Announcement

**Sundance2020** · 11-24-2021, 04:25 PM

Bangkok Red Line Commuter System

Fares for Bangkok’s Red Line electric commuter train will start at 12 THB and go up to a maximum fare of 42 THB. The Ministry of Transport announced that they will start issuing tickets on November 29 for the Red Line and the starting fare will be set for the first three years from 2022 to 2025. The new line, which is part of the city’s Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan, waslaunched in August 2021 with free rides as a soft opening.

In Thailand, the number of commuters using the suburban train system is increasing, with an average of 8,817 per day, according to the Bangkok Post. The Land Transport Department and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) have also renovated bus lines to connect with the Red Line at Bang Sue Grand Station, as well as long-distance and suburban train systems, to alleviate their burden.

At a meeting on Monday, Saksayam Chidchob said the price will increase to 42 baht from 2025, citing the price rate and the current situation of the joint ticketing system with Blue and Purple lines as among the key agenda issues.

A monthly travel card for adults using the Red Line will cost 25–35 baht per journey, with special promotions such as a 50% discount for children under 14, as well as monks and the elderly. Students will also get a 10% discount, and fares will be waived for kids under 90 cm and people with disabilities. According to the minister, mobile kiosks will be set up for Red Line and Bang Sue Grand Station passengers.

**Sundance2020** · 12-26-2021, 12:11 PM

Credit Card Payments for Bangkok Transportion Services

One thing that expats often find different from home when they move to Thailand is how cash-based so much of the country is when so many Western countries use credit cards and digital payments almost exclusively. But soon people won’t get caught fumbling for change to catch a bus or train, as the Ministry of Transport announced that credit and debit cards will be accepted as payment soon on public transport in Bangkok.

With an expected beginning rollout date of March of next year, the plan will eventually allow payment by Europay Mastercard and Visa cards on buses, trains, and electric boats, according to the Minister of Transport Saksayam Chidchob. The new payment method will apply to all transport operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, including the Metropolitan Rapid Transit and State Railway of Thailand within the city.

The Purple Line and Blue Line of the MRT and the Red Line urban train of the SRT will be the first to launch credit and debit card payments. Along with specific boats and city buses, the credit or debit card payment option will be available for expressway tolls, a great convenience for commuters across the city.

Krungthai Bank partnered with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to bring this payment system project to life in an attempt to modernise transport payment in the capital city. It is home that soon Bangkok will have a fully integrated payment infrastructure with seamless incorporation that will allow cashless payment and move away from the days of scrounging for small change to buy a ticket for public transportation.

**Tripadvisor** · 02-23-2022, 10:25 PM

City Guide: How to get around Bangkok 2022

There are many ways to get around Bangkok. You’re not limited to the typical big city transpiration options of train, bus or taxi. In fact, there are many other ways that are convenient to get around, though some take more time to do so. Those who have visited Bangkok before will know how to navigate the concrete jungle, but newcomers will need a brief introduction. So here is a list of how to get around Bangkok in 2022.

Train
Taking the train is the fastest way to get around Bangkok, and at the time of writing this, there are many lines being built. The current lines can take you to most parts of the city. This is the most common way for people to get around Bangkok. You can buy tickets at the ticket machine or at the counter. We highly recommend getting a card. You can buy tickets at one of the many self service machines. They accept coins and banknotes. You can also buy a single journey ticket from the counter.

Sky Train (BTS)
The BTS has two lines, the Sukhumvit line, which goes from Khu Khot to Kheha. The Silom line goes from National Stadium to Bang Wa. The green Sukhumvit Line can take you to many locations like Siam, Asok, Ekamai and Mochit. While the Silom Line takes you to MBK, Saladaeng, Wongwien Yai and the central business district of Chongnonsi. The cost of a trip ranges from 16 to 59 THB, based on the number of stops you go through. You could also buy one-day unlimited-use tickets for 140 THB, or buy and top up a Rabbit card with stored value.

Metro (MRT)
Just like the BTS, the MRT also has two lines. The MRT also includes a number of interchanges with the BTS, allowing you to go to numerous locations around the city. The blue-line subway runs from Bang Sue in the north to Hualamphong. The purple line goes between Tao Poon and Khlong Bang Phai stations and connects to the blue line at the Tao Poon interchange station. The blue Line runs through the main stations that run through the city centre like Asoke (Sukumvit station), Silom, Hua Lamphong and Chatchuchak park. Tickets is similar to that of the BTS. Fares range from 15 to 42 THB. The MRT operates from 6am to midnight, but stations start to close at 11:30 pm.

Tips:
If you’re going to stay here in the long term, we recommend you get a card for both options. It will save you a lot of time. Rush hours, like any other country, are hectic so plan accordingly.

Taxi
While taking the train is the best way to get around the city, there are times when taking a taxi is necessary. We advise you to download the app called Grab. Think of Uber but for the southeast Asian market. The app is very easy to use. Once it’s downloaded onto your phone, you can select the type of vehicle you want. Pin your current location and set where you’re ahead. You will see the price before you get into the car.
All taxis are required to have metres, but in some cases, they will claim that “it’s broken” or “metre no work.” If you have to take one of the colourful taxis instead of using Grab, don’t you worry. Just tell them you prefer to have the metre turned on, and if the driver resists, walk away. Metres should start at 35 THB, and most rides won’t cost more than 200 THB The price will vary if you’re travelling during rush hours or taking the freeway.

Tips:
If the driver waves at you and says something along the lines of “No go! No go!” then it might be because they have to return the car before the deadline. Not all Thais speak English, so it’s recommended to have some information ready to show them. Keep in mind that drivers moved to Bangkok from the countryside, so they might know the way.

Motorbike Taxis
Motorbike or motorcycle taxis are popular among locals when they’re in a rush. You can find them at every street corner or somewhere in an alley, with their numbered orange vests. It’s usually very cheap to get from one end of the road to another. Most people rely on them since you can get to your destination fairly quickly at a very low cost. The rides tend to start at 20 THB from one end of the street to another. We recommend asking the price before hopping on. They do get more expensive the further you go, so for longer distances, it’s not ideal. They also have a mixed reputation. It’s fair to say that it’s unsafe due to their reckless driving. Some riders will provide you with a helmet, but the cleanliness is questionable. You can also book a ride on the Grab application.

Boat
Bangkok’s commuters are served by two boat options, one running along the Chao Phraya River and another via canals. Canal taxi boats that travel along Khlong Saen Saep (from Banglamphu to Ramkhamhaeng) and are a convenient method to go between Banglamphu and Jim Thompson House, Siam, and other destinations farther east along Sukhumvit — following a mandatory boat change at Pratunam Pier. The boats provide an alternative option for commuters and they only stop at the docks for a few seconds — hop on right away and you’ll be left by the dock. The fares range from 12 to 15 THB. Locals complain that the San Saeb Canal is filthy and unpleasant, but it is one of the quickest routes to get around. The river is plied by a number of Chaophraya Express boats. The colour of the flags flying from the back of the boat defines which boat they represent.
The primary ferry service along the Chao Phraya River is operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Sathorn/Central Pier or Saphan Taksin is the name of the central pier, which connects to the BTS at Saphan Taksin station. Also, there are many cross riverboats that cruise every few times till late in the night and cost just 3 baht. Longtail boats for sightseeing tours may be arranged at Phra Athit/Banglamphu Pier, Chang Pier, Tien Pier and Oriental Pier.

Bus
If you do decide to use the bus, route maps in English can be found at most 7-Eleven outlets and bookstores. Air-conditioned bus rates range from 12 to 25 THB, while fan-cooled bus fares begin at 10 THB. With the exception of the ‘all-night’ buses, which operate from 3:00 am or 4:00 am to midmorning, many bus routes operate between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm. The bus is one of the most difficult mass transit systems for travelers to use in Bangkok, and it is a slow method to get somewhere. Most bus stops are in disrepair and have out-of-date posters and stickers on them. Many buses still have operators, so once you’ve chosen a seat, you’ll need to pay for one. But, on selected lines, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority already accepts credit or debit card payments.

Tuk Tuk
Last but not least is the famous tuk tuk. We understand that this is a must for most foreigners when visiting Thailand, so the rides are very expensive. Drivers can be pushy, but don’t give in. Try to keep calm, and negotiate the price. It’s one of the scams here in Thailand, so considered yourself warned. If they ask you about wanting a tailored made suit, for example, it’s best to ignore it, unless you want to take your chances.

Extra Tips and Insights

If you’re travelling with a child, and have to use public transportation, the train is the best bet. They have lifts that you can use to push trolleys. Taxis don’t provide car seats, and it’s not easy to convenience them.
Cycling is not ideal. If you’ve been to Bangkok before then you know how dangerous the roads are. There are many car related accidents alone, so it’s best to avoid cycling just to be safe.
Walking is a good option if you don’t mind the heat or humidity. You can find hidden gems around the city that can’t be found by taking public transportation.

**Steve** · 03-27-2022, 03:49 PM

Getting a Motorcycle Taxi in Bangkok, or anywhere in Thailand

We’ll start off by stating that there is nothing quicker and more efficient than getting a motorcycle taxi around Bangkok, compared to just about any other form of transport. We’ll also admit that there are dangers involved with riding on a motorcycle or motorbike around Thailand, especially if you’re not wearing a helmet (which you can ask the rider for). In practice, the riders always wear a helmet – passengers, rarely. And we’ll admit that there is a difference between what’s practical, common-practice and ’normal’ regarding getting a motorcycle taxi in Thailand when compared to rules and laws in other countries. For example, you wouldn’t want to have any sort of serious accident on a motorcycle taxi – your insurance is unlikely to cover you in that circumstance.

If you wanted to use the services of a motorcycle taxi, to the letter of the actual laws in Thailand, no one would. But millions do, every day. Finally, all these tips and tricks are the same for a similar service with Grab or any other ride-hailing app. Except the way your ride is charged, which is an online application that does all that for you, so you know before your rider arrives. All the pre-amble aside, it remains the easiest way to get point to point for sort distances around the capital. The same applies for anywhere else in Thailand but we predict that 99% of Thailand’s motorcycle taxis are in Bangkok. Now, in some parts of Thailand, the motorcycle taxi is not as familiar as other parts. In Phuket, for example, the local taxi mafia have limited the use of motorcycle taxis to the extent they’re very difficult to find, except perhaps around Phuket Town.

They’re ubiquitous
You can barely walk 50 – 100 metres without seeing a clump (we’re not sure of the collective noun for motorcycle taxi drivers) of drivers, clad in the orange safety vest, parked by the side of the road, ready to take you wherever you want to go. And, whilst on the road, you’ll see even more of them, in amongst the pink and green-clad delivery service bikes and all the other traffic. They are, by far, the most popular form of public transport in Thailand. The drivers are referred to as ‘win’. Or win drivers.

They’re safe, sort of
Considering these (usually) guys do this all day, every day, they’re very skilled at driving a motorbike in and around traffic, with a person, probably heavier than them, perched behind them. The number of accidents involving motorcycle taxis is very low. Now, if you suspect your driver isn’t up to the task, or appears drunk or high, just politely decline the ride and keep walking. The next group of drivers isn’t far away. Caveat emptor! Regarding safety, kudos to Thai ladies who hop on to the back of the seat side-saddle, usually without gripping onto the handle at the back of the seat whilst ordering something from Lazada on their phone or doing their make-up, all in a short skirt and usually with high heels. Skills! We don’t ever seem to hear about them falling off. How they actually stay on the seat, especially doing a left turn (they always seem to hang their legs to the left) is one of Thailand’s mysterious magic tricks that no westerner will ever, every understand, or master. Then there are the ‘modern’ Thai women who do it like the guys, with their legs straddled either side of the seat. They either weren’t born with the ‘special’ magic skills or their dress makes that impossible, or unseemly.

They ARE motorcycles, not motorbikes
Locally, they’re called ‘motorcy’ and they are usually smaller Honda or Yamaha motorcycles between 100 and 150 cc. In more than 10 years I have never ridden on anything larger although a few, very few, motorcycle taxi riders do use larger motorbikes. But, 99% of the time you’re going to be perched, gripping the handle on the back of the seat, on a stock, standard factory motorcycle, made in Thailand.

Negotiate your fare before you get on
There are no meters on a motorcycle taxi. The drivers are all part of various gangs around the city and have a “turf” that they dare not stray from. They know the area, within a 2 kilometre radius, intimately – every soi, every building, every bar, every weird pronunciation of all of them. They also know, with clinical precision, exactly how much it will cost to take you where you want to go. They’ve taken people to your destination hundreds of times (probably). Don’t bother trying to bargain your fare, unless they think you’re a newbie and they quote something outrageous. Again, after 10 years, I’ve never been cheated, or over-charged, for a motorcycle taxi fare. And that includes hundreds and hundreds of rides. Typically the fares are around 20 baht for 200 metres – 1 kilometre, then maybe 40 THB for 1 – 2 kilometres. You get the idea… Carry some small change – 10 THBcoins, 20, 50 and 100 THB notes with you. Giving them a 1000 THB note for your 20 THB ride is going to become YOUR problem.

English is not their first language
Know where you’re going and have your Google maps open with the destination, or get someone to write the name down for you (in Thai if possible) before you chat to your rider. If you’re barrelling down a road and you think you’re going the wrong way, just gently tap your rider on the shoulder and point towards the kerb. They’ll stop and let you off. Keeping things simple will make for an easy ride. Complex navigation or bartering for a few baht discount will just confuse and slow down the process. These motorcycle taxi riders make money when they’re taking someone to their destination. They haven’t got the time to faff around with a foreigner who they probably don’t understand.

Be aware of the engineering capabilities of the motorcycle
Motorcycles in Thailand are well capable of carrying two people. I’ve seen up to five. But the law actually restricts riders to just two. Now, just making some gross assumptions here, most adult foreigners are, on average, going to be heavier than the rider at the front. That’s definitely not the safest way to travel with the centre of balance heavily skewed towards the rear of the machine. So, just use your common sense. If you’re over 100 kilograms, take a normal taxi and just don’t push the engineering limits of the motorbike or the skills of the person steering it. Equally, if you wobble your weight side to side you’ll make the driver’s job more difficult. And going around corners, just keep behind the driver and don’t try and compensate by leaning in the opposite direction. To put it plainly, just shut up and don’t move around too much.

There will be bumps
You legs will help you grip onto the seat for your side to side movement. But when that motorcycle hits a bump, so will you, propped up there on the rear, directly over the rear wheel. Some of the bikes probably haven’t seen a proper mechanical service for years (although I’ve never experienced a single mechanical or engine failure in a decade), so the shockers on the back may either be a bit worn out, or pushed to the limit with the fat guy on the back. So expect a few bumps and control your ‘altitude’ with a firm grip on the handle at the rear of the seat. Don’t try to put your hands around the waist of the driver, he’s not going to appreciate it. Or at least take him out on a date first.

Bike helmets are hard
As already mentioned, there probably won’t be a motorbike helmet for the passenger. Thai police completely ignore this when you are on the back of a motorcycle taxi. If you ask for one before you leave the taxi rank (ummm, the side of the road with a grotty old umbrella and a few equally grotty plastic seats) they will usually find one. But, really, it’s just not common practice for the passenger to wear one on a motorcycle taxi, although police will gladly fine two foreigners sharing a motorbike if they don’t both have a bike helmet. Second note about helmets, they’re hard, of course. But when you’re riding along your face will be directly behind their helmet. In the case of a sudden stop or slow down you may find your face smashing into the rider’s helmet. Your teeth, whist made from long-wearing calcium and coated in hard enamel, are no match for the hard plastic. Nature didn’t anticipate you’d be riding on the back of a motorcycle taxi in Thailand and your teeth could come off second best if you’re not aware of the possibility of a sudden stop. This is where another miracle of Thai genetics comes into play where the heads of Thai people appear completely locked from the neck up, and incapable of slamming into the back of the rider’s helmet, whereas foreign necks wobble around like the trinket animal toys sitting on the dashboard of Thai car taxis.

They are quick and efficient
And point to point. If you lined up all the alternatives to getting around just about anywhere in Thailand, the motorcycle taxi will win, every time. When you add the dynamics of traffic in Bangkok, the margin becomes increasingly wider. The riders will casually make their way through the traffic, fitting through gaps you thought were impossible. Your occasional gasp at their skills in steering between the cars will usually not be appreciated. Just shut up, keep your legs in and marvel at their skill. Red lights? Well, sometimes you’re just going to have to close your eyes at traffic lights because the full understanding of the purpose of traffic lights may have been lost on some motorcycle taxi riders. Again, your lecture about the way traffic lights work may not be either well understood or appreciated.

Finally
There are inherent dangers of travelling on the back of a motorcycle in Thailand, and we dont recommend you do so unless you’ve weighed the risks against the possible advantages. But the motorcycle taxi is used by hundreds of thousands of passengers every single day, and usually without any misadventure in the vast majority of cases. If you want to experience living in Thailand, as a local, you’re simply going to have to use motorcycle taxis at some time.

**Sundance2020** · 04-22-2022, 09:00 AM

Bangkok Panorama

Thailand bans standing up on songthaews, drivers aren’t happy

Thailand introduced a law on Friday which requires passengers to sit down when travelling on a songthaew, a popular form of public transport. However, songthaew drivers say the law is detrimental to their livelihoods and are worried it could lead to extortion. A songthaew is a passenger vehicle converted from a pickup truck with two rows of seats. Songthaews have been used as a cheap form of transport for decades in Thailand, and are often packed out with passengers standing or hanging off the back.

The new law, published in the Royal Gazette, aims to make the songthaew experience safer for everyone involved. But drivers say it’s impractical and uneconomical. Songthaew drivers spend 800 – 1000 THB on fuel per day so they need as many passengers as possible since most journeys cost 8 baht, or a little more depending on the province. A songthaew driver from Bangkok voiced his concerns…

“Normally, there is a rush hour in the morning and evening. My route runs from Siriraj Pier to Phutthamonthon. The new law will make me earn far less money because previously, the Department of Transport ruled that songthaews can seat up to 11 people and an extra seven people can fit standing.

“Sometimes, in rush hour, there are traffic jams and far more passengers, meaning many more end up standing.”

Songthaew drivers also said that the Department of Transport cannot expect songthaew drivers to be able to enforce the new rule since they are driving and cannot control the number of passengers hopping in and out of the vehicle. If drivers charge 8 THB per trip, and are allowed only 11 passengers, they will make 88 THB per journey only – if the vehicle is full that is. But most drivers predominantly earn their income in the two busy periods of the day, with far more than 11 passengers on each journey, so the new law will reduce their income significantly.

Drivers expressed concerns that once the songthaew is full, they would either displease passengers by rejecting them or have to risk breaking the law and being arrested if they accepted them. Some were worried that police would use the new law to extort songthaew drivers. If the government is worried about road safety, they might be better off focussing on motorbike safety since 85% of people who die on the roads are driving motorbikes.

**Tripadvisor** · 06-13-2022, 01:20 PM

Taxis don’t need to use their meters going out of Bangkok

Taxis licensed in Bangkok are now allowed to drive without using meters outside of the city’s 7 main provinces, allowing more service flexibility. Taxi drivers and passengers travelling outside of these 7 provinces will have to negotiate prices instead of using metres. The 7 provinces include Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi.

Taxis and passengers prefer negotiating prices over using taxi meters when travelling across provinces. However, taxis operating in the seven provinces must use meters. The update will be official on Saturday after being published in the Royal Gazette on Friday, June 10, according to DLT Director-General, Chirute Visalachitra. The change is intended to boost competition in the taxi industry following the use of private cars for the popular ride-hailing taxi services like Grab.

Taxi Fares in Thailand are increasing in 2022

The Ministry of Transport plans to increase taxi fares in Thailand for the first time in eight years but insists drivers must improve their service and can’t refuse to serve passengers no matter where they want to go. Today, the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Sorapong Paithunpong, revealed that the taxi drivers lobbied the government to adjust taxi fares to meet the current economic situation. Drivers urged the government to increase the fare rate alongside fuel prices.

Sorapong explained that the ministry had set up a committee to study and consider a suitable fare in relation to the recent cost of living increases. The committee included officers from the Transport Ministry, Department of Land Transport, Thailand Development Research Institution (TDRI), and Office of the Consumer Protection Board.

According to TDRI, the number of taxi drivers decreased in Thailand from 80,000 cars per day to 60,000 cars per day. The income of taxi drivers also fell, while the cost of living increased by 7% during the past 8 years from 2014 to 2022. Sorapong said…

“The committee is now considering a suitable fare rate that meets the needs of taxi drivers, passengers, and other relevant departments. We insisted on avoiding the impact on the passengers while also providing justice to all parties. The service quality will need to improve too.”

The Director of the Land Transport Department, Jirut Wisarnjit, emphasised that taxi drivers had to follow these conditions if they wanted the fare to be increased. Sorapong said taxi drivers had to improve their service and couldn’t refuse to serve customers. Moreover, the Land Transport Department will introduce a points deduction system to control the quality of service.

**Tripadvisor** · 10-30-2022, 11:19 AM

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Overview: Getting around in Bangkok

Overview: Getting around in Bangkok

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