Transport
- Transport News
Thailand’s new transport centre boosts regional logistics hub status
Airports of Thailand Ground Aviation Services (AOTGA) anticipates that its newly inaugurated Multimodal Transportation Centre at Suvarnabhumi Airport will bolster Thailand’s position as a regional logistics hub, enhancing goods transportation among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV). The new centre is designed to integrate various transportation modes, including land, rail, sea, and air, with the added benefit of consolidating customs…
- Thailand News
Suspect vanishes into thin air: Bang Sri Mueang cops under fire
A suspect in a criminal case disappears from Bang Sri Mueang Police Station, raising concerns over potential police misconduct. The incident, which occurred yesterday August 29, has prompted the plaintiff to file a complaint against the officers involved. Yesterday at 6pm, the plaintiff, Sanit Champak, through his lawyer Montri Prasatkaew, reported the disappearance of the suspect from Bang Sri Muang…
- Thailand News
Transport bill vetoed in House amid conflict of interest concerns
The House of Representatives vetoed a transport bill proposed by the People’s Party (PP), which aimed to grant local administrators the authority to operate transport services independently and approve other transport operations. The bill, introduced by PP list-MP Surachet Pravinvongvuth, was up for consideration during a meeting chaired by Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangpan. Initially discussed on Monday, the vote…
- Thailand News
Thailand on track to invest 77 billion baht in new light rail systems
Plans are underway for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to introduce a light rail system in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phitsanulok, with an overall budget of 77 billion baht. MRTA Deputy Governor Wittaya Phanmongkol revealed that the estimated costs of the projects are 35 billion baht for Phuket, 30 billion baht for Chiang Mai, 7…
- Bangkok News
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…
- Thailand News
Thailand to revise EEC high-speed rail contract by next month
Government officials anticipate finalising the revised contract for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail system by next month, paving the way for the project’s next phase. This high-speed rail system, a cornerstone project for the EEC, aims to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One, a consortium led by…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya seeks public input on Red Line Monorail Project
Pattaya City held a public consultation to gather feedback on the proposed Red Line Monorail Project. The meeting featured presentations on environmental impact mitigation measures and the planned route. Residents attended the session to review the details and provide suggestions to ensure the project meets community needs. Local officials revealed that the Red Line Monorail will stretch from Dolphin Roundabout…
- Thailand News
BTSC demands 40 billion baht Green Line overdue debt payment
The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC) declared itself ready to negotiate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Krungthep Thanakom (KT) over the staggering debt tied to the BTS Green Line extensions. This comes hot on the heels of a Supreme Administrative Court ruling on July 26, giving both parties a 180-day deadline to cough up nearly 12 billion baht…
- Business News
Thailand car production hits brakes amid finance woes
Thailand’s car production has skidded to a 20.11% drop in June compared to last year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This decline accelerates from May’s 16.19% downturn, driven by stricter financing rules and soaring consumer debt levels. In the first half of this year, car production tumbled by 17.39%, totalling 761,240 units. The FTI attributes this slump…
- Thailand News
Bangkok urged to create app for safer, fair motorcycle taxi fares
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been urged by a city council member to develop a new application for motorcycle taxis to ensure passenger safety and fair pricing. Viput Srivaurai, representing Bang Rak district, advocated for leveraging technology and innovation to enhance motorcycle taxi services. Viput emphasised that the BMA should implement a data management system to organise services and…
- Guides
Travellers guide to all transportation in Thailand
Discovering the lively streets and serene landscapes of Thailand is sure to be on your bucket list but, like any journey, it has its challenges. Choosing among the abundant transportation options in Thailand can become quite a daunting task. In this guide, we will simplify the different options available to you. Popular urban transportation options in Thailand BTS Skytrain When…
- Thailand News
Revving up! Royal Gazette adds character to Bangkok plates
The Royal Gazette announced the approval of special characters for vehicle registration plates. Seventy new categories, including auspicious and familiar words, will be added for personal cars registered in Bangkok. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has introduced new regulations concerning the use of special characters on vehicle registration plates for personal cars with a capacity of up to seven…
- Thailand News
Government to accelerate Sino-Thai HSR project
The Sino-Thai high-speed rail (HSR) link construction will be a major item on the agenda at next week’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the government eager to accelerate the project, according to Digital Economy and Society (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. The 250.77-kilometre high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is projected to be completed by 2028. Currently,…
- Business News
Commerce Ministry monitors 18 categories as transport costs surge
The Commerce Ministry launched a comprehensive monitoring initiative for prices across 18 categories as transport costs for the logistics sector surged by up to 9%. The Director-General of the Internal Trade Department, Wattanasak Sur-Liam, stated that the categories under scrutiny include instant noodles, fresh food, canned food, bagged rice, seasoning sauce, vegetable oil, carbonated drinks, milk and dairy products, electrical…
- Thailand News
Motorbike mayhem: Pattaya’s underpass crackdown sparks debate
In a recent traffic enforcement blitz, the Pattaya City Peacekeeping Division, alongside the Pattaya City Police Traffic Division, brought the contentious issue of motorbikes using the underpass into the limelight. The crackdown, resulting in numerous prosecutions, has ignited a fiery debate among residents. Many locals have thrown their weight behind the operation. “Good deeds should be appreciated. This should be done…
- Thailand News
Thailand unveils Phuket monorail plan to improve transport
The government unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance Phuket’s transportation infrastructure, featuring a new monorail system linking the airport and Phuket Town. This initiative arises from the island’s robust economic performance, with over 300 billion baht in circulation last year. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recognised Phuket’s potential, aligning with the government’s strategy to…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai’s rot daeng under threat from ride-hailing apps
Chiang Mai’s iconic rot daeng, or red cars, transport service is under threat as tourists are opting for alternative modes of transport, causing local operators to urge the government for assistance. The issue was highlighted in an online debate where a Facebook user expressed concerns over the survival of the rot daeng services, which are now facing stiff competition from…
- Thailand News
Free electric buses spark hope in Phuket’s traffic chaos
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, where tourists flock to soak in the community’s charm, a groundbreaking project has taken flight to combat congestion and pollution. Led by local businesses, the Phuket Smart Bus EV initiative promises a greener, smoother journey for all. To tackle the notorious traffic gridlock plaguing Phuket’s picturesque Old Town, a group of local businesses…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s seaplane tourism venture set for December
Deputy Minister of Transport Manaporn Charoensri paved the way for Thailand’s first seaplane tourism venture yesterday in Phuket, by inaugurating a three-day workshop titled First Seaplane Operations Toward Thailand’s Aviation Hub. Manaporn asserted that the initiative was in line with Prime Minister Settha Thavisin’s policies focused on revitalising the national economy, enhancing air transportation efficiency, and positioning Thailand as a…
- Thailand News
Fashioning diplomacy: Thailand’s soft power exchange with France
Thailand is set to partner with France, known for its soft power prowess in areas such as fashion and tourism, in a knowledge exchange initiative spearheaded by the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN). The deal was set in motion following inter-agency discussions between the two nations. The most recent, being the fifth high-level economic dialogue (HLED), saw the DTN Director-General…
- Transport News
Songkran festival sees 1% rise in public transport usage in Thailand
Public transport usage during this year’s Songkran festival experienced a 1% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, with around 5.6 million travellers across Thailand, as reported by the Transport Ministry. The minister, Suriya Juengrungreangkit, reassured that the public transport networks were effectively managing the increased number of passengers and vehicles on the country’s main transportation routes.…
- Thailand News
3 year old Thai girl injured in Pink Line MRT liquid cement incident
A family of three narrowly avoided tragedy when liquid cement from a Pink Line MRT construction site spilt onto their sedan on Saturday. The incident damaged the car and caused injuries to a three-year-old girl. A Thai mother Saichol Charawatchala, shared the distressing account of her and her children’s experience on Facebook on Saturday, March 30. Saichol recalled that she…
- Business News
Pilatus Marine to expand LPG marine transport across Asia
Pilatus Marine, Thailand’s leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) marine transport operator, is set to expand its services throughout Asia. The move forms part of a strategic initiative to increase its customer base and cater to the rising demand for marine transport of LPG and olefins, a crucial ingredient in plastic production. According to Chief Executive, Varawit Chimtawan, the expansion is…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen plans for state-of-the-art light rail transit system
Khon Kaen province declared its intention to kickstart the construction of a cutting-edge Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Planned to begin in 2025, this ambitious LRT project, the first of its kind outside Bangkok, promises to usher in a new era of modernised transit, with its inaugural route encircling the Bueng Kaen Nakhon Reservoir. The maiden phase of this visionary…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s expressway toll fees skyrocket starting today
Toll fees along Bangkok’s Chalong Rat and Burapha Withi expressways are seeing a steep increase starting from today, March 1. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) dropped this bombshell earlier this month, announcing a hefty hike in toll charges. For four-wheel vehicles traversing the Chalong Rat Expressway, be prepared to shell out an extra 5 baht, pushing the toll to…
- Thailand News
Singapore’s Tada revs up in Thailand with zero commission fees
In a bid to capture the hearts and wallets of Thai commuters, Tada, the Singapore-based ride-hailing giant, is revving up for its grand entrance into Bangkok’s competitive market. With zero commission fees and a vow to balance the books within three to five years, Tada aims to disrupt the status quo and dominate Thailand’s ride-hailing landscape. Establishing its foothold in…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s traffic crisis: over 500,000 vehicles clog the island’s roads
The Thai holiday resort of Phuket is grappling with a serious traffic problem. Senate Transportation Commission Chairman, General Yodyut Bunyathikarn, was informed on his recent visit to the island that over half a million vehicles are congesting the roads. Gen. Yodyut’s two-day visit aimed to understand the issues and challenges in implementing transportation and infrastructure projects in Phuket. During a meeting at…
- Thailand News
Songkhla sings new tune: Lifting bus restrictions could drive cross-border travel
Songkhla province is considering lifting restrictions on foreign-registered buses, potentially allowing them to cross provincial boundaries. The move aims to attract more visitors, predominantly from Malaysia, to explore other scenic destinations in southern Thailand, reveals a local tourism authority. President of the Phatthalung Tourism Association, Charoon Kaewwaveesub, disclosed today that Songkhla, in collaboration with the local land transport office, has…
- Thailand News
MFP MP Suphanat makes recommendations to improvements at Mo Chit 2
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP for Bangkok District 9 Suphanat Minchainan made recommendations for improving the escalators and lifts at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal. Suphanat suggested that the deputy minister of transport and executives should listen to service users in terms of the issues that have arisen regarding the station and that they shouldn’t rely on their judgment. He…
- Thailand News
Thai PM gives ultimatum on Mor Chit 2 bus terminal
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a stern warning to a Transport Company chief, threatening dire consequences if the Mor Chit 2 interprovincial bus terminal isn’t swiftly improved. The ultimatum comes on the heels of public outrage and scathing remarks from Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt, who exposed the terminal’s grim conditions. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke declared yesterday, January…