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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
-
Charged up: GAC Aion plugs into Thailand’s booming EV market
GAC Aion New Energy Automobile, an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer under Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC), anticipates substantial benefits from the ongoing expansion of Thailand’s EV market. This comes after the recent inauguration of a 2.3-billion-baht EV assembly plant in Rayong. The company aims to produce up to 70,000 EVs annually for both domestic sales and export, according to Ma Haiyang,…
-
Bangkok urged to create app for safer, fair motorcycle taxi fares
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been urged by a city council member to develop a new application for motorcycle taxis to ensure passenger safety and fair pricing. Viput Srivaurai, representing Bang Rak district, advocated for leveraging technology and innovation to enhance motorcycle taxi services. Viput emphasised that the BMA should implement a data management system to organise services and…
-
Phuket launches road safety campaign to curb tourist accidents
Phuket provincial police have initiated a new road safety campaign targeting the root causes of traffic accidents involving tourists. This effort, in collaboration with local partners, aims to reduce the high number of road incidents in the area. The campaign was officially launched yesterday, July 18, at the Phuket Merlin Hotel by Region 8 Police Police Lieutenant General Suraphong Thanomchit…
-
EXAT announces toll exemptions for three public holidays in July
Thailand’s Expressway Authority (EXAT) announced toll exemptions for three major expressways in Bangkok on three specific days in July, while two public holidays will not see toll exemptions. The EXAT, under the Ministry of Transport, stated that tolls on three expressways will be waived on July 20, July 21, and July 28. These dates coincide with public holidays as declared…
-
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
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
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…
-
New Bangkok-Vientiane rail service starts Friday with tickets from 281 baht
A test run for the new cross-border rail link between Bangkok and Vientiane took place yesterday, paving the way for the official passenger service set to start this Friday. Nong Khai governor Sompob Samitasiri, alongside staff from various government agencies, private organisations, and tour businesses, participated in the trial. The journey began at Nong Khai Railway Station and concluded at…
-
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
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
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…
-
Rail ale rally: Bangkok victims group derails alcohol repeal bid
Over 50 members of the Bangkok Drunk Driving Victims Network, led by President Jessada Yamsabai, submitted a petition opposing the repeal of the ban on alcohol sales and consumption on trains and at train stations to the acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Jarae Rungthanee. This petition, submitted yesterday, July 11, follows a tragic 2014 incident where a…
-
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
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
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…
-
Pattaya crackdown on illegal motorcycle parking: Positive response
Pattaya City’s new campaign against the chaos of illegally parked motorcycles, launched yesterday, July 9, was met with a positive response. Targeting the bustling area outside Terminal 21 shopping mall on North Pattaya Road, the initiative aims to reclaim the sidewalks from rogue drivers, urging the public to cooperate. “This campaign is excellent! It would be even better if enforced…
-
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
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
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…
-
Thai government seeks 7 billion baht for EV subsidies
The Thai government plans to request an additional 7 billion baht in funding to support the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). This effort aims to subsidise 35,000 EVs, with expectations for EV production facilities to compensate with 80,000 to 90,000 units in the first year. Over 30 automotive companies are participating in the initiative. The Excise Department proposed a budget…
-
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
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
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…
-
Transport minister updates on Nakhon Ratchasima rail projects
Transport Deputy Minister Surapong Piyachote announced significant updates on July 1 regarding the rail transport and logistics systems in Nakhon Ratchasima. These developments are crucial for the overall improvement of the country’s logistics infrastructure. Nakhon Ratchasima serves as a gateway to the northeastern region, making it a focal point for various key projects, especially the urgent double-track railway project from…
-
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
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
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…
-
Fare cut: Bangkok train rides slashed to just 20 baht
The Transport Ministry announced that commuters on Bangkok’s Blue, Yellow, and Pink electric train lines will pay a maximum fare of 20 baht by June 2025. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, revealed the progress of the government’s initiative to implement this fare cap on all electric train routes in the capital by September next…
-
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
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,…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.