BTS Skytrain. File photo

 

Bangkok city officials are gearing up to decide the fate of the skytrain system, with the current concession expiring in 2029. The Traffic and Transportation Department will finalise a study next month, presenting its recommendations to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), as revealed at a recent forum. Sitthiporn Somkitsan, director-general, stated the report will include insights from various stakeholders about the mass-transit train line's future contract.

 

At present, the concession covers sections from National Stadium to Saphan Taksin on the Silom Line and Mor Chit to Onnut on the Sukhumvit Line. The system is operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System Co (BTSC), which may seek an extension until 2059. However, competition could arise from firms like Ch. Karnchang, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, Gulf Energy Development Plc, and Don Muang Tollway operator, who have all shown interest.

 

BTSC's skytrain carries 850,000 passenger trips daily, potentially reaching 1.55 million with two extra carriages per train. Despite rivals, BTSC believes it maintains a competitive edge due to lower investment costs for a new bid. Meanwhile, future plans might also depend on central government policies, according to Adul Kaewdee from the Association of Siamese Architects.

 

One consideration is transferring ownership from the BMA to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, aligning with any government favouring a flat-rate fare that favours lines. The 20-baht flat fare was a key Pheu Thai Party promise, hindered by their exit from office before implementation. The skytrain’s future concession will ultimately require cabinet approval in its final stage, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Bangkok aims to decide on the skytrain concession, with the current one expiring in 2029.
• Stakeholders include BTSC and potential competitors like major construction firms.
• The final decision needs cabinet approval and may involve policy changes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-17

 

 

 

yes go ahead and bin clean public transportation  - what a great idea

2 hours ago, smedly said:

yes go ahead and bin clean public transportation  - what a great idea

 Who is binning the skytrain?

I've always wondered how any private company (BTSC?) or govt entity could possibly recoup the enormous cost of investment.

What investment might that be? 

As a regular visitor to Bangers I would say the Skytrain is about the best thing there.

 

Indispensable, fun and cheap.

20 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

As a regular visitor to Bangers I would say the Skytrain is about the best thing there.

 

Indispensable, fun and cheap.

It is not by any means cheap for the majority of Thais, who is surviving on a salary near the minimum level!

BTS lines have been well managed for the 25 years they have been operating so I hope this continues in the future. It is interesting to note this article raises the possibility of adding 2 more cars to the trains- this would be the only way they could add enough capacity to offer low flat fares as the BTS lines currently operate near capacity. The costs for the low flat fare are prohibitive though and I can’t see the government absorbing these. 

23 minutes ago, Searat7 said:

BTS lines have been well managed for the 25 years they have been operating so I hope this continues in the future.

The next 25 years will see escalating maintenance costs as infrastructure becomes tired

I hope inclusion into a Bangkok-wide "travel card" system is part of the requirements.

7 hours ago, mfd101 said:

As a regular visitor to Bangers I would say the Skytrain is about the best thing there.

 

Indispensable, fun and cheap.

airport city link is cheap, BTS is far from cheap.

On 12/17/2025 at 4:32 AM, smedly said:

yes go ahead and bin clean public transportation  - what a great idea

There was no suggestion, whatsoever, that the Skytrain will be "binned".

On 12/18/2025 at 9:30 AM, Xonax said:

It is not by any means cheap for the majority of Thais, who is surviving on a salary near the minimum level!

What makes you claim that the majority of Thais survive on or near the minimum daily wage?  You do know that the majority of Skytrain uers are Thai, yes?