| |
Bangkok taxis introduce an extra charge for luggage
|
|
|
 | 21st November 2020
|
|
| 18th November 2020. See article from nationthailand.com |
State controlled taxi fares are very cheap in Thailand, so it is reasonable for drivers to top them up a little with extras The Transport Ministry has announced that as of Tuesday, Bangkok metered taxis will be allowed to charge passengers handling
fees for large luggage items, but not for equipment such as wheelchairs or walking sticks. The charge is basically 20 baht for each bag that exceeds 26 inches in width, height or length. And also 100 baht per piece for sports equipment like golf
bags, bicycles, surfboards or musical instruments that are 50 inches or more in size. The cabbie is required to inform the passenger in advance about the extra handling fees. No charges will be allowed for smaller baggage such as handbag, computer
bag, backpack or personal belongings carried by the passenger. Update: Airports taxis only 21st November 2020. See
article from thethaiger.com The Land Transport Department is
clarifying the recent news that taxis in Bangkok can charge special handling fees for luggage after the announcement received public scrutiny. The department's deputy director Tanee Suebrerk says this special fee only applies to metred taxis travelling
to and from Bangkok's two airports. |
| |
There will be a slight delay due to a lack of money
|
|
|
| 1st September 2020
|
|
| See article from nationthailand.com
|
The high-speed rail project to link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Pattaya and U-Tapao airports faces a delay due to a budget problem. The budget to demolish infrastructure to make way for the new high-speed system has not been approved, meaning delivery
of the first phase will be delayed from January 2021 to February-March, the SRT announced. The infrastructure had been earmarked for demolition but contractors would have to wait for approval of the 2021 budget before finishing the job, explained
Transport Ministry permanent secretary Chaiwat Thong-Kamkoon on Friday. The budget would be approved before the end of this year, he assured. Contractors had already been hired to undertake the work, he added. |
| |
Pattaya considers its pie in the sky train idea
|
|
|
| 21st August 2020
|
|
| See article
from forum.thaivisa.com |
A public hearing in Pattaya was told that 80% of residents agree with plans to build a monorail to alleviate the resort's dire traffic and transport problems. The pie in the sky train would meet the proposed High Speed train at the station to the east
of Sukhumvit Road. It would then travel along the motorway and along Sukhumvit before heading towards the sea. It would then be built along Sai 2 road and wind up at Bali Hai port. There would be around 13 stations spaced 650-700 meters apart.
Building is expected to start in 2024. The latest hearing was designed to gauge public opinion and assess environmental impacts. |
| |
Less destinations from Pattaya
|
|
|
| 30th July 2020
|
|
| See article from bangkokpost.com |
The 101-billion-baht extension of the high-speed train system linking Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports may not be worth investing in, the State Railway of Thailand has said, citing findings from a market sounding exercise in a feasibility
study on the proposed extension. The entire study into Phase 2 of the high-speed train project which will stretch 190 kilometres long from U-Tapao to Trat province through Rayong and Chanthaburi will be concluded in August, said Suchip Suksawang, the
chief engineer of the SRT's special projects and constructions. Representatives of the chamber of commerce of the provinces concerned have pointed out that the government should rethink the investment plan. They suggested the government take into
consideration the fact that demands for the high-speed train service on the planned route extension may not be very high. |
| |
The annual airing of council plans to build a monorail system in Pattaya
|
|
|
| 24th May 2020
|
|
| See article from
bangkokpost.com |
The Pattaya City administration plans to build a nine-kilometre monorail to ease traffic congestion and connect the city with the government's flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project. Pattaya deputy mayor Manote Nongyai said:
Pattaya needs to develop a public transport system to facilitate travel across the city. For the future development of Pattaya, it is necessary to reduce the use of private cars while moving towards public
transport in the form of an electric rail system to distribute wealth, promote tourism and help the industrial sector Adding that a highly efficient system will be in high demand after the Covid-19 crisis eases, which will see an
influx of tourists return to the city. Manote said the Pattaya City administration has allocated a budget of 70 million baht for a feasibility study project The nine-kilometre monorail would run from Pattaya railway station via a motorway,
Northern Pattaya Road, Pattaya Sai 2 Road, Thap Phraya intersection to Bali Hai Pier.
|
| |
Pattaya U-Tapao airport opens a 2nd terminal
|
|
|
| 5th December 2019
|
|
| See article from nationthailand.com |
The U-Tapao International Airport, about a 45 minute drive from Pattaya, has officially opened its second passenger terminal on 4th December 2019. Director of U-Tapao International Airport, Vice Admiral Kritchaphon Rianglekjamnong said that once the
airport is fully open for commercial service, the number of passengers and flights would continue to increase, going from 177,000 people a year in 2015 to 1.99 million people. Fifteen airlines operate 15,767 flights on 33 routes both domestic and
international, he said. We expect that the number of passengers will increase to 2.5 million people from the previous 800,000 passengers. |
| |
Bangkok airports to Pattaya and U-Tapao high speed railway given the go ahead
|
|
|
| 25th October 2019
|
|
| See article from
forum.thaivisa.com
See article from eeco.or.th |
Thailand's plans for a new $7.4 billion high-speed rail link from Bangkok to Pattaya got the go ahead on Thursday after months of negotiations. The Thai government said it had signed an agreement to begin construction with a consortium led by
conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group and including China Railway Construction Corporation. Some Japanese banks have also agreed to provide part of the financing for the link, which will span 220 kilometres and is scheduled to start operating
in 2023. The High-Speed Rail Linked 3 Airport Project makes use of existing structures and routes as seen in the form of an airport rail link system. Expansions will see the implementation of standard gauge 1.435-meter tracks with 2 new connecting
routes from the Phaya Thai -- Don Muang route as well as the Lad Krabang -- U-Tapao (Rayong) route offering ease of access to and from the airports. These expansions will largely make use of existing routes from the State Railway of Thailand and in total
comprise 220 km. of seamless railway routes. Urban line within Bangkok will see slower speeds of 160 km/hr. (Don Muang Station to Suvarnabhumi Station) while intercity line will reach a maximum speed of 250 km/hr. (Suvarnabhumi Station to U-Tapao
Station). This system comprises 9 high-speed stations, namely, Don Muang, Bang Sue, Makkasan, Suvarnabhumi, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Sriracha, Pattaya, and U-Tapao. |
| |
Bangkok is building the biggest railway station is south east Asia that will service fast trains to Chiang Mai, Nong Khai and Pattaya
|
|
|
| 2nd June 2018
|
|
| See article from thaivisa.com
|
A new train station in Bangkok is set to be the largest in Southeast Asia. Construction of Bang Sue Central Station is in progress and is scheduled to open in 2020. The station, which is located near Bang Sue intersection on Thoet Damri road, will
become the hub for Thailand's high speed rail links, from Bangkok to Nong Khai and Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It will also be used for the proposed Eastern Economic Corridor high-speed rail line which will link three airports - Don Mueang,
Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao in Rayong, and which promises travel from Pattaya to Bangkok in less than one hour. The new station will eventually replace the Hua Lamphong station, which has been Bangkok's primary train station since it opened in 1916.
|
| |
City Hall meeting discusses problems with taxis
|
|
|
| 4th January 2013
|
|
| See article from
pattayapeople.com
|
A meeting took place at Pattaya City Hall to discuss supposed problems and complaints about illegal taxis operating in the city. The problems have escalated with many complaints about unacceptable bad behavior from taxi drivers from
tourists, both Thai and internationals. Presumably tourists are complaining that the green and yellow taxi carry signs purporting to be licensed taxis when in fact they refuse to use their meters and instead charge inflated fares. A
programme is to be set up to inform everyone about illegal taxis:
- Registered taxis carrying yellow license plates are doubtfully legal because they do not use their meters and charge inflated fares above the authorised rate.
- Cars with black license plates are illegal because they are not registered to
carry fare paying passengers and charge reasonable rates.
- Baht buses are legal and are available for private hire at middling rates.
Whatever forms of taxis are available, there needs to be a few more. During peak season week in Jomtien, the main road was lined with people trying to get transport to Pattaya.
|
1st December
2012 | | |
Roong Reuang Bangkok Airport to Pattaya Coach Service
| See www.airportpattayabus.com
|
Coach service connecting Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) and Pattaya.
The 32 seats coaches are non-smoking and the single fare is 134 Baht
From Suvarnabhumi airport , buses depart each day.
7am then every hour until 10pm
Ticket booths at
1. Airport Bus Terminal
2. Arrival Terminal Level 1 between Gate 8
From Pattaya , buses depart each day.
7am then every hour until
8pm Ticket office and bus stop is located on Thapphraya Road opposite to Pan Pan restaurant
|
17th February
2011 | | |
Infrequent bus service from Pattaya Floating Market
| Based on article from pattayadailynews.com
|
Pattaya Floating Market -- Jomtien -- Second Road - Pattaya Bus Terminal. Air conditioned bus service within an affordable price of 20 baht for adult and 10 baht for kids or students. The routing starts in front of Furama Hotel Jomtien Soi
14, 5 rounds daily from 11.00 hrs as the first round and following by every two hours and the last trip leaves Pattaya Floating Market at 21.10hrs. The last trip on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is on 22.10hrs. The bus starts from Jomtien Beach Soi
14 -- Thappraya -- Pattaya Second Road -- Dolphin Roundabout -- Bus Terminal -- back to City Hall -- Pattaya Beach Road -- Walking Street and back to Thappraya -- Jomtien and heading to Pattaya Floating Market to stop there for 20 minutes before heading
back to the start point again at Furama Hotel. There are more than 50 stop signs for beach bus along the road. The sign is in red box standing on the pol. Pattaya Floating Market is the tourist attraction that supports the beach bus
project.
|
1st February
2011 | | |
Pattaya to Hua Hin
| See details at thailivingferry.com |
Thailiving Ferry provides a new high speed Catamaran ferry service between Pattaya and Hua-Hin. The Ferry operate a regular schedule of three crossings per week. Wed, Fri and Sun The crossing takes about 3:15 hours. Departing
from Pattaya 08:30 from Hua Hin 12:30 Customers get transportation to and from the piers with minibuses collecting and dropping of at central points in the cities
|
23rd August
2010 | | |
Airport train starts linking to central Bangkok
| Based on article from
bangkokpost.com
See also airportraillink.railway.co.th
|
The 28km Airport Rail Link began full commercial operations on 23rd August between central Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan. The rail link will charge promotional fares until the end of the year on its city and express lines.
It expects to serve up to 50,000 passengers a day. State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Yutthana Thapcharoen said: It is the fastest rail system in the country. It is convenient and provides [a quality] service. Passengers
using the City Line, the all-stops line, will pay a flat rate of 15 baht for a trip during the promotion period. The line, which operates from 6am to midnight, takes 30 minutes to travel from Phaya Thai station to Suvarnabhumi airport. Those using
the Express Line will pay 100 baht for a trip. It takes 15 minutes to travel from Makkasan station to the airport non-stop. It also operates from 6am to midnight. Fares for the City Line will range from 15 baht to 45 baht, depending on the
distance travelled, after Jan 1, 2011, while the fares on the Express Line would rise to 150 baht. Passengers would be able to check in their baggage at Makkasan station for transfer to their airline once the service was fully operational.
|
8th March
2009 | | |
Upgrading U-Tapao airport
| Perhaps the Mayor can get the airport connected to the Pattaya Pie in the Sky Train Based on article from pattayadailynews.com
|
Following the relief service the airport provided to stranded tourists during the shutdown of Suvarnabhumi Airport by anti government protesters, Pattaya City decided that U-Tapao should be developed as an international airport for Thai and
foreign passengers, and its name changed to U-Tapao, Pattaya International Airport.
Mayor Ittipol presented the plans for renovation and development including the environment around the airport and the road and traffic systems. The road to
the airport will be expanded from 2 to 4 lanes and advertising boards will be erected to provide income to offset the costs of the development.
Up to now, the navy has presented the project to the government, requesting a budget of 995 million
baht to rebuild the airport terminal and doubling the capacity of the passenger lounge, to renovate the landing area and parking area for aircraft, the X-ray machines, the fuel storage facilities, the fire and rescue service and the security facilities.
The Rear Admiral stated that if the budget request was approved, the airport could become one of the most popular airports in Thailand.
|
22nd November
2008 | |
| U-Tapao airport to be renamed
| Based on article from pattayadailynews.com
|
To welcome visitors, U-Tapao, Rayong International Airport will be renamed to U-Tapao, Pattaya International Airport within next 2 months. By this issue, Rear Admiral Surapong Aiyasanon, deputy director of the airport, had joined the
conference discussing tourism and transportation development matters. At the meeting, Rear Admiral Surapong revealed that the airport's passenger terminal had been improved to facilitate more than 400 passengers and the run-way had also been widen
to land up to 49 airbuses. In addition, the airport required international security standard by installing radar for airlines landed in the airport and allowing passengers 24-hour entrance.
|
8th August
2008 | | |
Pattaya buses not spotted for quite a while
| From Thai Visa
|
I used to see the Red Line bus quite frequently, but haven't seen it for some time now. Has the company gone bust? Driven away by the baht bus mafia? All those shiny new bus stops are now worthless antiques, and the bus stops on Beach Road have *never*
been used. Mind you the company didn't help itself, refusing to publish a timetable, and changing the times and routes several times without warning. Anyway RIP Pattaya bus service.
|
28th March
2008 | | |
Pattaya Beach Bus scraps its yellow route
| They complain about a lack of customers but they don't even post any timetable information at the bus stops. How on earth are people expected to know
whether there are any buses or not
From Pattaya Mail
|
Pattaya’s Beach Bus is the latest victim of the increase in gasoline prices, with the operator axing one of the routes because it is no longer profitable to run.
Pattaya Beach Bus Co Ltd, which has a seven-year contract to operate a scheduled bus
service and which began operations in August 2005, has found itself with an inadequate number of passengers and escalating costs of running its vehicles.
The company’s general manager, Suriyont Klindee, has announced that the Yellow Line has been
axed. The buses had run on a Soi Chayapreuk-Thepprasit Road-Thappraya Road-Third Road-South Pattaya-Central Pattaya-North Pattaya-Pattaya City Hall-Sukhumvit Road route. Suriyont said there were too few passengers for the route to be viable.
The
Red Line and the Green Line services remain. Suriyont said that the travel time for these routes is 45 minutes and that the buses run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The buses, however, must have at least 25 passengers for the service to be sustainable,
he said.
The fare remains at 20 baht per route.
|
|
|
