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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Shock delay: Phuket’s electrifying free bus service hits a roadblock
The eagerly awaited launch of Phuket’s electrifying free bus service has been put on hold until May 17, as revealed by the local business consortium, Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD). This unexpected detour stems from licensing procedures that have hit a few bumps in the road, causing the delay. PKCD, in conjunction with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, expressed…
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Asphalt truck flip on Rama VII Bridge snarls Bangkok traffic
A sudden swerve and flip of an asphalt truck on the Rama VII Bridge caused severe Bangkok traffic disruption in the early hours of this morning. The incident occurring at 4am, resulted in the complete blockage of all lanes on Charansanitwong Road, extending from Bang Phlat junction towards the Pracha Chuen Road and Wong Sawang areas. Bang Kruai police were…
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Fashioning diplomacy: Thailand’s soft power exchange with France
Thailand is set to partner with France, known for its soft power prowess in areas such as fashion and tourism, in a knowledge exchange initiative spearheaded by the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN). The deal was set in motion following inter-agency discussions between the two nations. The most recent, being the fifth high-level economic dialogue (HLED), saw the DTN Director-General…
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Euro EV sales dip but Thai operators charge ahead with optimism
Despite a recent 11% drop in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe, Thai business operators remain optimistic about local EV market growth. They believe that the circumstances in Thailand significantly differ from those in Europe, making direct comparisons of the two markets inappropriate. The European EV market downturn, says Bloomberg, is attributed to factors such as high insurance and repair…
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Thai woman demands justice after taxi takes her to wrong airport
A Thai woman is seeking justice after an app-based taxi driver took her to the wrong airport in Bangkok, causing her to miss her flight. The woman, whose identity was not revealed, shared her story on Facebook, expressing frustration that both the driver and the ride-hailing app refuse to take responsibility for her losses. The driver blamed her for not…
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Thailand announces toll-free expressways for Coronation Day
Thailand celebrates as the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announces toll exemptions on three major expressways for Coronation Day on May 4. In a move to facilitate travel during the public holiday and alleviate expenses for citizens, some 60 toll booths across the Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, and Udon Ratthaya expressways will not charge fees for 24 hours. The…
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Automotive giants shift gears towards BEVs and HICEVs
The fight against climate change has urged automotive industry leaders to focus on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles (HICEVs). This is a critical step in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions caused by traditional internal combustion engines and contributing to a more sustainable transport future. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide have made the bold commitment to…
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Thailand’s MRTA tests smart parking system for free
Bangkok motorists have the opportunity to utilise the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand’s (MRTA) innovative smart parking system free of charge during its testing phase. Starting yesterday, May 1, the Orange Line’s 10-storey Park’n’Ride facility on Ramkhamhaeng Road and a parking ground at the MRTA station on Rama IX Road are open for the public to test out. The…
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Thailand probe after passengers trapped in BTS lift for an hour
Following a distressing incident where passengers were trapped in a lift at a BTS station for over an hour, Thailand’s Deputy Transport Minister, Surapong Piyachote, has ordered an immediate investigation into the malfunction. The incident took place yesterday between the ticketing floor and the street level, heading towards Kheha station on the BTS Skytrain’s Sukhumvit and Silom lines. Surapong instructed…
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EEC office finalises plan for high-speed railway districts
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office is on the brink of completing a commercial development plan for districts within Chon Buri and Chachoengsao. This initiative is a segment of the projected high-speed rail system set to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. After a recent discussion in Pattaya City, recommendations are now being collated into an actionable outline for…
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Thai-Lao friendship bridge to open in November
The fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Thailand’s Bueng Kan province and Laos’ Pakxan town, has been scheduled to open in November. The announcement was made by Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri. The bridge will span from Bueng Kan, Khai Si and Wisit subdistricts in the Mueang Bueng Kan district, situated across the river from Pakxan. The construction project features a…
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Toyota’s electric pickup fleet revs up Thai beaches
Toyota’s groundbreaking project in Pattaya showcases nine fully electric Hilux Revo pickup trucks revamped for public transport, marking a pivotal moment in Thailand’s automotive landscape. Reflecting Japan’s determination to reclaim the electric vehicle (EV) market throne from Chinese rivals, this initiative aims to redefine urban transit in the Land of Smiles. Surapoom Udomwong, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand…
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Transport minister sets off for China for high-speed rail talks
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will jet off to China next month for a meeting to discuss Thailand’s ambitious high-speed railway project and ignite the engines on the Land Bridge megaproject, worth a staggering 1 trillion baht. Suriya declared yesterday his forthcoming leadership at the 31st Thailand-China joint ministerial committee meeting scheduled for May 7 to 9. Topics on the agender…
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ExxonMobil projects 10% sales rise in Thailand’s lubricants market
ExxonMobil Marketing, Thailand, projects a 10% rise in sales of its flagship product, Mobil 1 lubricants, this year, ensuring its continued role as a prominent player in the finished lubricants and chemical marketing industry in Thailand. This follows Bangchak Corporation’s acquisition of a 65.99% stake in oil retailer Esso (Thailand) Plc from ExxonMobil Asia Holdings Pte last year, consequently leaving…
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Government promises relief from Rama II Road traffic nightmare
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke assured the public that the torment of perpetual gridlock on Rama II Road would soon become a distant memory, with all construction projects scheduled for completion next year. Chai’s declaration came hot on the heels of a heated exchange on social media with Bangkok’s Move Forward MP, Rukchanok Srinork, who had raised concerns about the dire…
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Thailand’s State Railway unveils tour adventures on Kiha 183 train
To attract tourists, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has rolled out an array of thrilling train tours aboard the Kiha 183 locomotive. Culture vultures are being invited to embark on a journey through the heart of Thailand’s cultural and natural wonders with 14 exhilarating trips spanning nine distinct routes. From Phetchaburi’s tranquil shores to Lopburi’s lush forests, each escapade…
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Electric car sales to surge by 2024 despite economic challenges
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a robust growth in the sales of electric cars in 2024, despite economic challenges in certain markets. Key driving factors for this surge include affordability and the development of charging infrastructure. The IEA estimates that electric car sales will reach 17 million this year, a boost from 14 million the previous year. This indicates…
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Second phase of Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project approved
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has given the green light for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase, which spans from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, has an investment total of 341.35 billion baht. Details were shared by SRT governor, Nirut Maneepan, who disclosed that the project’s approval occurred during a recent board meeting. Chirute…
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Thai-Chinese high-speed railway agreements near completion
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) anticipates the closure of the final chapters in the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway’s first phase, reveals Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. Spanning 251 kilometres and boasting a staggering budget of 179.4 billion baht, the ambitious project links the bustling heart of Bangkok to the vibrant cityscape of Nakhon Ratchasima. Divided into 14 meticulously crafted contracts,…
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BYD electric bus charges Thong Lo roads in Bangkok
In a move towards eco-friendly commuting, BYD, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer from China, has unleashed its electric bus onto the bustling streets of Bangkok. Offering complimentary rides to commuters in the vibrant Thong Lo area until April 30, this trial run marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s transportation landscape. Under the auspices of Rever Commercial Vehicles Ltd, the…
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Phuket launches free electric bus to drive sustainable tourism
Phuket is gearing up for a greener future with the launch of a free air-conditioned electric bus service in the heart of the city. Scheduled to accelerate on May 9, this eco-friendly initiative is driven by a collaboration between local companies under the banner of PKCD and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation. The announcement for the 22-seat Smart Bus EV…
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Jomtien Beach’s Songkran splash sees a dip in tourists
Jomtien Beach in Chon Buri experienced a noticeable dip in the usual influx of visitors during the recent Songkran celebration. The local businesses situated in the area attribute this decline to the newly introduced one-way traffic system, which they believe has puzzled and deterred potential tourists. Poolsawat Singhsawasdi, a vendor operating on the beachfront, expressed her concerns to the local…
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Bangkok commuters to ride electric trains for just 20 baht
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit pledged that by September 2025, electric train rides throughout the metropolitan area will cost a mere 20 baht, fulfilling a longstanding promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. This initiative, initially implemented on select lines last year, faced scepticism from opposition figures like Surachet Pravinvongvuth of the Move Forward Party. Yet, Suriya remains steadfast, asserting that…
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Hyundai’s electrifying dismay: Thailand EV sales spark low
Hyundai Mobility Thailand, the Korean automaker’s subsidiary, warns that this year’s electric vehicle (EV) sales in Thailand may fall short of the predicted 130,000 units. The company cites an ongoing price war amongst Chinese EV manufacturers as the primary obstacle, leading to unstable car prices and discouraging potential buyers. The managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand, Wallop Chalermvongsavej, noted the…
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Revving up: Rever Leasing to drive BYD EV financing in Thailand
Rever Leasing, a vehicle finance subsidiary of Rever Automotive Co, the exclusive distributor for BYD electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand, is set to launch operations next month. The firm has set a high target to become the top electric vehicle loan provider in Thailand within the next few years. Isara Wongrung, the CEO of Rever Leasing, expressed confidence in the…
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Thai trial shows railway’s agricultural haul potential
A recent trial by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) has demonstrated the vast potential of railway logistics for long-distance transportation of agricultural products. The experiment resulted in a 13-fold reduction of carbon emissions compared to air freight, as well as significant cost savings. Running the trial with high-efficiency mobile refrigerated container trains, TSRI transported the Royal Project’s fresh produce…
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Thailand likely to house major EV battery factory within two years
The Board of Investment (BoI) anticipates the establishment of a substantial facility for the manufacturing of battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand within a two-year timeframe. This projection follows a promotional roadshow conducted by the BoI in China just last week. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the BoI Secretary-General, explained that this roadshow emphasised the benefits and incentives being offered to…
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Nearly 100k return to Bangkok post-Songkran via public transport
The acting director and president of Transport Company Ltd made a public announcement yesterday, disclosing the substantial numbers of citizens returning to Bangkok after the Songkran festival. Between April 15 and 17, passenger logs recorded more than 99,995 individuals making their round trips using public buses and vans. The total number of trips during this period exceeded 6,689. Atthawit Rakchamroon…
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Songkran festival sees 1% rise in public transport usage in Thailand
Public transport usage during this year’s Songkran festival experienced a 1% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, with around 5.6 million travellers across Thailand, as reported by the Transport Ministry. The minister, Suriya Juengrungreangkit, reassured that the public transport networks were effectively managing the increased number of passengers and vehicles on the country’s main transportation routes.…
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Road safety concerns rise as upcountry travel surges for Songkran
Amid the forthcoming Songkran holiday, a surge in upcountry travel has sparked apprehension among road safety champions, who fear a rise in road mishaps outside the designated seven dangerous days of travelling. The seven dangerous days were initiated today and will conclude on April 17, and it is during these days that the highest incidents of road accidents are expected.…
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