Transport News
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Sponsored Is cannabis really safe? Here’s what you need to know
Thai society’s views on cannabis continue to change for the better as the industry grows. More and more people are starting to embrace the plant for its medicinal and holistic wellness benefits. But despite growing acceptance, some stigma and perception...
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BYD price cuts spark outrage among existing customers
BYD’s recent price cuts have sparked significant outrage among its customers, who feel that they have lost substantial amounts of money due to the new promotions. The electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer announced discounts of up to 340,000 baht, leading to a wave of discontent among early adopters who purchased vehicles before the price drop. The announcement has led many consumers…
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Transport minister updates on Nakhon Ratchasima rail projects
Transport Deputy Minister Surapong Piyachote announced significant updates on July 1 regarding the rail transport and logistics systems in Nakhon Ratchasima. These developments are crucial for the overall improvement of the country’s logistics infrastructure. Nakhon Ratchasima serves as a gateway to the northeastern region, making it a focal point for various key projects, especially the urgent double-track railway project from…
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Blue Line MRT fares to rise by up to 2 baht from tomorrow
The fares for the Blue Line MRT will increase by 1 to 2 baht, starting tomorrow, with a maximum fare of 45 baht. Discounts for children and seniors remain at 50%. Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) announced the new fare rates for the Blue Line MRT, known as the Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line. Starting tomorrow, July 3, the…
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SEC bill to launch 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project by 2026
The draft of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill is on track to be submitted to the Cabinet by the end of September, aiming to kickstart the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject in 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. The blueprint for the project is currently being adjusted to align with the expectations of foreign investors and locals. These adjustments…
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Shifting gears: Thai interest charges towards hybrids, veers from EVs
Interest in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) among Thai consumers has declined over the past year, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have gained popularity, according to a survey conducted by Deloitte. The 2024 Global Automotive Consumer Study indicates that the percentage of Thai respondents interested in purchasing a BEV has dropped to 20% this year from 31% in 2023. Conversely, interest…
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Fare cut: Bangkok train rides slashed to just 20 baht
The Transport Ministry announced that commuters on Bangkok’s Blue, Yellow, and Pink electric train lines will pay a maximum fare of 20 baht by June 2025. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, revealed the progress of the government’s initiative to implement this fare cap on all electric train routes in the capital by September next…
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Thai cycle woes: Motorcycle sales hit brakes amid economic woes
Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing and sales are experiencing a downturn this year, as the economy faces challenges from high household debt and weakened consumer purchasing power, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club, Surapong Paisitpatanapong revealed that economic uncertainty has led to cautious spending among consumers, compounded by recent layoffs…
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Thailand truckers protest rising diesel prices, demand 30 baht cap
A convoy of trucks will hit the roads next week as truckers in northeast Thailand protest against rising diesel prices which are massively cutting into their profits, demanding the government cap the price at 30 baht per litre. Chairman of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand in the northeast and transport company owner, Somkid Kingkrodklang, highlighted the severe impact of…
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Rising travel costs hinder Asia-Pacific corporate travel, Visa reports
Rising travel costs and economic uncertainties are impacting business travel across the Asia-Pacific region, according to Visa. Companies are increasingly investing in digitalisation to manage their travel budgets more effectively. Chavi Jafa, Head of Commercial and Money Movement Solutions for Asia-Pacific at Visa, noted that while business travel may increase in the coming years, current high travel costs and economic…
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Weak economy and loan restrictions further plummets pickup sales
Domestic car sales are facing significant challenges as pure pickup sales dropped by 40.8% in the first five months of 2024, primarily due to a weak economy and difficulties in accessing loans, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). From January to May, sales of pickup trucks fell by 40.8% year-on-year to 75,510 units. While sales of pickup passenger…
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DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) proposes four new electric bus routes to improve connectivity to the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red Line Rangsit Station in Pathum Thani province. The plan aims to address the inadequacies in the current feeder system, which were highlighted by a recent Transport Ministry survey. Transport Ministry spokesperson Krichanont Iyapunya stated that the DLT’s…
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Older diesel cars said to face stricter inspections to curb pollution
The Pollution Control Department is set to introduce new regulations requiring diesel vehicles over 20 years old to undergo bi-annual inspections to tackle PM2.5 pollution. Pollution Control Department Director-General, Preeyaporn Suwannakes revealed that PM2.5 particulate matter arises from various sources and differs depending on activities in each area. Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan area, plagued by heavy traffic congestion, are…
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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…
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Chinese EV makers dominate Southeast Asia, ICE cars decline
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sales are rapidly increasing in Southeast Asia, with China’s BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Vietnam’s VinFast spearheading the charge. Counterpoint Research reported that EV sales in the region more than doubled from January to March compared to the same period last year, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars decreased by 7%. The previous year…
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Malaysia and China join forces on billion-dollar rail project
China’s plans to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) into Thailand are set to transform Southeast Asian trade. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the initiative during his visit to Malaysia yesterday. The US$10 billion (approximately 366 billion baht) ECRL, a key project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect Malaysia’s east and west coasts by 2026. Initially…
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Don Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht
Don Mueang Tollway, the operator of the elevated Uttraphimuk Tollway, announced a toll increase of 5 to 10 baht, bringing the maximum toll fee to 170 baht, effective December 22. The announcement was made today by Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited, informing users about the upcoming change in toll rates based on the concession contract amendment agreement 3/2550 dated…
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Thailand amps up EV efforts to recharge used battery market
Thailand is intensifying its efforts to boost the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain with new investment incentives targeted at the repair and refurbishment of used EV batteries, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). The BoI introduced a new investment promotion category for service centres specialising in the repair, repacking, and reuse of used EV batteries. This initiative is part…
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BTS gears up for electrifying bus race in Bangkok’s BRT expansion
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the BTS Skytrain operator, is in a race to supply Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) electric buses and have them operational by the September 1 deadline. BTSC signed a contract with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday, June 16, to procure 23 electric vehicles (EV) buses for the BRT system and to operate them…
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New SRT Royal Blossom train to boost Kanchanaburi tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch the new SRT Royal Blossom tourist train, refurbished by Thai craftsmen, on the Kanchanaburi route by mid-August. The announcement came from Akranun Kannakitinan, a Kanchanaburi MP from the Pheu Thai Party. Akranun revealed that the refurbished train, featuring air-conditioned Hamanasu carriages from Japan, will soon commence operations. The train has…
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Bangkok rail fares capped at 20 baht by March 2026
The government is set to implement a 20-baht fare cap across all of Greater Bangkok’s rail network by March 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. Suriya confirmed the decision following a meeting with the Common Ticketing System Policy Committee. The committee approved the plan to impose a 20-baht limit on ticket prices throughout Bangkok’s rail network and has instructed…
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Train travel from Bangkok to Beijing inching closer
Train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is moving closer to reality as Thailand gears up to expand its rail network. This new venture promises to transform travel and trade in the region, connecting major cities in Thailand, Laos, and China. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on July…
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Shock to the system: Chinese EV makers’ global charge struggle
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers face a challenge in maintaining their global image as price competition abroad raises concerns about the quality and reliability of their cars, according to consultancy Bain & Co. Bain & Co advises Chinese EV manufacturers, who already have a cost advantage over international competitors, to shift their focus to premium and expensive models rather than…
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MRT wins legal battle to extend Orange Line
The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a previous ruling by the Central Administrative Court, greenlighting the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRT) to ink a deal with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company (BEM) for the Orange Line extension from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri. The legal tussle began when Bangkok Mass Transit System Company (BTSC) took the MRT to…
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Closure of two carmaker’s facilities threatens investor confidence
In a recent announcement, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed concerns that the planned closures of Suzuki and Subaru production facilities in Thailand could undermine investor confidence in the auto industry. Last month, Suzuki Motor (Thailand) revealed its decision to cease all factory operations in Thailand by the end of 2025. The company cited declining sales and intense competition…
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Shock fare hike on MRT Blue Line: Pay up to 45 baht from July 3
The Thai Cabinet approved a fare increase for the MRT Blue Line, effective from July 3. This means passengers will soon be paying between 17 baht and 45 baht for their journeys, up from the current maximum of 43 baht. Deputy Government Spokesperson Kenika Anudit announced the decision yesterday, June 11, confirming that the Cabinet had greenlit the draft regulations…
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Traffic police crack down on dangerous tourist habits on Koh Larn
To ramp up safety and spread awareness, Pattaya police have launched a rapid response team on Koh Larn, targeting risky tourist behaviours. Pattaya police have launched a rapid response team on Koh Larn to boost safety and raise public awareness. This initiative focuses on the hazards posed by motorcycle rentals and golf cart use among tourists, aiming to prevent accidents…
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Electric car’s shocking failure, repair costs over 1 million baht
A woman’s electric car battery failed after being parked in the rain for just 20 minutes, resulting in repair costs exceeding 1 million baht. The issue has now been resolved, with the insurance company agreeing to cover the costs and spare parts being dispatched to the service centre. The electric car owner, Suphinya, today shared her unfortunate experience. After leaving…
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Shock and stall: Lightning ‘strikes’ car, insurance refuses to spark coverage
A car driver expressed concerns about his recently purchased vehicle when it malfunctioned just over a month after acquisition. The motor failed to start and displayed unusual electrical issues. While the dealership attributed the problem to a lightning strike, the insurance provider refused to cover the damages. A 44 year old resident of Uthai Thani, Bandit, reported the incident today.…
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Thailand’s Pacific-to-Indian Ocean Land Bridge project
Thailand’s anticipated land bridge project, aiming to connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is set to become reality, with bidding anticipated by late next year, the Transport Ministry confirmed. The colossal 1-trillion-baht project will construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong on the Andaman coast, linked by a state-of-the-art transport route. This ambitious infrastructure aims…
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Thailand’s steel sales slump 11 to 12% due to weak car market
Thailand’s sluggish car sales prompted an 11 to 12% decline in premium-grade steel sales during the first four months of 2024, raising concerns about reduced steel consumption this year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Iron and Steel Industry Club Vice-Chairman Nava Chantanasurakon stated that local steel manufacturers are bracing for a tough period, with expectations of…
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