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

    Pre-existing conditions? These expat insurance plans still have you covered

    Many expats feel worried that their pre-existing health problems will stop them from getting insurance in a new country. This fear is common, especially when medical care can be expensive. But the good news is, some insurance, like the plans...

  • Thai Airways ranks eighth among world’s top ten airlines | Thaiger

    Thai Airways ranks eighth among world’s top ten airlines

    Thai Airways secured a spot among the top ten international airlines in the world, as ranked by Travel & Leisure for 2024. The award, announced today, July 18, places Thai Airways at No.8 on the prestigious list. Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2024 surveyed opinions from travellers, tourists, and business people worldwide. This comprehensive survey evaluated excellence in various…

  • BEM wins 140 billion baht Orange Line western route project | Thaiger

    BEM wins 140 billion baht Orange Line western route project

    Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) received Cabinet approval to kick off the Orange Line’s western route project, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday. The Orange Line transit system will link the Bang Khun Non-district with the Min Buri district via a 35.9-kilometre network of underground and elevated rail sections. This includes a 13.4-kilometre western route from Bang Khun Non…

  • Controversial sea bridge to Koh Samui stirs debate | Thaiger

    Controversial sea bridge to Koh Samui stirs debate

    The hotly-debated sea bridge connecting the Thai mainland to the paradise island of Koh Samui is one step closer to reality. The second phase of public hearings for this ambitious project kicked off in Surat Thani province yesterday, July 15, setting the stage for a project that promises to revolutionise travel to one of Thailand’s most beloved holiday spots. Set…

  • New canal bridge in Ayutthaya opens to boost local travel | Thaiger

    New canal bridge in Ayutthaya opens to boost local travel

    The new bridge over Bang Luang Canal in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has officially opened, enhancing travel for residents between the two sides of the canal to important locations. This significant development aims to improve both economic and social aspects for the local communities. Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads Aphirat Chaiyavongnoi announced the completion of the Bang Luang…

  • Thai bus driver fined 2,000 baht for threatening motorist with stick | Thaiger

    Thai bus driver fined 2,000 baht for threatening motorist with stick

    A bus driver wielded a long stick to threaten a fellow motorist, resulting in a 2,000 baht fine and a mandatory three-hour training session to improve his awareness and conduct. The incident, which took place on July 6 on Phetkasem Road near Lotus Bang Khae in Bangkok, was captured in a viral online video. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) summoned…

  • New Bangkok to Vientiane train service launches tomorrow | Thaiger

    New Bangkok to Vientiane train service launches tomorrow

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch a new passenger train service between Bangkok and Vientiane, Laos. The service, starting tomorrow, July 13, will facilitate travel between the two countries, with tickets available for advance purchase up to 180 days. The new route will operate two round-trip journeys daily, featuring three classes of service, third-class fan-cooled seats…

  • Thai auto parts makers pivot to medical devices amid EV shift | Thaiger

    Thai auto parts makers pivot to medical devices amid EV shift

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) plans to present a proposal to the government this month aimed at bolstering the local medical device business. This initiative seeks to assist auto parts manufacturers in diversifying their operations amid the vehicle industry’s transition to electric vehicle (EV) technology. The shift in the industry provides an opportunity for auto parts makers, particularly those…

  • Pink Line monorail to boost traffic to Mueang Thong Thani | Thaiger

    Pink Line monorail to boost traffic to Mueang Thong Thani

    Bangkok Land, a publicly traded company, anticipates that the Pink Line monorail will boost traffic and increase the occupancy rate of its exhibitions to 70% within five years. Chief Executive of Bangkok Land and operator of Impact Exhibition Management, Paul Kanjanapas reported that in the first half of the year, the company’s food, retail, and exhibition sectors met their growth…

  • New Bangkok tollgate sparks controversy | Thaiger

    New Bangkok tollgate sparks controversy

    Bangkok’s new tollgate on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway in Pathum Wan district has officially opened, promising to improve the city’s traffic flow—but not without sparking a heated debate. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced that the new Lumpini entrance will provide a crucial link from the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway to Wireless Road. This strategic shortcut is set…

  • Thailand’s EV 3.0 policy faces major oversupply challenges | Thaiger

    Thailand’s EV 3.0 policy faces major oversupply challenges

    The Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) issued a cautionary note to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand, alerting them to the potential for a significant oversupply of EVs in the coming years. This warning arises from the production requirements stipulated under the EV 3.0 policy. This policy, which has been previously lauded for encouraging domestic EV production, offers import tax…

  • Thailand plans 50 billion baht tunnel expressway in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Thailand plans 50 billion baht tunnel expressway in Bangkok

    The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced plans to construct a 50 billion baht tunnel expressway connecting Kaset and Ngamwongwan. Public opinion on the project will be gathered and considered on July 13. EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed that the third public hearing will finalise the feasibility study for the northern section of the Third Stage Expressway System, specifically the…

  • GAC AION charges ahead in Thailand with new EV hub in Rayong | Thaiger

    GAC AION charges ahead in Thailand with new EV hub in Rayong

    China’s 4th-largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, GAC AION New Energy Automobile, is gearing up to revolutionise Thailand’s automotive landscape with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rayong’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) on July 17. Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul announced that the cutting-edge plant, costing a staggering 2.3 billion baht, is poised to kick off operations by November. Boasting…

  • Honda to cease productions in Ayutthaya by 2025, EV competition | Thaiger

    Honda to cease productions in Ayutthaya by 2025, EV competition

    Honda Motor will cease vehicle production at its Ayutthaya factory by 2025, redirecting its efforts to consolidate operations at the Prachin Buri plant, the company announced today, July 9. This strategic shift underscores the increasing challenges Japan’s second-largest automaker faces in Southeast Asia, as Chinese brands aggressively vie for market share in Thailand amidst rising consumer interest in electric vehicles…

  • Chiang Mai used car dealers rev up amid economic turmoil | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai used car dealers rev up amid economic turmoil

    Chiang Mai’s used car dealerships are on the brink of collapse as they battle economic woes and intense price wars. The once-thriving market is now a battleground, with many dealerships shutting their doors while the survivors cling on by the skin of their teeth. The surge in repossessed vehicles and stricter financing regulations have only added fuel to the fire.…

  • Thailand on track to upgrade third-class trains with air-con & seats | Thaiger

    Thailand on track to upgrade third-class trains with air-con & seats

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to improve the service and facilities of its third-class trains by spending 780 million baht on new seats and air conditioning. For the first phase, 130 third-class carriages will be equipped with air conditioning by next year. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Surapong Piyachote, told DailyNews that the SRT is now seeking operators…

  • Purple Line power surge: Bangkok’s MRT sees ridership spike | Thaiger

    Purple Line power surge: Bangkok’s MRT sees ridership spike

    The MRT Purple Line in Bangkok experienced an unprecedented surge in ridership, with over 86,000 passengers using the service late last month. This significant milestone, achieved on June 28, is attributed to the integration with a new bus terminal. The Acting Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), Witthaya Phanmongkol explained today, July 8, that the significant increase in…

  • Revving up! Royal Gazette adds character to Bangkok plates | Thaiger

    Revving up! Royal Gazette adds character to Bangkok plates

    The Royal Gazette announced the approval of special characters for vehicle registration plates. Seventy new categories, including auspicious and familiar words, will be added for personal cars registered in Bangkok. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has introduced new regulations concerning the use of special characters on vehicle registration plates for personal cars with a capacity of up to seven…

  • DP World to transform Thailand into regional transport hub | Thaiger

    DP World to transform Thailand into regional transport hub

    DP World, the global supply chain and logistics powerhouse based in Dubai is set to propose a plan to the Thai government aimed at transforming Thailand into a regional transport hub, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The announcement came yesterday following a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP…

  • Thailand’s aviation hub vision depends on domestic travel options | Thaiger

    Thailand’s aviation hub vision depends on domestic travel options

    For Thailand to recognise its goal of becoming a regional aviation hub by 2030, a stronger emphasis must be placed on enhancing its domestic travel capabilities by integrating and developing the various transport modes currently available. Managing Director of Alton Aviation Consultancy, Mabel Kwan emphasised the importance of collaboration within the aviation ecosystem, involving airlines, airports, customers, ground handling, and…

  • BYD price cuts spark outrage among existing customers | Thaiger

    BYD price cuts spark outrage among existing customers

    BYD’s recent price cuts have sparked significant outrage among its customers, who feel that they have lost substantial amounts of money due to the new promotions. The electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer announced discounts of up to 340,000 baht, leading to a wave of discontent among early adopters who purchased vehicles before the price drop. The announcement has led many consumers…

  • Blue Line MRT fares to rise by up to 2 baht from tomorrow | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Shifting gears: Thai interest charges towards hybrids, veers from EVs | Thaiger

    Shifting gears: Thai interest charges towards hybrids, veers from EVs

    Interest in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) among Thai consumers has declined over the past year, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have gained popularity, according to a survey conducted by Deloitte. The 2024 Global Automotive Consumer Study indicates that the percentage of Thai respondents interested in purchasing a BEV has dropped to 20% this year from 31% in 2023. Conversely, interest…

  • Thai cycle woes: Motorcycle sales hit brakes amid economic woes | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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,…

  • Rising travel costs hinder Asia-Pacific corporate travel, Visa reports | Thaiger

    Rising travel costs hinder Asia-Pacific corporate travel, Visa reports

    Rising travel costs and economic uncertainties are impacting business travel across the Asia-Pacific region, according to Visa. Companies are increasingly investing in digitalisation to manage their travel budgets more effectively. Chavi Jafa, Head of Commercial and Money Movement Solutions for Asia-Pacific at Visa, noted that while business travel may increase in the coming years, current high travel costs and economic…

  • DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…