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[Lite Beer]

Doubts over moving vans from Victory Monument
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- New controls on public transport vans in Victory Monument in Bangkok, which will see 100 van stands moved from Monday, have been criticised by van operators, passengers and the public.

"I'm afraid of getting lost because I'm old and cannot get around easily. I don't know the roads, so if the vans are moved to the new location under the Airport Link Makkasan Station, it will be inconvenient for me," 70-year-old Thongcheu Chucherd said. She and her husband Manee come to Bangkok from Kanchanaburi regularly to see her doctor at Rajavithi Hospital.

"The van now drops us in front of the hospital. But if the stand is moved, then rural people who know little about the roads in Bangkok, like us, will have to allow for more time," Manee said, adding that they leave their home at 3am in order to make it to the hospital queue early.

A route 58 (Victory Monument-Bang Na) driver Khaneung Naksorn said the move would affect passengers who can now just walk down from the BTS station to get a van. "The new location is farther away, so it will be very inconvenient," he said, adding that he did not think it would solve the traffic problems. He said vans could park for no more than 20 minutes anyway as they all had timetables to follow. Relocating the vans may also create traffic congestion elsewhere.

Massupa Klinkhajorn, who operates a Min Buri-bound van, said there were already traffic problems at the Airport Link Station, so adding a large number of vans there would only make things worse.

Another van operator, Prapaspol Rattanachot, was not sure if moving the stand would solve traffic jams at Victory Monument, which he believed was most likely caused by buses. He said Makkasan was 7km from Victory Monument and most lanes there were one way, which would make things tough for passengers. So, there was a lot of uncertainty if the move would succeed.

-- The Nation 2014-06-21

[terryp]

idiotic idea ..this has been a hub for years....guess its the pay back to the motocy taxis for the desruption this week..gotta keep everyone happy

do any of these Military who want to change the transport ACTALLY LIVE IN BANGKOK, or understand the problems around Asoke, Makassan , Petchabri rd etc//...absolutly dumb as a bag of bricks

whats the next smart idea park down soi cowboy as the bars are closed in the day???/

Edited June 20, 2014 by terryp

[noitom]

They're making decisions on the fly. No thought, no plan, no accountability. The Thai army needs no justification for any of its actions. They are decisions made for happiness. There is no accountability so what's the worry?

[tezzainoz]

The moving of the vans is to ease traffic flow

so lets look at this closer

the 2 biggest van companies park vheicles off the rd

one uses the shopping centre rear car park

the other has its own lane off the street where the vans stop

so with this info will they not have to move as they do not affect traffic flow

at the moment vans sit there untill they are full this could be 10 -30 mins

a better plan is not to allow vans to park on the street, just do a pick up and go

sell you tickets and when you have the numbers call the driver on a two way and the van comes picks up the passengers and gone

this will take way less than 5 mins

From VM it is a quick drive around the block and off they go

from the new site they will have to join one of the worst traffic jams in Bkk in the afternoon

and of coarse non of this takes into account that the owners of the land they want to uses have said no, thet they are ready to lease this land

Edited June 20, 2014 by tezzainoz

[thumper101]

They're making decisions on the fly. No thought, no plan, no accountability. The Thai army needs no justification for any of its actions. They are decisions made for happiness. There is no accountability so what's the worry?

Erm..... This was actually an order from the BMA not the military junta.

But I can see that certain members on here are going to blame the junta for just about everything negative from here on in.

Get a life.

[englishoak]

Hehe, the Junta claims all the ideas and is responsible for everything, nothing gets done without its approval remember ?

They want all the glory they can have what comes with it. Ying and yang m8

Deal with it.

[tezzainoz]

Hehe, the Junta claims all the ideas and is responsible for everything, nothing gets done without its approval remember ?

They want all the glory they can have what comes with it. Ying and yang m8

Deal with it.

My goodness

who got out of the wrong side of bed this morning

[smutcakes]

They're making decisions on the fly. No thought, no plan, no accountability. The Thai army needs no justification for any of its actions. They are decisions made for happiness. There is no accountability so what's the worry?

Erm..... This was actually an order from the BMA not the military junta.

But I can see that certain members on here are going to blame the junta for just about everything negative from here on in.

Get a life.

yes because you in no way don't need a life, considering everything, and i mean everything, even things which have been going on for decades are not of course all blamed on TS... by you and other certain members.

The Junta have inserted themselves into this position, so they are there to be praised and criticized accordingly, although considering criticism is banned, they have had it easy thus far.

[englishoak]

Hehe, the Junta claims all the ideas and is responsible for everything, nothing gets done without its approval remember ?

They want all the glory they can have what comes with it. Ying and yang m8

Deal with it.

My goodness

who got out of the wrong side of bed this morning

Im in a dandy mood today actually tezz, just speaking the truth,

Instead of trying to pass the buck some people could just accept some problems are a lot more widespread than just a few particular coloured politicians for a change.

This is a real stupid idea, if you dont know the area you wont get how silly it is.

Edited June 21, 2014 by englishoak

[fareastguy]

Can anyone tell me..

Early next month I have to make a a trip from Nakhon Pathom to BKK, I usually take a mini bus to arrive at Victory monument & then hop onto the BTS, on my return journey right below the Victory Monument BTS station is the "Central" building with ticket booths & mini-van parking on the left hand side

will this still be there or where will I have to go to pick-up my return mini-bus??

[Emptyset]

They're making decisions on the fly. No thought, no plan, no accountability. The Thai army needs no justification for any of its actions. They are decisions made for happiness. There is no accountability so what's the worry?

Erm..... This was actually an order from the BMA not the military junta.

But I can see that certain members on here are going to blame the junta for just about everything negative from here on in.

Get a life.

Actually it comes from the junta according to a BKK Post article a few days ago.

[BSJ]

They should give it a try before asking to scrap it. If it doesn't work well they are justified in asking to revert to old system.

[pookiki]

Victory Monument is the main land transport hub in Bangkok - buses, vans, and the BTS. People easily transfer from one to another for their daily commute. I'm still not clear to what extent the vans must vacate. There are numerous van stations at or near Victory Monument. But I agree with many others, that this would be a mistake and inconvenience more people than it would help.

[pee paub]

The moving of the vans is to ease traffic flow

so lets look at this closer

the 2 biggest van companies park vheicles off the rd

one uses the shopping centre rear car park

the other has its own lane off the street where the vans stop

so with this info will they not have to move as they do not affect traffic flow

at the moment vans sit there untill they are full this could be 10 -30 mins

a better plan is not to allow vans to park on the street, just do a pick up and go

sell you tickets and when you have the numbers call the driver on a two way and the van comes picks up the passengers and gone

this will take way less than 5 mins

From VM it is a quick drive around the block and off they go

from the new site they will have to join one of the worst traffic jams in Bkk in the afternoon

and of coarse non of this takes into account that the owners of the land they want to uses have said no, thet they are ready to lease this land

[pee paub]

Actually if you read news from sources other than this one, (BKK post for example), this is exactly what they propose, passengers

wait at Victory Monument and the vans will be sent when all the seats are sold. And "of course", since it is only proposed as a temporary solution, Khun Prapas has now given the proposal the green light.

Sorry, don't know how the quote got separated from the response.

Edited June 21, 2014 by pee paub

[bino]

Victory Monument is the main land transport hub in Bangkok - buses, vans, and the BTS. People easily transfer from one to another for their daily commute. I'm still not clear to what extent the vans must vacate. There are numerous van stations at or near Victory Monument. But I agree with many others, that this would be a mistake and inconvenience more people than it would help.

+1. This sums up pretty much exactly what I was going to post. There is more than one element of transportation at Victory Monument... just about every bus route to every part of the city is right there, as well as the skytrain. There is an elevated walkway to all areas for pedestrians. Victory monument works just fine.

If they move the minivans to decrease the traffic at VM, it will just increase the traffic somewhere else. The Already choked Makkasan airport link / Asok area is already choked.

I always thought that was the stupidest place to build the airport link station. It doesn't get used enough because the traffic there is already so bad. It is probably faster to get on the expressway and go directly to the airport than it is to get through the traffic to the Link Station.

[Travel Dude]

Makkasan is a location from where it is difficult to get out of Bangkok. It is also difficult to reach for a van. It will ad lots of traffic on new petchburi, asok and ratchadaphisek roads.

Victory monument is maybe not ideal but way better for passengers and vans then Makkasan.

The current power has taken many gold decisions bit I think this one needs some more study. Perhaps just the van lanes that create traffic congestion should be rearranged.

[FangFerang]

This is like everything else that is Thainess. They will somehow figure out a way to fix the mess, but the idea must come from a Thai in authority, and no one else. I only hope no subordination comes up with a bright idea, because it will then be excluded as a solution forever.

Amazing Thailand.

[Gunna]

I actually think it is a good idea

Makkasan as well as being an SRT station it is also next to the MRT which with it's extensions covers a huge area of Bangkok.

You can reach the BTS in one or 2 stops

You can go straight on the SRT to Suvarnabhumi, plus it is a commuter train along the way.

The Toll way is only a few hundred meters away

There is a huge unused area around Makkasan with space to park 1,000s of vans.

They could also have a bus terminal there.

They certainly don't need a mall there with all the malls nearby.

SRT has been desperate for more people to use their trains - they have tried reducing their fares and having shopping discounts, but neither increased patronage. Here is the perfect opportunity to get more people on the SRT and then they can increase the number of services, which they cut back due to the lack of passengers which causes even less people to use it.

There is traffic congestion everywhere in Bangkok, but here at least the Army could organise some bus only lanes to get the vans to and from the Toll way as most vans are going outside of Bangkok, not around the city.

[kriswillems]

Actually, the victory monument roundabout should not be used as a car-park. I think everyone agrees about that.

It's a total chaos there, all the buses and vans almost fighting for customers - it's madness.

However, I think they should offer a real alternative or build a real alternative, before just shutting down the place. What they propose is no real alternative.

Edited June 21, 2014 by kriswillems

[ozvenison]

They're making decisions on the fly. No thought, no plan, no accountability. The Thai army needs no justification for any of its actions. They are decisions made for happiness. There is no accountability so what's the worry?

Erm..... This was actually an order from the BMA not the military junta.

But I can see that certain members on here are going to blame the junta for just about everything negative from here on in.

Get a life.

Actually it comes from the junta according to a BKK Post article a few days ago.

Correct.. the Junta want to move the vans to Makkasan Station and Mo-Chit is the other I think..

The SRT are not happy with the land around Makkasan being used at all as they want to lease it to pay back debts

[tezzainoz]

Hehe, the Junta claims all the ideas and is responsible for everything, nothing gets done without its approval remember ?

They want all the glory they can have what comes with it. Ying and yang m8

Deal with it.

My goodness

who got out of the wrong side of bed this morning

Im in a dandy mood today actually tezz, just speaking the truth,

Instead of trying to pass the buck some people could just accept some problems are a lot more widespread than just a few particular coloured politicians for a change.

This is a real stupid idea, if you dont know the area you wont get how silly it is.

I know the area well as I stay in VC every 3 months when I come to head office

I like the way the vans are at VC

I just wish they would stop them blocking traffic for hours

pick up, drop of and get off the road

there are 3 companies that do this, the rest should do the same thing

[Cuchulainn]

.................He said Makkasan was 7km from Victory Monument................

7 kms?? Obviously an ex taxi driver!! "I go short way. It good. Save you money!"

[tezzainoz]

.................He said Makkasan was 7km from Victory Monument................

7 kms?? Obviously an ex taxi driver!! "I go short way. It good. Save you money!"

[kingalfred]

Its a great idea.Too many empty vans waiting aroundVM to get the fifteen passengers before departing. It doesnt hurt those who will be dropped off and a short wait for pick ups. Stick to the plan.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited June 21, 2014 by kingalfred

[thaicookingchef]

These van services should all be shut down anyway ! And drivers shot to avoid more innocent deaths.

[Lakegeneve]

Can anyone tell me..

Early next month I have to make a a trip from Nakhon Pathom to BKK, I usually take a mini bus to arrive at Victory monument & then hop onto the BTS, on my return journey right below the Victory Monument BTS station is the "Central" building with ticket booths & mini-van parking on the left hand side

will this still be there or where will I have to go to pick-up my return mini-bus??

You mean Century NOT central. No one can really say until whatever changes are proposed are implemented from 1 July.

However, I doubt that any of the vans using the Century Plaza will be moved from there as it is private land. The main issue is the vans that are waiting 30mins-2 hrs for their turn parking around VM and in soi Rangnam rd chocking up the whole area. The proposal is to move the vans parking over to Makkasan while still keeping the van stands around VM.

However, let's wait and see what actually happens first and if whatever changes are made last.

[Cuchulainn]

These van services should all be shut down anyway ! And drivers shot to avoid more innocent deaths.

Charming!!

[Lakegeneve]

I actually think it is a good idea

Makkasan as well as being an SRT station it is also next to the MRT which with it's extensions covers a huge area of Bangkok.

You can reach the BTS in one or 2 stops

You can go straight on the SRT to Suvarnabhumi, plus it is a commuter train along the way.

The Toll way is only a few hundred meters away

There is a huge unused area around Makkasan with space to park 1,000s of vans.

They could also have a bus terminal there.

They certainly don't need a mall there with all the malls nearby.

SRT has been desperate for more people to use their trains - they have tried reducing their fares and having shopping discounts, but neither increased patronage. Here is the perfect opportunity to get more people on the SRT and then they can increase the number of services, which they cut back due to the lack of passengers which causes even less people to use it.

There is traffic congestion everywhere in Bangkok, but here at least the Army could organise some bus only lanes to get the vans to and from the Toll way as most vans are going outside of Bangkok, not around the city.

You are seemingly not aware of what is planned for Makkasan and you are confusing issues on the patronage side of the ARL.

Firstly, there is really not much space at Makkasan given the future development plans of the railyards and the fact that many BKK residents want to ensure 30% open/green space. You can see the plans in this thread, http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679228-bangkok-makkasan-chong-nonsi-land-talks-begin/#entry7003039

There is room under the eastern end of the station fo a bus and van interchange as was originally intended but not for hundreds let alone 1000 vans.

Makkasan will become a future transport hub (another metro line will pass through it) given the inner city plans (condos & Offices NOT malls) which is why the CAT (City Air Terminal) was built to such a large size, that and it will also be the future station for the SRT Eastern/Rayong HSR line.

Secondly, on the train pax front, the SRTET ARL is bursting at the seams with an average of 53-55k pax a day. New rolling stock is already well overdue so large numbers of new pax are not really needed for the Cityline (just see how it was last early Dec when the first big PRDC rally was held and over 75K were moved that day).

Services have not been cut back at all and certainly not due to a lack of pax. Cityline services have been increased to reflect pax numbers that have been steadily increasing. The only service cut has been to the little used Express Service (PT Express gone until April 2015). This is due to the fact that the 9 trains (5 Cityline and 4 Express) are undergoing overhaul maintenance after being well over the 1m km mark.

The last sentence about bus lanes is on point as they could and should be expanded around the city. However, bkk has had (eg Latphrao rd) and does have bus lanes but most drivers tend to ignore them and police don't enforce them. Motorists also tend to cry blue murder when a lane is taken away from a road for bus only use (see the BRT example).

THe other main problem is that decision makes never take public transport as they are also chauffeured around in VIP escorts - they have not idea what it is like. Prayuth has also made a number of comments about the need to build more roads in Bangkok and he had revived building roads on either side of the river which would be an as aesthetic and environmental disaster.

Oh and on the bus terminal front. Ekkamai (Eastern) and Mo Chit 2 (N & NE) are already going to be moved in the next few years. Ekkamai to Bang Na intersection and Mo Chit to some land on Phahonyothin between DMK and Rangsit Future parks. Both will be linked with metro/commuter lines that are being built or extended.

[Lakegeneve]

The new arrangements have been implemented thus far it is all 'rosy today' with traffic flow has supposedly improved by 70% around VM according to Pol Maj Gen Nipon Charoenpol, Dep Metro police Chief - quoted in the Post. (I wonder if they workshoped that % figure in the morning?)

Vans are apparently operating in a more orderly manner now that most are parked at Makkasan and under the Expressway at Asoke.

Let's wait to see if the new arrangements can deal with the peak hour demand (where some van routes move hundreds of pax an hour, eg. the Rama 2, Bang Na or MTT routes) and if this last more than a weeks.....

Edited July 1, 2014 by Lakegeneve