Billion baht boatloads: Bangkok’s big splash in water transport

Thailand’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy Planning (OTP) announced an ambitious plan to invest 8.87 billion baht to enhance water transport networks in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. This comprehensive development plan aims to bolster public transport by boat, spanning from 2024 to 2032.

Panya Chupanich, Director-General of the OTP, confirmed that the Transport Ministry approved the project, which is now awaiting further review from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council and the Cabinet.

The first phase, scheduled from 2024 to 2027, will see the addition of four new canal routes, covering 52.6 kilometres. These routes are designed to make boat transport more accessible and efficient for Bangkok’s residents and visitors.

The S1 route will stretch 25 kilometres from Sai Mai to Phra Khanong along the Lat Phrao canal, featuring 23 piers. This project will be managed collaboratively by City Hall and the Marine Department.

The S2 route will extend 6.8 kilometres along the Saen Saep canal, from Wat Si Boonruang to Wat Bampennua, incorporating 13 piers. This route is an extension of the existing 17.2-kilometre route operated by Family Transport Co.

The S3 route will cover 17.1 kilometres along the Bangkok Noi canal, running from Pratu Nam Chimphli to Siriraj Hospital and including 18 piers.

Tourist transport

The S4 route will span 6.6 kilometres along the Prem Prachakon Canal, linking the Bang Sue area with the PTT park. This route, featuring seven piers, is expected to cater more to tourists than daily commuters.

The project’s second phase, from 2028 to 2032, will introduce three additional routes, covering 56.7 kilometres in total.

The L1 route will extend 13.7 kilometres from the PTT Park to Wat Rangsit, adding 13 piers and expanding the S4 route.

The L2 route will follow the Chao Phraya River from Pak Kret pier in Nonthaburi to Muang district in Pathum Thani, covering 15 kilometres with three piers.

The L3 route will run 28 kilometres from Wat Chaiyakhruekmala to Pratu Nam Maha Sawat, including 13 piers.

Panya stated that the entire project will cost approximately 8.87 billion baht, with 1.3 billion baht allocated specifically for upgrading various services.

Reduce congestion

“This initiative is a significant step towards improving the efficiency of public transport in Bangkok and neighbouring areas, making water transport a viable and convenient option for more people.”

The plan aims to not only reduce congestion on Bangkok’s roads but also to provide a more scenic and enjoyable commuting option for residents and tourists alike. With the introduction of these new routes, the city hopes to see an increase in the use of water transport, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban transport system.

By 2032, Bangkok’s waterways are expected to be bustling with an increased number of boats, offering a greener alternative to traditional road transport and enriching the city’s transport infrastructure, reported Bangkok Post.