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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  • From pink to takeoff: Pattaya’s bus link to Bangkok takes off | Thaiger

    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…

  • All systems go: Bangkok’s new Red Line to be greenlit in April | Thaiger

    All systems go: Bangkok’s new Red Line to be greenlit in April

    The eagerly anticipated extension of Thailand’s Red Line from Siriraj Hospital to Salaya is racing towards Cabinet approval this April. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the colossal 15.17 billion baht project has cleared all the necessary bureaucratic hurdles. The Finance Ministry, Budget Bureau, and National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) have all rendered their blessing, sending the proposal…

  • Nurse on track: Off-duty hero saves passenger on Bangkok BTS (video) | Thaiger

    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…

  • Thailand charges ahead with tax breaks for hybrid vehicles | Thaiger

    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…

  • Extra 25,000 seats on Thailand flights for Songkran | Thaiger

    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…

  • Pattaya traffic crackdown: Real reform or just for show? | Thaiger

    Pattaya traffic crackdown: Real reform or just for show?

    Pattaya residents are divided over the city’s latest traffic enforcement efforts, questioning whether the recent crackdown by traffic police is a genuine attempt to tackle congestion or just a temporary publicity stunt during major events like the Pattaya Music Festival. While some appreciate the increased police presence, others argue that enforcement is inconsistent, with officers only taking action when the…

  • EXAT teams up with private firms for Phuket expressway by 2030 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Phuket’s plan to end traffic chaos with AI and expressway | Thaiger

    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…

  • Bangkok buses now accepts QR code and e-wallet payments | Thaiger

    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…

  • Bangkok bans offerings at Optimus Prime statue for traffic safety | Thaiger

    Bangkok bans offerings at Optimus Prime statue for traffic safety

    A towering Optimus Prime statue in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong district has become an unexpected shrine, drawing crowds of locals and tourists eager to offer gifts for good luck. However, local government officials have now banned the practice, citing safety concerns due to heavy traffic on Charoen Krung Road. The statue gained attention after a local shop owner credited it with bringing…

  • MRT breakdown leaves commuters stranded during rush hour | Thaiger

    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…

  • Charged up: Bangkok set to roll out 1,520 electric buses by August | Thaiger

    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,…

  • Bangkok plans new central bus terminal for better city connectivity | Thaiger

    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…

  • Thailand launches new luxury bus service to Pattaya and Hua Hin | Thaiger

    Thailand launches new luxury bus service to Pattaya and Hua Hin

    Thailand is about to rescue those arriving in the Land of Smiles lost in a sea of taxis with a new first-class bus service that’s set to redefine airport transfers from Bangkok, to Pattaya and Hua Hin. Thailand’s state-run Transport Co., is ready to roll out a swanky first-class bus service starting on March 8, promising to make the dreary…

  • New airport bus service to Pattaya and Hua Hin | Thaiger

    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…

  • Boatload of change: Phuket makes waves with water transport plan | Thaiger

    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.…

  • Thailand considers lifting train alcohol ban to boost tourism | Thaiger

    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…

  • Pane and gain: Thai Airways lands safely amid cracked cockpit drama | Thaiger

    Pane and gain: Thai Airways lands safely amid cracked cockpit drama

    In a high-flying drama with a smooth landing, Thai Airways ensured passenger safety remained sky-high after a Bangkok to Singapore flight returned due to a cracked cockpit window, forcing a swift aircraft swap and ensuring passengers reached their destination safe and sound. In an unexpected twist, travellers aboard Thai Airways’ flight TG401 experienced an unscheduled return to Bangkok after a…

  • Going green: Thailand’s solvent solution sparks eco-revolution | Thaiger

    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…

  • Thailand’s single ticket system to cut public transport costs | Thaiger

    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…

  • Volt-face: Volvo shifts gears with new EV offerings in Thailand | Thaiger

    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,…

  • Full steam ahead: SRT fast-tracks freight boost to cut costs | Thaiger

    Full steam ahead: SRT fast-tracks freight boost to cut costs

    In a bid to slash transport costs for import and export businesses, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is all set to turbocharge freight services between Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri and Bangkok. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala and his team, yesterday, February 12, descended on the deep-sea port and the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district,…

  • Bangkok introduces congestion charge in six key intersections | Thaiger

    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…

  • Bangkok delays AI cameras for enforcing new speed limits | Thaiger

    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…

  • EV ferries set to recharge routes between Surat Thani-Koh Samui | Thaiger

    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…

  • Thailand approves US$9.8 billion high-speed rail expansion | Thaiger

    Thailand approves US$9.8 billion high-speed rail expansion

    Thailand is racing ahead with its high-speed rail ambitions as the Cabinet greenlights the second phase of the Thailand-China High-Speed Rail Project, extending the line from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. The colossal 341.35 billion baht (US$9.8 billion) project will span 357 kilometres and take eight years to complete, from 2025 to 2032. Once operational, it will provide a direct link between Bangkok and Nong…

  • Thai airports increase passenger service charge by 25 baht | Thaiger

    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…

  • Parking puzzle: Pattaya evens out the odds to curb traffic congestion | Thaiger

    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…

  • Thailand’s 34 billion baht railway plan to boost trade and tourism | Thaiger

    Thailand’s 34 billion baht railway plan to boost trade and tourism

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is pushing for an 80-million-baht budget to conduct a feasibility study for a new double-track railway linking Hat Yai in Songkhla to Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. The massive 34.59 billion baht project aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s policy to enhance railway efficiency, improve connectivity between Thailand and neighbouring countries, and stimulate border trade,…

  • Thailand caps airfares to curb Songkran holiday price hikes | Thaiger

    Thailand caps airfares to curb Songkran holiday price hikes

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced yesterday, February 3, its plans to address the issue of high airfares during peak travel periods, especially around the Songkran holiday. According to CAAT chief Suttipong Kongpool, the initiative is in response to a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, aimed at regulating airfares for the benefit of…