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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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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Thailand’s PTT Plc sees future in hydrogen fuel for vehicles
PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is forecasting a future where hydrogen could potentially replace oil-powered vehicles, contributing to the reduction of air pollutants. This year, the company’s subsidiary Arun Plus, in collaboration with Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., is planning to domestically produce electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, PTT is partnering with various companies to advance 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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Chinese firms eye EV supply chain in Thailand’s Smart Park
Chinese companies have shown keen interest in the EV supply chain and energy sectors of the Smart Park Industrial Estate, situated in Rayong, Thailand. This industrial estate is due to open by the end of the current year, according to the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). The companies aim to establish factories manufacturing EV components to cater to the…
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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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PM Srettha pays surprise visit to Bangkok bus terminal
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with a team of top officials, descended upon Mo Chit 2, Bangkok’s bus terminal, to ensure a smooth ride for Songkran travellers. As Thailand gears up for its traditional new year celebrations from April 12 to 15, the pressure is on to ensure the safety and comfort of millions hitting the roads…
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Nex Point Plc and Toyota Group unveil hydrgen-powered trucks
In a move towards greener transportation solutions, commercial electric vehicle (EV) giant Nex Point Plc has joined forces with Toyota Tsusho and Denso from Japan to pioneer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) trucks in Thailand. This groundbreaking memorandum of understanding aims to revolutionise the country’s transport sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CEO Khanist Srivajiraprabha highlighted the significance of applying…
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Chevron abandons operations in Myanmar’s Yadana gas field
In an unprecedented move, Chevron, the US energy giant, has abandoned its operations in the Yadana natural gas field in Myanmar, as confirmed by a company representative. This decision comes over two years after the corporation expressed concern about the violence and human rights violations in the military-controlled nation and declared its intention to withdraw. The 41.1% stake in the…
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PTT assures adequate LNG reserves to beat heat in Thailand
With summer temperatures expected to soar, PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, has assured that its liquefied natural gas (LNG) reserves are up to the task of meeting the country’s increased electricity demand. In Thailand, 60% of the fuel used for electricity generation is gas. As a result, PTT is prepared, with gas reserves of 6 billion cubic…
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Thailand’s airports to see more than two million jet-setters
The Transport Ministry anticipates a surge of 2.61 million travellers across Airports of Thailand (AOT)’s six international hubs during the seven-day Songkran festivities. Minister Suriya, in a recent announcement, affirmed preparations for the expected influx, rallying relevant agencies to gear up for the travel onslaught spanning from April 11 to 17. Ensuring passenger comfort and safety remains paramount, Suriya directed…
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Vinfast challenges Chinese targeting Southeast Asia’s EV market
Vinfast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) producer, is contending with Chinese automobile manufacturers to market its EVs within Southeast Asia, leveraging the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). The firm eyes Thailand as the initial export venue, based on the country’s fast-growing EV market which promises lucrative business opportunities, according to Vu Dang Yen Hang, chief executive of Vinfast Auto (Thailand).…
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Thai govt considers sanctions against Bangkok monorail operators
The Thai government is currently mulling over the enforcement of contractual remedies against Northern Bangkok Monorail and Eastern Bangkok Monorail, the operators of the city’s Pink and Yellow lines respectively. This move follows a series of incidents that have raised concerns over the safety standards of the monorail lines. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the Transport Minister, pointed out that the State Railway…
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Bangkok motor show fuels surge in electric vehicle demand
Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is anticipated to surge at the Bangkok International Motor Show, with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) attributing the boost to the release of new EV models and the launch of promotional sales campaigns. Automakers are enticing potential customers with competitive pricing and low interest rates, particularly aiming at those planning to purchase new vehicles…
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Songkran festival sees Rama II Road works delay till June 2025
Thailand’s transport minister announced that construction delays on Rama II Road will persist during the upcoming Songkran festival. Despite efforts to expedite the work, the completion date is now set for June 2025. The minister assured that compensation will be paid to the contractors to encourage faster progress. Government spokesperson Suriya Jungrungreangkit addressed the state of transportation during the Songkran…
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Car bursts into flames in Thailand from dry tissues and toothpicks
A car parked under the scorching Thai sun burst into flames, nearly burning the entire vehicle due to the presence of dry tissues and toothpicks. The incident, which serves as a stark warning about the dangers of leaving combustible materials in a car exposed to intense heat, occurred at noon today, April 2. The vehicle’s owner revealed the harrowing moments…
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Thailand waives tolls for Songkran festival to ease travel costs
The Thai Cabinet approved a toll exemption for vehicles on Motorway No. 7 and Motorway No. 9 during the seven-day Songkran festival period to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate convenience for travellers. The exemption will be in effect from 12.01am on April 11 to midnight on April 17, in time for the country’s traditional new year celebrations. The decision was…
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Isuzu revs up green initiative with PTT union for clean fuel trials
Tri Petch Isuzu, Thailand’s Isuzu vehicle distributor, is joining forces with PTT Plc to test vehicles powered by a novel clean fuel. This initiative is aimed at supporting efforts to reduce the high carbon dioxide emissions from Thailand’s transport sector. The transport and power generation sectors are the main contributors to over 60% of Thailand’s greenhouse gas emissions, as per…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport rolls out Grab taxi services
To enhance passenger convenience and elevate service standards, the Airports of Thailand (AoT) unveiled the latest addition to Suvarnabhumi Airport: Grab taxi services. Positioned at Gate 4 on the first floor of the terminal, the newly inaugurated Grab service centre stands ready to cater to passengers around the clock, announced AoT Director Kirati Kitmanawat. Echoing Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s vision…
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Parts of broken Bangkok MRT Yellow Line track fall on passing cars
The MRT Yellow Line temporarily suspended its service indefinitely following a track breakage after damaged parts fell onto passing cars on Srinakarindra Road this morning. Mueang Prakarn News v2 page reported that the MRT Yellow Line train suddenly stopped mid-journey between Suan Luang Rama IX and Srinagarindra 38 stations at about 8.30am today. Some passengers were trapped in the train…
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Thai domestic car sales slump hits 26% as pickup sector suffers
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported a 26% year-on-year drop in domestic car sales for February, primarily affecting the pickup sector. This downturn is expected to hit a two-year low. The total number of cars sold in the country came to 52,843 units, a significant drop from the previous year’s 71,551 units. Despite the worrying sales slump, Surapong Paisitpatanapong,…
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Thai EV market shifts into gear with Chinese investment
Major automobile companies are forecasting a rapid escalation in the Thai electric vehicle (EV) market, propelled by increased investment from Chinese EV manufacturers. This is anticipated to ignite a price war as manufacturers strive to lure consumers with competitive pricing. This viewpoint was shared by Narong Sritalayon, the managing director of Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM), in a statement…
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Chinese EV investments in Thailand linked to zero dollar tours
Chinese Electric Vehicle (EV) makers’ investments in Thailand have sparked comparison with a notorious scam, the zero dollar tours, among some industry insiders. The scam, which came into the limelight in 2016, involved Chinese tourists being enticed with inexpensive tour packages in Thailand, only to be compelled to purchase overpriced souvenirs and services. The parallel is being drawn because Chinese…
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Charged up: Thai finance chief sparks debate on EV development
Thailand’s finance permanent secretary stressed the need for the country to continue developing its electric vehicle (EV) sector, despite concerns about the arrival of the Chinese EV supply chain in the local automobile industry. Lavaron Sangsnit warned that without active policies to encourage EVs, Thailand may be overlooked as a locale for factory establishment due to the lack of essential…
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Thai-China high-speed rail set to boost ASEAN connectivity
Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang projected a significant enhancement in the collaboration between Thailand and China upon the conclusion of the anticipated high-speed rail project. The statement came during a seminar addressing the economic ties between the two nations and the Thai-China visa-free agreement, held by the Thai-Chinese Journalists Association recently. The ambassador emphasised that the completion of the Thai-China high-speed…
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Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link faces major maintenance
Bangkok’s bustling Airport Rail Link, a lifeline for commuters to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, is gearing up for a major overhaul after 14 years in operation. After a recent inspection flagged critical issues, the Department of Rail Transport issued a stark warning: Neglecting maintenance could spell disaster for passengers, Director-General Pichet Kunadhamraks revealed yesterday. “Skipping this important step could jeopardise…
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Toll-free motorway unveiled for Songkran holidays
Motorists are set to enjoy a toll-free journey on the newly announced Intercity Highway Number 81 (M81), disclosed Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachot yesterday. With 97.5% completion, the highway promises to revolutionise travel during the long Songkran break. Surapong highlighted its pivotal role in easing travel woes for residents of Kanchanaburi and neighbouring provinces. “The M81 Highway will be a…
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