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Chiang Rai Municipality Launches Free EV Bus Service

Georgealbert
· 150 views

Chiang Rai Municipality has launched a free electric bus (EV) service covering 17 key locations across the city, aiming to ease living costs and promote cleaner transport. The initiative, announced on 27 March, provides daily services from 08:00 to 17:00, with departures every hour to support accessible and predictable travel.

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Mayor Wanachai Chongsootthanaman stated that rising fuel prices have significantly increased the cost of living, prompting the municipality to introduce proactive measures. The free EV service is designed to reduce transport expenses, encourage the use of public transport, and lower reliance on private vehicles, aligning with the city’s “Green City” and “Wellness City” policies.

The service network spans 17 main stops, linking more than 20 important locations across Chiang Rai. These include the downtown bus terminal, Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, the Chiang Rai Clock Tower, Municipal Market 1, Samakkhi Witthayakhom School, Wat Phra Kaew, the provincial hall, Chiang Rai Police Station, Tung and Khom Park, the King Mengrai Monument behind Wat Sri Koet, and the Safe Agriculture Learning Centre.

The move comes amid continued increases in global oil prices, which have placed financial pressure on households and local economies. By offering a free and environmentally friendly alternative, the municipality aims to reduce both daily expenses for residents and urban air pollution.

Officials believe the initiative will also help shift public behaviour towards more sustainable transport options. Encouraging greater use of shared mobility is expected to contribute to improved air quality and support long-term urban sustainability goals.

Matichon reported that the municipality has invited residents to make full use of the service as part of a broader push to transform Chiang Rai into a cleaner, more liveable city. Continued monitoring of usage and public response is expected to inform any future expansion or adjustments to the service.

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Picture courtesy of Matichon

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image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 29 Mar 2026

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    BrandonJT Gold Member

    BrandonJT

    Global Moderator

    The bus from the airport into the city was better. It stopped in a lot of places and was the easiest way to get to/from the airport without having to deal with rideshare apps. Wish they would bring that back instead.

    BangkokHank Gold Member

    BangkokHank

    Advanced Member

    A bus that only runs once an hour is useless. And when people don't use it because it runs so infrequently, they will discontinue it and say that nobody is interested in it. Run it every 15 minutes (even if it means charging for it), or don't bother running it at all.

    Sir Dude Gold Member

    Sir Dude

    Advanced Member

    The Thai authorities are kidding themselves if they think any amount of EV or solar etc. will help with the pollution problems/air quality until they stop, and seriously clamp down on, the rampant crop burning and farm boys doing whatever they think is okay. Always just deflection of an inconvenient truth.

    Thing is, they won't do that because then you'll get the pitchfork-waving crowds descend on the local amphur office and panic will spread... all about keeping a lid on those that belong in the 19th century.

    Notice how they always report stuff in a conserning way but never mention or make attempts to fix the root causes? Well, now you know.

    Sigmund Gold Member

    Sigmund

    Advanced Member

    Very clever step. Unlike hua hin that only has it songthews in the inner city circle and no public bus service if one wants to go outside the city limits say to Hin Lek Fai or similar.

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