File photo for reference only

 

Tunnelling beneath Bangkok’s famed Chao Phraya River has kicked off for the MRT Purple Line’s southern extension, marking a milestone in the city's transit expansion. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has announced this major development, with an expected completion date in May next year.

 

This project marks the second tunnel under the river, signifying a crucial step in bolstering Bangkok's transport infrastructure. Currently, the construction is ahead of schedule, boasting 60% completion. The new section, stretching from Tao Poon to the National Library, is anticipated to be ready by 2028, with the entire route set to be operational by 2030.

 

The extension spans 23.6 kilometres, connecting Tao Pun to Rat Burana. This new route will feature 10 underground and 7 elevated stations, effectively linking with the existing MRT Blue and Purple Lines at the Tao Poon interchange. Such integration is poised to significantly enhance connectivity across the bustling capital.

 

Mr Suriya emphasised the prioritisation of safety throughout the construction phase. Both the Rail Transport Department and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) are meticulously adhering to safety protocols. These include traffic management and comprehensive flood prevention measures at the construction sites.

 

Environmental considerations are also at the forefront, with continuous monitoring and efforts to control dust and maintain air quality. This reflects the government’s commitment to mindful development that balances progress with environmental stewardship.

 

Adding to the transport developments, the government is rolling out a 20-baht flat fare policy. Starting 1st October, passengers will enjoy fares capped at no more than 20 baht per trip across Bangkok’s eight electric train lines. Public registration for the scheme opens on 25th August through the "Tang Rat" mobile application.

 

This fare initiative is expected to increase daily ridership from 150,000 to 250,000 passengers, as affordability is extended exclusively to Thai nationals, following a cabinet approval in June. With these advancements, Bangkok’s transport network is set to become more accessible and efficient, offering residents improved mobility across the city.

 

The progress in tunnelling and fare strategies underscore a forward-thinking approach as Bangkok continues to evolve into a modern metropolis with robust infrastructure benefiting its citizens.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-05

 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

This fare initiative is expected to increase daily ridership from 150,000 to 250,000 passengers,

 

The BTS and the MRT are already packed during peak hours.  Increasing ridership by 67% could gridlock it when people need it most.

 

I see a tunnel collapse coming...

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

This fare initiative is expected to increase daily ridership from 150,000 to 250,000 passengers, as affordability is extended exclusively to Thai nationals,

Quite how they're going to police that will be interesting to see. On the Skytrain my b/f buys books of tickets, gives me one and off we go thru the turnstiles ...

9 hours ago, CanadaSam said:

I see a tunnel collapse coming...

Extremely rare these days with the tunnel boring machines that are used, and I seriously doubt it is done by a Thai company except maybe in name only.    Same goes for the implementation of their "health and safety" plan  

18 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

Quite how they're going to police that will be interesting to see. On the Skytrain my b/f buys books of tickets, gives me one and off we go thru the turnstiles ...

 

Wouldn't be that hard to police that.  Have the turnstiles flash a green light for 20 baht tickets/chips and yellow for full price.  Then have the cops stand there and fine people. (And since it would be foreigners being fined, they also have "other options" for repeat offenders)

 

As I understand it, they already enforce the MRT Elder cards (for young people using them, not foreigners) in a similar way, and the fine is up to 30x the maximum fare. 

 

9 hours ago, CanadaSam said:

I see a tunnel collapse coming...

Which Chinese suppliers are contracted this time?

3 minutes ago, impulse said:

Wouldn't be that hard to police that.  Have the turnstiles flash a green light for 20 baht tickets/chips and yellow for full price.  Then have the cops stand there and fine people. (And since it would be foreigners being fined, they also have "other options" for repeat offenders)

Will be interesting to see in the rush hours ...

Where's the map. Some of us haven't a clue of this project's location. A simple mud map would be appreciated

11 minutes ago, poyai111 said:

Where's the map. Some of us haven't a clue of this project's location. A simple mud map would be appreciated

Open google maps, type 'rat burana' in the search bar. Don't forget to hit Enter for best results! 

16 hours ago, impulse said:

 

The BTS and the MRT are already packed during peak hours.  Increasing ridership by 67% could gridlock it when people need it most.

 

 

was thinking the same thing Monday I was at Asoke and the lines were almost downthe steps.  When they had teh free the lines went all the way to the doors of terminal 21.  Siam is already packed.

 

I am sorry but this is a disaster waiting to happen.  Add in that parking lots are already full by 7 am and people are finding minivans are just as easy and less crowded. 

 

Sorry but this is not going to work  motor cycle taxis will be the way for people in a hurry or the buses.

 

 

 

 

On 8/6/2025 at 8:28 AM, Bday Prang said:

Extremely rare these days with the tunnel boring machines that are used, and I seriously doubt it is done by a Thai company except maybe in name only.    Same goes for the implementation of their "health and safety" plan  

I saw a huge boring machine someplace here in Thailand about 3 weeks ago.   Just guessing, it looked to be 10 or more meters in diameter.   

 

First tunnel boring machine I have ever seen live and in the flesh!!

 

P.S.  It's teeth were bright red!

2 hours ago, radiochaser said:

I saw a huge boring machine someplace here in Thailand about 3 weeks ago.   Just guessing, it looked to be 10 or more meters in diameter.   

 

First tunnel boring machine I have ever seen live and in the flesh!!

 

P.S.  It's teeth were bright red!

They are indeed huge , weigh thousands of tons and cost a fortune   often only used once and simply abandoned were they lie, Dont forget its not only the cutting head there is a lot involved in getting rid of the excavated material and indeed lining the resultant tunnel , often conducted under compressed air conditions to prevent water problems, a marvel of modern technology in my opinion  

4 hours ago, radiochaser said:

I saw a huge boring machine someplace here in Thailand about 3 weeks ago.   Just guessing, it looked to be 10 or more meters in diameter.   

 

First tunnel boring machine I have ever seen live and in the flesh!!

 

P.S.  It's teeth were bright red!

 

2 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

They are indeed huge , weigh thousands of tons and cost a fortune   often only used once and simply abandoned were they lie, Dont forget its not only the cutting head there is a lot involved in getting rid of the excavated material and indeed lining the resultant tunnel , often conducted under compressed air conditions to prevent water problems, a marvel of modern technology in my opinion  

I did a search on the internet about the boring machine.   My lower estimate of the diameter is off by 3.05 meters (if the math in my head is correct).   I found two articles that stated the diameter was 6.95 meters.   

 

Years ago I read about a boring machine that was used to bore a tunnel.  the article stated that the boring machine was used to bore off to the side of the main tunnel and that is where they left it.  Easier and less expensive than tryin to get it out of the finished tunnel. 

 

I have wondered since reading the article if the maintenance and other personnel still had access to the boring machine in the side tunnel. 

12 minutes ago, radiochaser said:

 

I have wondered since reading the article if the maintenance and other personnel still had access to the boring machine in the side tunnel. 

they are able to remove some reusable components like hydraulic components bue the bulk of it is just too heavy or unwieldly to pull out, many of them are designed for specific ground conditions and are not suitable to be used elsewhere. The guys who work in this industry are a different breed . Highly skilled and hard as nails  also very very well paid I think I must have been the exception lol