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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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SRT to test refurbished Japanese diesel trains for suburban routes
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will start testing on KiHa 40 and 48 diesel trains before next month ends, with plans to deploy these second-hand trains from Japan on suburban feeder routes by the end of the year. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala stated that the donated trains have been adapted to suit Thailand’s narrow-gauge tracks. Out of 20 units…
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Bangkok’s Bang Na gridlocked by floods and traffic (video)
Bangkok’s roads turned into rivers yesterday evening, sparking one of the worst traffic nightmares in recent memory, with queues stretching over 31 kilometres and motorists stuck for hours in waist-deep floodwaters. Heavy rainfall yesterday, May 16, caused severe flooding on key routes in Bang Na and surrounding areas, leading to massive traffic congestion that brought parts of the city to a…
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Trang Airport finally taxiing toward take-off after years of turbulence
After years of delays, walkouts and government faffing about, Trang Airport’s long-stalled revamp is finally back on the runway, with part of a shiny new terminal expected to open next month and billions more being poured into the project. The opposition People’s Party has vowed to keep a close eye on Trang Airport’s 4.4-billion-baht overhaul, which has been riddled with contractor…
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Baht to the future: 20 baht Bangkok train fare plan on fast track
Bangkok commuters could soon be zipping across the city’s electric rail network for just 20 baht a ride, no matter how far they go, as the government pushes ahead with its wallet-friendly fare cap. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) officially proposed a flat-rate fare ceiling of 20 baht for all electric train services, with Cabinet approval expected later this…
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Bangkok trials smart traffic system at 72 city intersections
Bangkok’s notorious traffic nightmare could finally be easing, thanks to a new ‘smart’ system that promises to slash waiting times and get drivers moving faster. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) rolled out its high-tech Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) at 72 key intersections in a bold bid to revolutionise the capital’s congested roads. The trial initiative aims to replace outdated…
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Thailand, Malaysia to enhance cross-border transport links
The Thai government is working towards enhanced collaboration with Malaysia to improve infrastructure and cross-border connectivity, with a focus on connecting roads and railways. Transport Minister Suriya Juengrunreangkit hosted Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Bangkok on May 2, where both parties discussed improving transport networks for faster and safer travel and freight between the two countries. Key outcomes from…
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Transport ministry proposes MRT Act changes for 20-baht flat fare
The Ministry of Transport is set to propose changes to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act during a special session of the House of Representatives next month. This aligns with the introduction of a 20-baht flat fare for the electric railway system planned for September. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri stated yesterday, April 29, that the ministry is finalising a…
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Trumped up trouble puts brakes on Thailand’s car industry
Thailand’s car industry is veering off course, with annual production now expected to skid below target thanks to Washington’s punishing tariffs and a domestic market bogged down by debt and rejected loans. Thailand’s automotive engine is spluttering, with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warning that this year’s car production is set to fall short of its 1.5 million-unit goal,…
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M81 motorway free for 10 days to boost Kanchanaburi fair
Motorists heading to Kanchanaburi province for the Samburi Kaset Fair next month are in for a treat—free access to the newly completed M81 motorway. From May 3 to 12, the Department of Highways has announced that travel on the 96-kilometre route will be free of charge to facilitate easy access to the agricultural fair, offering a much-needed break for travellers.…
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Thai transport ministry fast-tracks 20 baht train fare policy
The Ministry of Transport is accelerating efforts to implement the 20 baht flat fare for electric trains policy, targeting completion by September 2025. A new draft of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act is slated for Cabinet consideration in May. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri highlighted that the ministry is currently detailing the draft law, aimed at modernising…
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Thailand PM pushes major transport projects in northeast region
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is advocating for major transport development projects in northeast Thailand, aligning with an upcoming mobile Cabinet meeting agenda in Nakhon Phanom tomorrow, April 29. This initiative precedes the PM’s scheduled visit to the area today, where the government is considering transport projects in Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces. The aim is to transform the…
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SRT extends Thai-Chinese rail project by 201 days
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board has approved a 201-day extension for the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project between Saraburi and Kaeng Khoi due to structural constraints, including land-use permissions from the Royal Irrigation Department. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala announced the board’s approval for the extension of the contract for the high-speed rail system connecting Bangkok and Nong Khai, a…
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400 million baht for new Rama 2 parallel route construction
The Department of Highways has allocated 400 million baht to alleviate traffic congestion on Rama 2 Road by constructing a parallel route and new bridges. Construction is expected to begin in September this year, and officials assure that it will not affect traffic on the main route. Yesterday, April 21, Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director General of the Department of Highways, discussed…
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Bangkok to receive 500 electric buses in clean energy transition
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) plans to replace its natural gas-powered (NGV) buses with an all-new lineup of electric-powered (EV) air-conditioned buses, beginning with a delivery of 500 EV buses this year. BMTA Director Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul provided an update on the agency’s progress in leasing electric buses, marking a transition from NGV buses to cleaner energy alternatives. The…
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Geely does it: Chinese EV giant shifts gears with Thai expansion
A Chinese electric carmaker is ready to spark up Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) scene, with big plans, bold investments and a battery-powered push to win over local drivers. Geely, one of China’s top EV brands, is plugging into Thailand in a big way, with its local distributor, Thonburi Neustern Co, unveiling ambitious plans to supercharge the brand’s presence in the…
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Cha-am–Hua Hin highway upgrade to boost travel and tourism
Thailand is paving the way for a smoother ride, literally, as the government pushes forward with a massive upgrade of Highway 37, better known as the Cha-am Bypass, in a project set to ease traffic woes, enhance road safety, and drive tourism and economic growth along the Gulf coast. Spanning 50 kilometres between Cha-am in Phetchaburi and Pranburi in Prachuap…
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Don Mueang Airport sees 10% rise in Songkran passenger numbers
Don Mueang International Airport is anticipating around 700,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed today, April 9, that Don Mueang Airport is prepared to accommodate the expected surge in travellers. Wichit Kaewsaitiam, the director of Don Mueang Airport, noted that April 11 is…
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Watt’s next: Thailand powers up for electric vehicle revolution
Thailand’s government is committed to transforming the nation into an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, with a policy focused on stimulating demand to encourage consumer adoption. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul emphasised the importance of building a domestic EV supply to meet this demand. The government has shifted from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle production to an EV focus through…
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New four-lane highway to boost eastern Thailand connectivity
The Songkran holiday season might be chaotic with traffic jams, but a major four-lane highway upgrade in eastern Thailand promises to ease congestion in the future. Highways 3486 and 348 are set to undergo a significant transformation with the construction of a 48-kilometre, 4-lane highway, designed to improve traffic flow and protect local wildlife. The Department of Highways (DOH) has…
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Motorways open free for Songkran travel from April 11 to April 17
During the upcoming Songkran festival, the Department of Highways (DoH) is preparing to facilitate travel by opening two motorway routes free of charge. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, stated that a significant number of people are expected to travel to their hometowns or on vacation during this period. To ensure smooth and safe travel from April…
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SRT confirms high-speed rail steel meets safety standards
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has confirmed that the steel used in the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project complies with all engineering and quality standards. This assurance follows detailed inspections initiated due to public concerns after an earthquake in Myanmar on Friday, March 28, which sent tremors to Bangkok, resulting in the collapse of the State Audit Office building in…
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Mass grave unearthed at Bangkok train station site
Construction workers got more than they bargained for while digging near Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital—a chilling discovery of dozens of human skeletons beneath the ground, believed to be victims of a mass execution over two centuries ago. The remains were found during a survey at the future site of the MRT Orange Line’s Siriraj Station, which will link Bang Khun Non…
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Mo Chit 2 gets flashy facelift ahead of Songkran holiday rush
Travellers heading out of Bangkok this Songkran are in for a big surprise—Mo Chit 2 just got a multimillion-baht makeover, and it’s looking slicker than ever. Chatchawan Prommoratham, Acting President of Transport Company Limited (BorKorSor), announced a major renovation to the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak), popularly known as Mo Chit 2, aimed at improving passenger convenience, safety, and service speed.…
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Trat city opposes Koh Chang expressway, fears economic impact
Residents and business owners in Trat city have expressed strong opposition to a proposed 5.9-kilometre expressway connecting Laem Ngob district to Koh Chang. They contend that this new route, which bypasses the city, could adversely affect the local economy. A second public consultation for the expressway project took place at Trat City Hotel in Mueang district on Wednesday, April 2.…
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All aboard: Songkhla sets sail for cruise boom with new port plan
In a bold bid to transform Songkhla into a cruise hotspot, the local Chamber of Commerce has proposed the development of a dedicated cruise port to woo affluent Western tourists, while still charming traditional visitors from Malaysia and Singapore. During an eventful visit by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in February, Songphon Changsiriwattanathamrong, president of the Chamber of Commerce, pitched the…
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MRT Pink Line resumes partial service after Myanmar quake impact
The MRT Pink Line in Bangkok resumed services between Government Complex Station (PK01) and Talad Minburi Station (PK29) following temporary repairs. Trains will not stop at Minburi Station (PK30) due to ongoing repairs needed after an inspection revealed damage to the joint cover of the running beam. Operational hours are from 6am to midnight, with trains running every 10 minutes.…
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Thai Cabinet approves tax breaks for big EV investments
The Cabinet has approved a draft decree to offer tax incentives for companies investing in large commercial electric vehicles (EVs). This measure allows companies to claim double the expense for locally produced EVs and 1.5 times for imported ones. Deputy Government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan stated that the decree aims to encourage the use of large commercial EVs, such as electric…
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10% Songkran bus fare discount for off-peak travel
Planning to head home for Songkran? You might want to leave early or return late, because the Transport Company is offering a 10% discount for savvy travellers who avoid peak holiday dates. In a bid to ease the notorious congestion at bus terminals during the Thai New Year holiday, the Transport Company is encouraging passengers to travel outside the peak Songkran period.…
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Phuket rolls out EV buses to boost tourism and reduce pollution
Phuket is set to introduce two new 18-seat open-top electric buses to enhance its tourism appeal. These environmentally friendly vehicles aim to tackle pollution and PM2.5 dust issues while serving as promotional tools for tourism, according to Saroj Angkanapilas, Mayor of Phuket municipality. The buses are adorned with illustrations of the area’s distinctive Sino-European architecture, highlighting the Old Town’s cultural…
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Transport minister denies secret 100bn baht high-speed rail deals
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit refuted claims from the opposition that the government is covertly negotiating two major deals exceeding 100 billion baht with the concessionaire for the high-speed rail project connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports. “The debater attempted to distort facts using his imagination to mislead the public.” Suriya’s response yesterday, March 25, addressed accusations from Surachet Pravinvongvuth,…
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