PM Prayut set to ride Bangkok’s first driverless skytrain

The Green Line extension adds 7 more stations – Phahon Yothin 59, Sai Yud, Saphan Mai, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Yaek Kor Por Aor, and Khu Khot (near Don Mueang International Airport). The extension makes the Green Line 68 kilometres long with 59 stops, and can hold up to 1.5 million passengers daily.

The Gold Line monorail’s first phase runs between 3 stations: Krung Thong Buri, Charoen Nakhon and Khlong San, covering 1.8 kilometres and accommodating up to 42,000 passengers per day, according to Government Spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri.

The line also marks the first automated guideway transit or automated people mover line in the country, which uses Chinese-made Bombardier Innovia APM 300 automated people-movers. The models, commonly used at airports to transport passengers between terminals, support speeds up to 80 kilometres per hour.

Originally, the Gold Line was not part of the extension plan, but was proposed by Iconsiam shopping centre officials to help increase visitors to the mall. The new Gold Line was approved in 2016.

“In the coming years, more projects are expected to be opened, such as the Dark Red Line (Bang Sue – Rangsit) in 2021, the Pink Line (Khae Rai – Minburi) in 2022, and Light Red Line (Taling Chan – Siriraj) in 2024.”