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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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Bolt from the blue: Transport Ministry speeds up rider crackdown
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has put the pedal to the metal with Bolt, urging a rapid revamp of rider registrations to meet the Department of Land Transport (DLT) standards. The move aims to deliver safe and cost-effective services across Bolt’s platforms, as revealed by MoT Deputy Permanent Secretary Sorapong Paitoonphong. Following a high-profile meeting, Sorapong highlighted key resolutions, including…
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Expressway chaos: Bangkok traffic mayhem as flyover tumbles
Transport chiefs in Thailand have urged motorists to seek alternative routes after a key section of the Bangkok–Thon Buri expressway collapsed on Saturday, causing traffic bedlam and blocking crucial ramps. Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) chief Surachet Laophulsuk warned of severe congestion around the Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway ramp, particularly near the Dao Khanong toll plaza, starting today, Monday, March…
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Thailand seeks private investment for Phuket expressway project
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is seeking private sector involvement in the Phuket Expressway Project to enhance road infrastructure, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve connectivity for both locals and tourists. On March 7, a public hearing took place at the Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit, where private investors were invited to share their views on the project’s feasibility and investment…
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From pink to takeoff: Pattaya’s bus link to Bangkok takes off
Responding to news of a new shuttle bus service linking Don Mueang International Airport to Pattaya, the Transport Company Ltd., unveiled a new bus service connecting the bustling seaside city to the Bangkok airport. The Transport Company Ltd., announced to travellers and tourists alike to look for the iconic pink buses on Sukhumvit Road, directly across from the Father Ray…
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Nurse on track: Off-duty hero saves passenger on Bangkok BTS (video)
A nurse garnered praise for assisting a passenger who fainted on the BTS train in Bangkok, even though she was on her way to work. Yesterday, March 11, TikTok user @sittiaew shared a video capturing the commendable act, highlighting the nurse’s dedication to her profession. The video depicts the nurse and a BTS security officer helping a passenger who had…
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Thailand charges ahead with tax breaks for hybrid vehicles
Tax incentives for the manufacturing of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in Thailand are being proposed, with implementation anticipated from 2026 pending approval, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. The proposal, which aims to link tax rates to a vehicle’s battery charge travel range, will be presented to the Cabinet by April. To boost PHEV adoption, the government is…
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Full steam ahead! High-speed rail set for Thailand airports
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board is gearing up to put pedal to the metal with the ambitious high-speed rail link that will seamlessly connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. All eyes are on the Cabinet for a green light come May. SRT Deputy Governor Anan Phonimdang revealed that dedicated subcommittees have already given the revamped contract their…
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Extra 25,000 seats on Thailand flights for Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit unveiled plans to launch an aerial bonanza this Songkran, pledging to add a whopping 25,000 seats on domestic flights while slashing airfares on select routes by a tantalising 30%. With the festival fervour set to peak between April 11 to 17, Suriya held an emergency summit yesterday, March 10. Flanked by state agency moguls and industry…
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EXAT teams up with private firms for Phuket expressway by 2030
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is collaborating with private entities to invest in two Phuket expressways, spanning 34.6 kilometres, with a budget of 27 billion baht. The project is expected to be operational by 2030, with toll fees ranging from 15 to 125 baht. Surachet Laophulsuk, the governor of EXAT, announced the opening of an opinion hearing for private…
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Phuket’s plan to end traffic chaos with AI and expressway
Phuket’s notorious traffic congestion has long frustrated both locals and tourists, but a major two-part plan aims to finally solve the problem. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has unveiled ambitious strategies to transform the island’s traffic flow, including a new expressway and AI-powered traffic management—a first for Thailand. The Thai government has approved a long-awaited expressway project that will connect Muang Mai…
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Thai-Chinese railway project gets 350-day extension due to delays
The long-awaited Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project has hit yet another roadblock, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board approving a 350-day extension due to rental buildings obstructing construction. The new completion deadline has been set for March 10, 2026. SRT chief Veerith Amrapal announced the decision following a board meeting. The extension affects contract sections 3 to 5 of…
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Bangkok buses now accepts QR code and e-wallet payments
Thai Smile Bus, operating primarily in Bangkok, has expanded its payment options, now allowing passengers to pay using QR codes via PromptPay across all routes. Additionally, the service will also support Digital E-Wallet payments, such as True Money Wallet, which came into effect on March 1. Kulpornphat Wongmacharapinya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited, announced the expansion…
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MRT breakdown leaves commuters stranded during rush hour
Commuters were left fuming during this morning’s rush hour as the MRT malfunctioned between Chatuchak Park Station and Phahon Yothin Station, stranding passengers and causing significant delays. The breakdown occurred at approximately 7.50am today, February 26, leaving hundreds of commuters stuck on platforms and inside trains. The MRT management quickly issued a statement at 8.30am. “The MRT is malfunctioning at…
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Charged up: Bangkok set to roll out 1,520 electric buses by August
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing to lease 1,520 electric buses with the first batch set to be operational by August. This initiative aims to replace over 30-year-old non-air-conditioned buses and reduce maintenance costs. According to a report from the Ministry of Transport today, the BMTA will propose the leasing project to the board during their meeting tomorrow,…
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Bangkok’s Pink Line monorail to offer free test rides in June
The Pink Line monorail branch to Muang Thong Thani will offer free rides during its test run in June before starting full services in July. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the 3-kilometre extension from Si Rat Station to Mueang Thong Thani will begin test operations in late June. During this period, rides will be free, leading up to the official…
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Bangkok plans new central bus terminal for better city connectivity
The Transport Ministry is considering relocating Bangkok’s inter-provincial bus terminals to the Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal to enhance connectivity with the city’s mass transit system. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit discussed this proposal with the Policy Monitoring Committee, instructing the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy Planning (OTP) to explore the feasibility of consolidating all state-operated bus terminals within this new…
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New airport bus service to Pattaya and Hua Hin
Travellers can now enjoy a first-class bus service from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports to Pattaya and Hua Hin, starting March 8, operated by State-run Transport Co. Managing Director Atthawit Rakchamroon announced that the service will offer comfort and convenience for both tourists and locals. Four daily round trips will run between Don Mueang and Pattaya, covering 162 kilometres in…
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Boatload of change: Phuket makes waves with water transport plan
Phuket is set to make a splash with an innovative plan to tackle its notorious traffic woes—by taking to the water. In a bid to ease the island’s increasing congestion, local officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall’s Smart Operations Center yesterday, February 17, to explore the integration of water transport systems, with a focus on a pioneering ‘Boat Taxi’ project.…
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Road warriors: Speeding towards a smooth ride on Rama II Road
Motorists can get in gear for a smoother journey by the end of the year as major construction projects along Rama II Road, aka Highway 35, speed towards completion. According to the Transport Ministry, the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road expressway is nearly done, with 87% finished so far. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed on Monday that the project…
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Thailand considers lifting train alcohol ban to boost tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) intends to propose lifting the current ban on alcohol sales on trains at the upcoming meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee scheduled for Friday, February 21. Previously, the committee, under the Public Health Ministry, had rejected a similar proposal due to concerns it could prove more detrimental than beneficial. Public Health Minister Somsak…
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Going green: Thailand’s solvent solution sparks eco-revolution
As zero-emission vehicles race to the forefront of Thailand’s climate action, it’s not just the cars that are grabbing the green spotlight in the eco-revolution. Behind the scenes, a silent revolution in solvent recycling is powering the country’s eco-commitments while ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future. In the bustling auto industry of Thailand, an unsung hero is emerging in the…
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Thailand’s single ticket system to cut public transport costs
The Common Ticketing System Management Bill, which aims to enable commuters to purchase a single ticket for various public transport modes, is expected to reduce service costs, according to a public hearing. The Thailand Consumers Council organised this hearing to gather feedback on the bill for the House’s special committee reviewing the measure. Jiraroth Sukolrat, Deputy Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy…
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Thailand rolls out new tollway speed limits to enhance safety
Thailand’s transport ministry has introduced new speed limits for tollways, aiming to improve traffic flow and enhance safety. The regulation, issued under the Highway Act 1992, applies specifically to concession highways, marking the first time such roads have been subject to speed restrictions. Under the new rule, different vehicle categories must adhere to strict speed limits: Trucks over 2.2 tonnes…
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Volt-face: Volvo shifts gears with new EV offerings in Thailand
Volvo Car Thailand is gearing up for modest growth in car sales, capped at 5% this year, by revving up its appeal with fresh electric vehicle models and an innovative battery repair service. This bold strategy aims to keep long-term maintenance costs low for drivers and attract more eco-conscious consumers. Chris Wailes, managing director of Volvo Car Thailand and Malaysia,…
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Bangkok introduces congestion charge in six key intersections
Thailand is looking to introduce a congestion charge to alleviate traffic in key areas of Bangkok, known for its gridlock bumper-to-bumper congestion. Following the footsteps of other major cities such as London and Milan, the move is expected to yield positive results. The congestion charge, designed to alleviate traffic jams and curb environmental pollution, is set to initially cover six…
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Bangkok delays AI cameras for enforcing new speed limits
For over a month, a revised speed limit has been in place in Bangkok, yet traffic police are awaiting the installation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) security cameras by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to effectively enforce it. On December 23, the BMA implemented a new speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour (kph) on most city roads, with exceptions for…
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Furious Phuket residents demand action as gridlock worsens
Phuket’s once-idyllic Cherng Talay is now a gridlocked nightmare, with frustrated residents demanding urgent action as worsening traffic congestion grinds daily life to a halt. Residents and local officials, including Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Chief Manoch Panchalad, are calling for immediate solutions to ease the never-ending traffic tailbacks plaguing the area. “Every day, I see private cars clogging…
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EV ferries set to recharge routes between Surat Thani-Koh Samui
Ferry services shuttling electric vehicles (EVs) between mainland Surat Thani and the idyllic shores of Koh Samui are set to resume on Tuesday, following a three-month hiatus prompted by safety concerns. Phutthapong Wimolphan, the Deputy Managing Director of Raja Ferry Port Plc, broke the news today, February 7, revealing that the company will offer this service twice a week, every…
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Thai airports increase passenger service charge by 25 baht
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) board has agreed to a 25 baht rise in the passenger service charge (PSC) at seven airports across various provinces. This adjustment, suggested by the Department of Airports (DoA), will be implemented at DoA-managed airports in Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phitsanulok. During the CAAT…
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Parking puzzle: Pattaya evens out the odds to curb traffic congestion
In a bid to tackle the notorious traffic congestion in South Pattaya, city officials have rolled out a strict enforcement of odd-even parking rules on the bustling South Pattaya Road. Starting Monday, February 3, the initiative aims to streamline traffic flow and bring order to the chaotic streets. On the first day of enforcement, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet took to…
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