A wave of optimism is sweeping through Thailand’s transport and logistics industry. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the nation’s Transport Minister, has recently teased with grand plans for transformation particularly in the rail and maritime sectors. Initially introduced during his inauguration, the comprehensive plans are expected to be officially released in the coming week.
With a keen eye on fostering progress and development, Suriya is confident that a concentrated effort on upgrading these transportation avenues will significantly bolster Thailand’s position within the fiercely competitive logistics sector. A sector that’s currently experiencing a surge in growth and potential.
Topping Suriya’s priority list is the quick and efficient completion of the double-track rail projects across the country. These projects are often seen as the backbone of the country’s infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the monumental 29.7 billion-baht overhaul between Khon Kaen and Nong Khai provinces. A testament to the project’s significance is Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s expressed intention to personally visit the site in the near future.
Not limiting the transport revolution to the railroad tracks, the Transport Minister envisions a sky buzzing with increased airline operations. The proposed strategy is to persuade the Royal Thai Air Force to release unused flight slots at airports managed by the Airports of Thailand (AoT), opening the airways for airline companies eager to swoop into Thailand’s airspace. This initiative could facilitate an additional 100-150 commercial flights daily, a potential game-changer, especially with tourism’s peak season just over the horizon.
However, Suriya embraces the principle that public transport must be accessible and affordable. As such, he intends to implement a maximum fare of 20 baht for electric train rides. Two major methods for achieving this policy have been proposed. The first approach restricts the 20 baht fare to individuals of lower-income backgrounds holding a state welfare card. The alternative approach applies the fare cap to all commuters on the capital’s electric train network. Regardless of the chosen method, the Transport Minister emphasizes the importance of developing a symbiotic understanding with the related transport agencies before moving forward.
Enforcing such fare restrictions could lead to a compelling 10% rise in commuters using electric trains, reported The Pattaya News. As this remarkable transformation unfolds, it continues to captivate the attention of the world.
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