes revealed that PM2.5 particulate matter arises from various sources and differs depending on activities in each area. Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan area, plagued by heavy traffic congestion, are…
-
Post-pandemic airfares to remain high amid travel surge
Despite a slight relief due to declining jet fuel prices and increased flight capacity, airfares are expected to remain high in the post-pandemic travel surge and are unlikely to revert to pre-pandemic levels soon. AirAsia Aviation’s CEO Bo Lingam spoke on the changes in travelling patterns post-pandemic in an interview. “[The aircraft] load factor is around 90%, this was unheard…
-
Chinese EV makers dominate Southeast Asia, ICE cars decline
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sales are rapidly increasing in Southeast Asia, with China’s BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Vietnam’s VinFast spearheading the charge. Counterpoint Research reported that EV sales in the region more than doubled from January to March compared to the same period last year, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars decreased by 7%. The previous year…
-
Malaysia and China join forces on billion-dollar rail project
China’s plans to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) into Thailand are set to transform Southeast Asian trade. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the initiative during his visit to Malaysia yesterday. The US$10 billion (approximately 366 billion baht) ECRL, a key project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect Malaysia’s east and west coasts by 2026. Initially…
-
Don Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht
Don Mueang Tollway, the operator of the elevated Uttraphimuk Tollway, announced a toll increase of 5 to 10 baht, bringing the maximum toll fee to 170 baht, effective December 22. The announcement was made today by Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited, informing users about the upcoming change in toll rates based on the concession contract amendment agreement 3/2550 dated…
-
Tesla repair quote shocks owner with 1.3 million baht estimate
A Tesla owner shared her frustration online after her car was involved in an accident and the repair costs were quoted at 1.3 million baht. She claimed that the insurance company reported 149 items needing repair, exceeding the coverage limit. The owner made a post in a Facebook group, detailing her experience with her damaged vehicle. The front and windshield…
-
BTS gears up for electrifying bus race in Bangkok’s BRT expansion
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the BTS Skytrain operator, is in a race to supply Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) electric buses and have them operational by the September 1 deadline. BTSC signed a contract with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday, June 16, to procure 23 electric vehicles (EV) buses for the BRT system and to operate them…
-
New SRT Royal Blossom train to boost Kanchanaburi tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch the new SRT Royal Blossom tourist train, refurbished by Thai craftsmen, on the Kanchanaburi route by mid-August. The announcement came from Akranun Kannakitinan, a Kanchanaburi MP from the Pheu Thai Party. Akranun revealed that the refurbished train, featuring air-conditioned Hamanasu carriages from Japan, will soon commence operations. The train has…
-
Bangkok rail fares capped at 20 baht by March 2026
The government is set to implement a 20-baht fare cap across all of Greater Bangkok’s rail network by March 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. Suriya confirmed the decision following a meeting with the Common Ticketing System Policy Committee. The committee approved the plan to impose a 20-baht limit on ticket prices throughout Bangkok’s rail network and has instructed…
-
Thailand to boost computer chip investments for EV industry growth
Thailand is poised to ramp up its investments in computer chips, aligning with the state’s strategy to establish a national semiconductor board, in a bid to bolster the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. According to the Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), Narit Therdsteerasukdi, as domestic EV manufacturing gains traction due to increased foreign investment, the development of related…
-
Shock to the system: Chinese EV makers’ global charge struggle
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers face a challenge in maintaining their global image as price competition abroad raises concerns about the quality and reliability of their cars, according to consultancy Bain & Co. Bain & Co advises Chinese EV manufacturers, who already have a cost advantage over international competitors, to shift their focus to premium and expensive models rather than…
-
MRT wins legal battle to extend Orange Line
The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a previous ruling by the Central Administrative Court, greenlighting the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRT) to ink a deal with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company (BEM) for the Orange Line extension from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri. The legal tussle began when Bangkok Mass Transit System Company (BTSC) took the MRT to…
-
Closure of two carmaker’s facilities threatens investor confidence
In a recent announcement, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed concerns that the planned closures of Suzuki and Subaru production facilities in Thailand could undermine investor confidence in the auto industry. Last month, Suzuki Motor (Thailand) revealed its decision to cease all factory operations in Thailand by the end of 2025. The company cited declining sales and intense competition…
-
On track: SRT proposes dual-track railway to Nakhon Ratchasima
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) proposed two options for the construction of a dual-track railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, assuring locals that the Simathani Bridge will not be demolished. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, aimed to finalise plans and address concerns. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote along with numerous…
-
Traffic police crack down on dangerous tourist habits on Koh Larn
To ramp up safety and spread awareness, Pattaya police have launched a rapid response team on Koh Larn, targeting risky tourist behaviours. Pattaya police have launched a rapid response team on Koh Larn to boost safety and raise public awareness. This initiative focuses on the hazards posed by motorcycle rentals and golf cart use among tourists, aiming to prevent accidents…
-
Electric car’s shocking failure, repair costs over 1 million baht
A woman’s electric car battery failed after being parked in the rain for just 20 minutes, resulting in repair costs exceeding 1 million baht. The issue has now been resolved, with the insurance company agreeing to cover the costs and spare parts being dispatched to the service centre. The electric car owner, Suphinya, today shared her unfortunate experience. After leaving…
-
Shock and stall: Lightning ‘strikes’ car, insurance refuses to spark coverage
A car driver expressed concerns about his recently purchased vehicle when it malfunctioned just over a month after acquisition. The motor failed to start and displayed unusual electrical issues. While the dealership attributed the problem to a lightning strike, the insurance provider refused to cover the damages. A 44 year old resident of Uthai Thani, Bandit, reported the incident today.…
-
Thailand and Laos to launch Bangkok-Vientiane railway this month
Thailand and Laos are poised to inaugurate a new railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane, with a trial run scheduled for later this month, as announced by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The initiative is set to improve connectivity for travellers and facilitate the movement of goods between the two nations, positioning Thailand as a key logistics hub in…
-
Thailand’s steel sales slump 11 to 12% due to weak car market
Thailand’s sluggish car sales prompted an 11 to 12% decline in premium-grade steel sales during the first four months of 2024, raising concerns about reduced steel consumption this year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Iron and Steel Industry Club Vice-Chairman Nava Chantanasurakon stated that local steel manufacturers are bracing for a tough period, with expectations of…
-
Thailand automotive sales in 2024
Thailand’s car market is all over the place in 2024. After a tough 2023 with a 9% drop in sales and a slow economy, there’s some hope. Toyota, for example, wants to boost sales by 4%, aiming for 277,000 units to keep its big market share. Electric cars (EVs) are the big thing. Even though the first quarter of 2023…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.