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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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PM Srettha urges action to ease traffic delays on Rama II highway
In response to mounting social media uproar over the Rama II highway’s perpetual construction nightmares, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to the Transport Ministry to solve traffic congestion before the impending Songkran holiday frenzy. Connecting nearby Hua Hin to the capital, the route is essential for those planning to travel to the seaside resort from Bangkok. The 62…
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BMW to establish first SE Asian EV battery factory in Thailand
BMW Group Thailand revealed plans to establish an electric vehicle (EV) battery factory in the country this year. This move is in response to China’s escalating EV investment and supply chains in Thailand. The factory, to be positioned in Rayong, will bolster the firm’s sales of battery EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs. The company’s president and CEO, Alexander Baraka, revealed…
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Bangkok’s eastern and central bus terminals set for relocation
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced plans yesterday to move the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to the Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal. The intention behind the move is to offer more convenience to travellers as the Central Terminal can be easily reached using the MRT electronic rail system. In the proposed new location,…
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Thai-Chinese high-speed train project faces delay and extra costs
The Thai-Chinese high-speed train project is set to experience a delay of approximately two years, alongside an additional funding requirement of around 4 billion baht (US$111 million). This arises from a proposed track modification in Nakhon Ratchasima, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The State Railway of Thailand Governor, Nirut Maneephan, disclosed that this change involves contracts numbered…
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Thailand’s state railway to construct three new double-track routes
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is advancing with plans to construct three double-track railroad routes that will span a total of 634 kilometres. The project, which will require a combined investment of 113.14 billion baht, has been approved by the SRT board and is due to be submitted to the Transport Ministry later this month. SRT governor Nirut Maneepan…
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Man falls from Khu Khot BTS station platform, community shocked
A tragic incident occurred today at Khu Khot Skytrain station when a Taiwanese man fell from the platform onto the street below, causing shock among the local community and prompting authorities to review CCTV footage to determine the cause of the event. Residents and taxi drivers waiting for passengers near Khu Khot Skytrain station were left in a state of…
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Phuket’s traffic crisis: over 500,000 vehicles clog the island’s roads
The Thai holiday resort of Phuket is grappling with a serious traffic problem. Senate Transportation Commission Chairman, General Yodyut Bunyathikarn, was informed on his recent visit to the island that over half a million vehicles are congesting the roads. Gen. Yodyut’s two-day visit aimed to understand the issues and challenges in implementing transportation and infrastructure projects in Phuket. During a meeting at…
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Calls for government subsidy on all Bangkok public transport
A call for government subsidisation of all public transportation in Bangkok was made at a forum aiming to alleviate the city’s commuting issues. The event, attended by approximately 100 individuals including locals, was a collaboration between the House Committee on Consumer Protection, the Thailand Consumers Council and the Foundation for Consumers. The agenda was to gather consumer perspectives on the…
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Chiang Mai songthaew goes cool with air-con and PM2.5 filters
In a novel move to revolutionise local transport, a Chiang Mai songthaew driver has transformed the iconic red car into an air-conditioned oasis complete with a PM2.5 filter system. This innovative service has become a hit among both Thai and international tourists, leading to a significant booking queue. The traditional songthaew, a ubiquitous sight in Chiang Mai, has long been…
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Thailand promotes electric trucks and buses with new incentives
The National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee in Thailand has given the green light for incentives aimed at encouraging companies to switch their commercial fleets of large trucks and buses to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The committee has also approved cash grants for manufacturers of EV battery cells. The secretary-general of the Board of Investment and secretary of the Electric Vehicle…
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New EV incentives boost investment in Thai automotive sector
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the new electric vehicle (EV) incentive packages, anticipating a significant boost to investment in the automotive sector and related businesses. As Thailand strives for sustainable economic growth and enhanced competitiveness, surges in investment are vital, particularly in the targeted S-curve industries encompassing next-generation vehicles. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, the…
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Thailand incentivises companies to go green with EV conversion
The Thailand government confirmed yesterday that measures have been approved to encourage companies to convert their commercial fleets of large trucks and buses to battery electric vehicles (EVs). This move aims to increase the adoption of EVs and support companies in achieving their net-zero targets. In addition, cash grants will be provided for EV battery cell manufacturers. These policies are…
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Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 bus terminal enhances safety with arrival area closure
Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak), or Mo Chit 2 as it is commonly referred to, announced the closure of its arrival area on March 1. The decision is part of a broader initiative to enhance passenger safety and curb the activities of illegal motorcycle taxis targeting travellers. The government and the Transport Ministry previously instructed Transport Co, the operator of the…
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Phuket Airport taxis inspected as Thailand legalises three more apps
Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officials yesterday initiated inspections of taxi services at Phuket International Airport. These checks occurred ahead of the PLTO’s announcement that three new app-based taxi services, including Maxim, are now considered legal in Thailand. These inspections took place at Phuket Airport from 4pm to 6pm. In their online statement, the PLTO said the checks were a…
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Songkhla sings new tune: Lifting bus restrictions could drive cross-border travel
Songkhla province is considering lifting restrictions on foreign-registered buses, potentially allowing them to cross provincial boundaries. The move aims to attract more visitors, predominantly from Malaysia, to explore other scenic destinations in southern Thailand, reveals a local tourism authority. President of the Phatthalung Tourism Association, Charoon Kaewwaveesub, disclosed today that Songkhla, in collaboration with the local land transport office, has…
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Thai automotive industry urged to embrace sustainability
Emphasising the necessity for sustainability and clean energy, the Thai automotive industry is being encouraged to swiftly adapt to new global regulations. Furthermore, the industry is advised to utilise free trade agreements (FTAs) to enhance its competitive stance. Following a meeting with the Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA) and the Automotive Industry Club of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)…
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Bangkok Metropolitan Council approves 23.4 billion baht for Green Line extension
The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) gave the green light for a whopping 23.4 billion baht payment to the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) for crucial electrical and mechanical (E&M) installation work and operation services for the Green Line’s second extension. This decision comes after a crucial meeting that saw high-ranking officials deliberate the fate of the city’s transportation system.…
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Tesla’s South Korea sales slump amidst safety concerns, subsidy cuts
Tesla Inc’s sales in South Korea took a hit in January, with the company selling only one electric vehicle (EV) in the entire month. The Austin-based automaker faced a range of challenges, including safety concerns, pricing issues, and inadequate charging infrastructure. Data from the Korean trade ministry and Seoul-based researcher Carisyou revealed that the single sale of a Model Y…
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Excavation work safety on Pattaya Third Road sparks concern
Residents and commuters traversing Pattaya Third Road are in a state of unease, particularly at Soi Chalermprakiat 25, where ongoing road excavation has plunged the area into darkness, raising alarming safety concerns. The absence of essential safety precautions such as warning signs and adequate lighting has turned the construction site into a breeding ground for accidents, endangering both drivers and…
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EV and SUV sales set for boost in Thailand amid automotive industry changes
This year, the automotive industry anticipates uneven sales growth, shaped by motorists’ evolving preferences and lenders’ decision-making. Electric vehicle (EV) makers and banks will be crucial in shaping domestic sales, especially within the pure pickup category. As per the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), EVs, pickup passenger vehicles (PPVs), and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are predicted to be this year’s…
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High speed train and dual tracks to transform travel experience in Hua Hin
The newly inaugurated dual-track train line on December 15 promises faster travel times and increased efficiency for Hua Hin’s commuters. Yet, confusion reigns among the public as they grapple with the distinction between this groundbreaking initiative and the upcoming high-speed train project. The dual track line, complete with the gleaming new elevated train station in Hua Hin, stands as a…
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Automakers’ ties to forced labour in China under scrutiny, says HRW report
Five prominent automakers, including Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen, Tesla, and China’s BYD, have questionable ties to forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region, as identified by a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). Xinjiang, an important aluminium producer contributing to approximately 9% of the global supply, has been linked to state-sponsored labour transfer programs accused of coercing Muslim minorities into forced…
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China surpasses Japan as world’s largest car exporter in 2023
China has seized the title of the world’s largest car exporter in 2023, according to recent industry figures. This marks a significant shift, seeing Japan’s reign topple for the first time since Germany’s lead in 2016. This new data, released yesterday, January 31, by a Japanese trade organisation, indicates a 16% increase in Japan’s car exports from the previous year,…
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Thai Transport Ministry announces 652 billion baht for infrastructure projects
The Thai Transport Ministry recently announced a substantial investment of 652 billion baht (US$18,345,526,120). The funds are earmarked for around 150 transport projects to be initiated this year and the next, in a bid to bolster the country’s infrastructure. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit detailed the plans following a policy seminar held yesterday, January 31. According to him, 64 projects, with…
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Revving up: Thailand’s car production to rise by 3.17% in 2024, predicts FTI
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) predicted a 3.17% rise in Thailand’s car production this year, reaching an estimated total of 1.9 million units. This projection comes despite the less-than-anticipated total car production of 1.84 million units last year, falling short of the 1.85 million units target. According to Surapong Paisitpatanapong, Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club,…
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Thailand’s car production hits brakes, sees 15.75% drop in December
Thailand’s car production experienced a significant drop of 15.75% in December, compared to figures from the previous year, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The downturn resulted in only 133,621 units being produced, largely due to a reduction in pickup truck output. This figure is a stark contrast to November’s year-on-year…
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Phuket to address traffic woes with AI control systems
Phuket is gearing up to address its ongoing traffic congestion through the implementation of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) traffic control systems. The announcement came from Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, who is hopeful that technological advancements can bring about a noticeable change in the island’s traffic flow. Patong Police, in their ongoing effort to regulate traffic, continue to enforce stringent measures…
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Bangkok-Nong Khai train service to blaze a trail to Vientiane
The Bangkok-Nong Khai train will depart from the Thanaleng station in Laos to the brand-new Khamsavath station in Vientiane next month. The Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, Pichet Kunadhamraks, revealed that the SRT has been operating trains from Nong Khai to Thanaleng, and now, the final stretch from Thanaleng to Khamsavath will mark the climax of this journey.…
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Nex point projects commercial EV sales to hit 5,556 by 2024
Nex Point, a SET-listed local assembler of commercial electric vehicles (EVs), is forecasting sales to hit 5,556 units by the end of 2024. This projection stems from an increased demand from businesses operating in the transport and logistics industries. A rise in such interest is tied to these sectors’ growing commitment to lower carbon emissions. Between January and September of…
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Germany backs Thailand’s pursuit of becoming regional EV hub
Germany pledged to increase its stake in the electric vehicle (EV) sector in Thailand, paving the way for the nation to emerge as a regional EV hub, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This announcement was made during a press briefing on Thursday, following a discussion with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, who is on a three-day official visit to…
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