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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Thailand amps up EV efforts to recharge used battery market
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to boost the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain with new investment incentives targeted at the repair and refurbishment of used EV batteries, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). The BoI introduced a new investment promotion category for service centres specialising in the repair, repacking, and reuse of used EV batteries. This initiative is part…
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BTS gears up for electrifying bus race in Bangkok’s BRT expansion
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the BTS Skytrain operator, is in a race to supply Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) electric buses and have them operational by the September 1 deadline. BTSC signed a contract with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday, June 16, to procure 23 electric vehicles (EV) buses for the BRT system and to operate them…
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New SRT Royal Blossom train to boost Kanchanaburi tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch the new SRT Royal Blossom tourist train, refurbished by Thai craftsmen, on the Kanchanaburi route by mid-August. The announcement came from Akranun Kannakitinan, a Kanchanaburi MP from the Pheu Thai Party. Akranun revealed that the refurbished train, featuring air-conditioned Hamanasu carriages from Japan, will soon commence operations. The train has…
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Bangkok rail fares capped at 20 baht by March 2026
The government is set to implement a 20-baht fare cap across all of Greater Bangkok’s rail network by March 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. Suriya confirmed the decision following a meeting with the Common Ticketing System Policy Committee. The committee approved the plan to impose a 20-baht limit on ticket prices throughout Bangkok’s rail network and has instructed…
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Train travel from Bangkok to Beijing inching closer
Train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is moving closer to reality as Thailand gears up to expand its rail network. This new venture promises to transform travel and trade in the region, connecting major cities in Thailand, Laos, and China. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on July…
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Shock to the system: Chinese EV makers’ global charge struggle
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers face a challenge in maintaining their global image as price competition abroad raises concerns about the quality and reliability of their cars, according to consultancy Bain & Co. Bain & Co advises Chinese EV manufacturers, who already have a cost advantage over international competitors, to shift their focus to premium and expensive models rather than…
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MRT wins legal battle to extend Orange Line
The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a previous ruling by the Central Administrative Court, greenlighting the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRT) to ink a deal with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company (BEM) for the Orange Line extension from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri. The legal tussle began when Bangkok Mass Transit System Company (BTSC) took the MRT to…
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Closure of two carmaker’s facilities threatens investor confidence
In a recent announcement, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed concerns that the planned closures of Suzuki and Subaru production facilities in Thailand could undermine investor confidence in the auto industry. Last month, Suzuki Motor (Thailand) revealed its decision to cease all factory operations in Thailand by the end of 2025. The company cited declining sales and intense competition…
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Shock fare hike on MRT Blue Line: Pay up to 45 baht from July 3
The Thai Cabinet approved a fare increase for the MRT Blue Line, effective from July 3. This means passengers will soon be paying between 17 baht and 45 baht for their journeys, up from the current maximum of 43 baht. Deputy Government Spokesperson Kenika Anudit announced the decision yesterday, June 11, confirming that the Cabinet had greenlit the draft regulations…
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Traffic police crack down on dangerous tourist habits on Koh Larn
To ramp up safety and spread awareness, Pattaya police have launched a rapid response team on Koh Larn, targeting risky tourist behaviours. Pattaya police have launched a rapid response team on Koh Larn to boost safety and raise public awareness. This initiative focuses on the hazards posed by motorcycle rentals and golf cart use among tourists, aiming to prevent accidents…
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Electric car’s shocking failure, repair costs over 1 million baht
A woman’s electric car battery failed after being parked in the rain for just 20 minutes, resulting in repair costs exceeding 1 million baht. The issue has now been resolved, with the insurance company agreeing to cover the costs and spare parts being dispatched to the service centre. The electric car owner, Suphinya, today shared her unfortunate experience. After leaving…
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Shock and stall: Lightning ‘strikes’ car, insurance refuses to spark coverage
A car driver expressed concerns about his recently purchased vehicle when it malfunctioned just over a month after acquisition. The motor failed to start and displayed unusual electrical issues. While the dealership attributed the problem to a lightning strike, the insurance provider refused to cover the damages. A 44 year old resident of Uthai Thani, Bandit, reported the incident today.…
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Thailand’s Pacific-to-Indian Ocean Land Bridge project
Thailand’s anticipated land bridge project, aiming to connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is set to become reality, with bidding anticipated by late next year, the Transport Ministry confirmed. The colossal 1-trillion-baht project will construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong on the Andaman coast, linked by a state-of-the-art transport route. This ambitious infrastructure aims…
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Thailand’s steel sales slump 11 to 12% due to weak car market
Thailand’s sluggish car sales prompted an 11 to 12% decline in premium-grade steel sales during the first four months of 2024, raising concerns about reduced steel consumption this year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Iron and Steel Industry Club Vice-Chairman Nava Chantanasurakon stated that local steel manufacturers are bracing for a tough period, with expectations of…
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Thailand automotive sales in 2024
Thailand’s car market is all over the place in 2024. After a tough 2023 with a 9% drop in sales and a slow economy, there’s some hope. Toyota, for example, wants to boost sales by 4%, aiming for 277,000 units to keep its big market share. Electric cars (EVs) are the big thing. Even though the first quarter of 2023…
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Thailand to introduce carbon tax by 2025, oil tax burden unchanged
The Excise Department plans to introduce a carbon tax by 2025, with the overall oil tax burden expected to remain unchanged. This move aims to align with the Global Warming Act, which is set to be enacted in 2025. According to the Director-General of the Excise Department, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the department has examined global practices for implementing a carbon tax…
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SRT demolishes buildings in Nakhon Ratchasima for high-speed rail
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has begun demolishing buildings in a disputed area in Nakhon Ratchasima to expedite the construction of a high-speed rail project. Only one commercial unit awaits demolition due to a pending compensation claim. Demolition work started today, with machinery moving in to clear the area in the Mueang district. The SRT aims to clear this…
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Derailed heist: Thieves steal railway crossings equipment in Songkhla
Thieves have stolen signal poles, barrier arms, and other equipment from 17 railway crossings in Songkhla, putting passengers, pedestrians, and motorists at risk. The thefts occurred in the Khuan Niang, Hat Yai, and Sadao districts, focusing primarily on the Hat Yai-Padang Besar route in the Sadao district. Equipment was stolen from nine out of the 10 crossings in this area.…
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Ezy Airlines ready for Hat Yai-Betong takeoff, expect turbulence
Ezy Airlines announced plans to take flight on the currently unserviced Hat Yai-Betong route by late next year, experiencing a slight delay from its original schedule. Chatchavee Sakornvisai, senior director of business development and international liaison, confirmed Ezy Airlines’ intention to establish Hat Yai Airport as its operational hub, with aspirations to start flights to Betong by the third quarter…
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Red line review: SRT on track to prevent airport link hiccup
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board mandated a review of the Red Line electric train extension project due to concerns that design modifications might interfere with the high-speed rail link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Anan Phonimdang, SRT Deputy Governor, highlighted the board’s apprehensions regarding the relocation of a station on the 25.9-kilometre extension, which could potentially…
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Fare and square: Taxi driver delivers boozy passenger to police
A Thai taxi driver decided to take a female passenger to the police station after she lured him into buying her alcohol and refused to pay for the alcohol and the transport fare. The 60 year old taxi driver, Prayong, sought assistance from officers at Chaiyaphruek Police Station in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok yesterday, May 26, after he was unable…
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New speed cameras on Lamphun-Lampang route spark debate
New speed cameras on the Lamphun-Lampang route sparked a widespread online debate. The cameras, installed along the descent from Doi Khun Tan, feature 8K resolution and enforce speed limits ranging from 50 to 90 kilometres per hour, depending on the specific location. Following a post by the Facebook page This is Lamphun which shared images of the new speed cameras…
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High-speed rail link between three airports to start this year
The high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports is set to kick off later this year following a revised agreement between the state and project developers. Anan Phonimdang, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), confirmed that the SRT’s board has acknowledged the agreement. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee and the Cabinet will…
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Diesel shock: Fuel Fund revs prices to 32.44 baht per litre
The Fuel Fund today announced an increase in the diesel price by 50 satangs per litre, raising it to 32.44 baht per litre, effective tomorrow. Despite reduced expenses, the fund still faces liquidity issues, according to the Director of the Fuel Fund Office, Wisak Wattanaphap. The Fuel Fund Management Committee convened and recognised the need to enhance the liquidity of…
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US imposes major tariffs on Chinese EVs and semiconductors
The United States recently imposed substantial tariffs on Chinese products, focusing particularly on electric vehicles (EVs) and semiconductors. This move is expected to push China to expand its EV manufacturing within Asia, with Thailand emerging as a significant export hub, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). President Joe Biden’s administration cited Beijing’s unfair trade practices as the reason for…
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Wet & wild: Commuters caught in unexpected MRT downpour (video)
Bangkok commuters experienced a shocking surprise on Tuesday evening when their usual MRT Blue Line ride turned into an unexpected indoor waterfall. Passengers on the MRT Blue Line, travelling from Tao Poon to Tha Phra, were caught off guard around 6.35pm when water began pouring from the ceiling. The chaos unfolded shortly after the train left Bang Sue station, turning…
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Tired & tuk tuk: Thai woman drives sleepy taxi driver from Pattaya to airport
A Thai woman in Pattaya attracted significant attention on TikTok after sharing an amusing encounter with a sleepy taxi driver. In a video posted today, the woman, whose identity remains unknown, described how she ended up driving the taxi herself for most of the journey from Pattaya to Don Mueang International Airport. The woman had initially called the taxi at…
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Koh Samui’s new cruise terminal project anchors big investors
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that Koh Samui’s ambitious new cruise terminal project has drawn substantial interest from investors both locally and internationally. The Ministry of Transport plans to review the outcomes of a feasibility study into the project’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model before submitting it to the cabinet for approval. Manaporn provided an update on the project’s…
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Indonesia seeks Tesla EV battery plant with Musk’s interest
Indonesia is once again courting Elon Musk’s interest in establishing an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant within its borders. After meeting with President Joko Widodo, the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, is set to consider the proposal, as confirmed by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan. Musk’s immediate response was not available following the announcement made by Luhut to…
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Thailand unveils Phuket monorail plan to improve transport
The government unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance Phuket’s transportation infrastructure, featuring a new monorail system linking the airport and Phuket Town. This initiative arises from the island’s robust economic performance, with over 300 billion baht in circulation last year. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recognised Phuket’s potential, aligning with the government’s strategy to…
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