Transport in Bangkok
Bangkok's canals and ferries historically served as a major mode of transport, but they have long since been eclipsed by land traffic.
A complex elevated expressway network and Tollway helps bring traffic into and out of the city centre, but Bangkok's rapid growth has put a large strain on infrastructure.
[4]: 33 Although rail transport was introduced in 1893 and electric trams served the city from 1894 to 1968, it was only in 1999 that Bangkok's first rapid transit system began operation.
Older public transport systems include an extensive bus network and boat services which still operate on the Chao Phraya and two canals.
Bangkok is connected to the rest of the country through the national highway and rail networks, as well as by domestic flights to and from the city's two international airports.
[5] In August 2018, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered police to ease road congestion within three months by using integrated traffic control systems.
Forty-eight major roads link the different areas of the city, branching into smaller streets and lanes (soi) which serve local neighbourhoods.
The extent of the problem is such that the Thai Traffic Police has a unit of officers trained in basic midwifery in order to assist deliveries which do not reach hospital in time.
[12] While Bangkok's limited road surface area (eight percent, compared to 20–30 percent in most Western cities) is often cited as a major cause of its traffic jams, other factors, including high vehicle ownership rate relative to income level, inadequate public transport systems, and lack of transportation demand management, also play a role.
[15] Although the BMA has created thirty signed bicycle routes along several roads totalling 230 kilometres (140 mi),[16] cycling is still largely impractical, especially in the city centre.
Poor surface maintenance, encroachment by hawkers and street vendors, the tropical climate, and a hostile environment for cyclists and pedestrians, make cycling and walking unpopular methods of getting around in Bangkok.
In an effort to lessen the impact of VIP convoys on Bangkok's already clogged streets, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered NCPO bigwigs to "take less than 30 seconds" to drive through intersections with their police vanguard.
"[17] In 2024 the Thai government suggested plans to introduce a congestion charge of 40-50 baht for vehicles entering central Bangkok.
This revenue would be used to subsidise a flat 20-baht fare for all electric rail lines in the city, encouraging public transit use and reducing traffic congestion.
Known simply as the BRT, the system currently consists of a single line running from the business district at Sathon to Ratchaphruek on the west side of the city.
Motorcycle taxis operate from regulated ranks, with either fixed or negotiable fares, and are usually employed for relatively short journeys.
[24] In June 2012, the Department of Land Transport announced a campaign to overhaul taxi driver registrations, as it revealed that there had been only 66,645 legally registered cabdrivers.
The 100,000[26][27] to 200,000 motorbike taxi drivers now wear distinctive numbered vests designating their district of registration and where they are allowed to accept passengers.
In addition to long-distance services, the SRT also operates a few daily commuter trains running from and to the outskirts of the city during the rush hour.
The SRT Red Lines opened in 2021 and add 41km of track with commuter services connected to the new rail hub at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
[36] Although much diminished from their past prominence, water-based transport still plays an important role in Bangkok and the immediate upstream and downstream provinces.
[40] Officials regard bicycles as toys, and cycling as a leisure activity, not as a means of transport that could help solve traffic and environmental problems.
[41] Prior to the event, which encouraged the non-use of cars, the BMA announced there would be extensive free automobile parking spaces available for participants who were to ride bicycles in the parade.
[43] All Thai rail companies, whether commuter or long distance, make on-board transport of bicycles difficult or impractical.
[41] Without state intervention, direction, and education, the public lacks the impetus to adopt a mode of transport that remains ignored by urban development projects.
