public transportation
- Guides
Transportation in Thailand: Ultimate guide 2024
Discovering the vibrant streets and serene landscapes of Thailand can indeed be an electrifying adventure. But, like any journey, it has its challenges. Experiencing the bustling traffic of urban cities or the tranquil island ferries, you will find that Thailand’s transportation system reflects the country’s vast diversity. Overview of transportation in Thailand A mosaic of transportation options awaits in Thailand,…
- Thailand News
Calls for government subsidy on all Bangkok public transport
A call for government subsidisation of all public transportation in Bangkok was made at a forum aiming to alleviate the city’s commuting issues. The event, attended by approximately 100 individuals including locals, was a collaboration between the House Committee on Consumer Protection, the Thailand Consumers Council and the Foundation for Consumers. The agenda was to gather consumer perspectives on the…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai songthaew goes cool with air-con and PM2.5 filters
In a novel move to revolutionise local transport, a Chiang Mai songthaew driver has transformed the iconic red car into an air-conditioned oasis complete with a PM2.5 filter system. This innovative service has become a hit among both Thai and international tourists, leading to a significant booking queue. The traditional songthaew, a ubiquitous sight in Chiang Mai, has long been…
- Northern Thailand News
Deputy Transport Minister strategises to enhance Chiang Mai’s transport systems
Surapong Piyachote, the Deputy Transport Minister, made a strategic visit to Chiang Mai yesterday to deliberate on the ministry’s endeavour to enhance the efficiency of the province’s transport systems. The meeting included Nirat Pongsitthaworn, the Chiang Mai Governor, along with representatives from corresponding sectors. Surapong emphasised the importance of optimising the province’s transportation system for the city’s economy, particularly in…
- Guides
Comparing travel options from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, a popular tourist attraction in northern Thailand’s rugged region, is renowned for its colourful culture, rich history, and stunning scenery. It’s important to select the most practical and cosy way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. We will weigh the pros and the cons of three common modes of transportation in this article: bus, train and flying, so…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s 20-baht electric train policy boosts ridership by 30% on key lines
Bangkok was abuzz with positivity on October 28, as Dr Pichet Kunadhamraks, the Director General of the Department of Rail Transport, stepped forward to share the latest numbers. The recently implemented 20-baht electric train ride policy on the Red and Purple BTS lines saw a significant increase in ridership since its inception on October 16. The director general revealed a…
- Transport News
Thai Taxi Association’s controversial tips for satisfactory rides spark debate
The Thai Taxi Association stirred debate by posting six tips to ensure a satisfactory taxi ride. The recommendations include asking before getting in, not forgetting to tip, and calling for a Grab taxi during peak hours or if the location is difficult for a regular taxi to reach. The Thai Taxi Association’s Facebook page recently shared these suggestions, aiming to…
- Thailand News
BRT improvements: Bangkok’s bus service to continue with 455 million baht funding boost
In a bid to enhance the current quality of public transportation in the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced BRT improvement plans to continue the city’s bus service after the concession held by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) expires on the last day of August. The BMA’s commitment to maintaining and improving the BRT service was affirmed…
- Environment News
For health reasons – Bangkok’s proposed congestion charge
It’s a widely quoted truism that residents of Bangkok lost eight days of their lives last year, stuck in traffic. So it comes as no surprise that a congestion charge is being suggested. Unbelievably, this would make Bangkok only the second major city in Asia with such a charge. Proposed fees range from 50 baht (US$1.30) to 120 baht across…
- Travel
What to know before taking the BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro
The BTS Skytrain, and MRT Metro (mostly underground) are lifesavers in Bangkok’s heavily congested traffic, but taking public transportation in a new country can be daunting for tourists or people moving to a new place. By using the fast, air-conditioned trains, you can avoid being stuck in the crazy traffic, taxi drivers demanding high rates, and the vast yet difficult-to-navigate…
- World News
Philippines sets “no vaccine, no ride” policy for Manila public transportation
If you’re in the Philippines, you’ll need to show your vaccination certificate to use public transportation in the country’s capital Manila. The Southeast Asian country’s new “no vaccine, no ride” policy prohibits those who are unvaccinated against Covid-19 from riding public transportation in Manila starting next week. The controversial restriction was enacted after a fresh wave of Cvoid-19 cases skyrocketed…
- Thailand News
Long-distance bus passengers travelling for New Year’s asked to take an ATK test
Travelling by bus during the New Year holiday? You might need to take an ATK test for long-distance trips. The state-run Transport Company is in discussions with both the Public Health Ministry and the Transport Ministry about Covid-19 prevention measures during the end-of-year holiday, according to the director-general of the Department of Disease Control Opas Karnkawinpong. Opas says that passengers…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s Yellow Line skyrail starts test runs
The newest addition to Bangkok’s skyrail is here.The Yellow Line, which travels from Lat Phrao to Samrong in Samut Prakan, has reportedly begun its test run since last Thursday from the maintenance depot near Sri Iam station in Bang Na district. The Yellow Line, which is a joint venture worth 54,768.455 million baht between Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority and…
- Transport News
Public transport drivers subject to safety points system from December
The Department of Land Transport is implementing a points-based system to punish public transport drivers for bad behaviours starting December 1. The system will give drivers 100 points to begin with and demerit points for every violation of traffic laws or safety, resulting in a temporary suspension of their license. The Director-General of the department explained the system that will…
- Tourism News
Phuket taxi drivers told to be fair, safe, friendly ahead of reopening
Authorities are urging the taxi drivers of Phuket, along with other transportation providers, to be more professional as Thailand’s full reopening launches in 3 days. Ahead of the November 1 reopening to international tourism, a meeting at Phuket city hall yesterday included plans to hold taxi drivers to certain standards in order to make Thailand more welcoming. The Permanent Secretary of…
- Covid-19 News
CCSA considers extending restrictions in “dark red” zones for another 14 days
With Covid-19 cases hitting record highs, despite the strict disease control measures in place, the Thai government is considering extending the current order in the 13 “dark red” provinces, including Bangkok, for another two weeks. Yesterday, Thailand had hit record highs of both daily Covid cases and fatalities with 17,669 new cases and 165 coronavirus-related deaths. The order imposing nightly…
- Thailand News
Government helps direct refunds for cancelled holiday trips
For those who are cancelling their holiday trips due to Thailand’s recent Covid-19 outbreak, the government is issuing measures to help with refunds. The Transport Ministry says people who have booked bus and rail-services between the April 9-18 Songkran holiday, can claim full refunds if they want to cancel their trips. But the ministry says people should give at least…
