Thailand’s transport ministry commits to 100% public electric vehicles

A bold step towards a greener future was taken by Thailand’s Transport Ministry as it committed to transforming its entire fleet of public transport vehicles into a 100% electric. The initiative, as announced by the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, begins with the electric conversion of the limousine service of the Airports of Thailand (AoT).

This development was shared during Suriya’s visit to the 40th Motor Expo held at Impact Challenger Hall in Muang Thong Thani. The expo played host to various electric vehicle (EV) operators who reported an increasing trend in reservations and sales during the event.

The exhibition, according to Suriya, epitomised the success of government initiatives encouraging the use of EVs. He anticipates a further growth of 30% in EV usage by 2030.

The policy was primarily designed to mitigate air pollution and promote clean air as a fundamental human right. Suriya revealed that the ministry instructed all divisions to replace ageing vehicles with EVs as their rental contracts come to an end. This directive followed an order from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in October.

The ministry is currently collaborating with the Finance Ministry to accelerate the implementation of electric vehicles across all routes. The limousines used by AoT’s airports will be the first to undergo this transformation, as the replacement of these luxury vehicles with EVs was part of AoT’s earlier management plans, Suriya added.

On the preceding Saturday, Suriya chaired the monthly policy committee meeting aimed at driving the plan from concept to execution. He unveiled that there are 72 new schemes slated for the 2023–2027 period to enhance every aspect of transport.

The forthcoming projects encompass more than just the EV transition. They include the construction of three motorways scheduled to be operational by 2031. A focus on improving local transport to EVs in special economic zones is captured in 13 of the plans. Enhancements to Krabi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports are also tabled.

The ministry is also looking to introduce 22 new national railway services. This includes a 167-kilometre dual rail track from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai, the Orange Line MRT connecting Bang Khun Non and Min Buri, and expansions of the Red Line’s electric trains.

In addition to the above, the ministry plans to modernise several piers along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok into smart piers and develop cruise terminals to bolster marine tourism, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, to further Thailand’s push for a greener future, the government of Thailand is pushing for a dual-track approach to vehicle manufacturing, fostering the production of both internal combustion engine vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).