From the Bangkok Post:

Cabinet gives nod for three subway lines

Funding to be sourced domestically, overseas

//text removed - please do not makes quotes without permission - lopburi3//

Any increase in the subway/sky train system is welcome news in my book.

The cabinet approves three new subway projects

The cabinet endorsed three subway projects in Bangkok worth 160 billion baht yesterday.

Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal (พงศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล) said the three subway routes are the red line which will be built from Praya Thai (พญาไท) to Rangsit (รังสิต); the purple line from Bang Seu (บางซื่อ) to Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) and the blue line from Hua Lampoang (หัวลำโพง) to Bang Khae (บางแค) and Bang Seu to Tha Pra (ท่าพระ).

Mr. Pongsak said the cabinet suggested the section that will pass through Charan Sanitwong road be built underground to avoid causing traffic there to worsen but costs would also increase.

He said the Finance Ministry is responsible for finding financial sources for the projects.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 August 2006

The cabinet approves three new subway projects

The cabinet endorsed three subway projects in Bangkok worth 160 billion baht yesterday.

Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal (พงศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล) said the three subway routes are the red line which will be built from Praya Thai (พญาไท) to Rangsit (รังสิต); the purple line from Bang Seu (บางซื่อ) to Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) and the blue line from Hua Lampoang (หัวลำโพง) to Bang Khae (บางแค) and Bang Seu to Tha Pra (ท่าพระ).

Mr. Pongsak said the cabinet suggested the section that will pass through Charan Sanitwong road be built underground to avoid causing traffic there to worsen but costs would also increase.

He said the Finance Ministry is responsible for finding financial sources for the projects.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 August 2006

This is all good news, if not some what tardy, just a pity that Thai Rai Thai, hadn't any of these ideas five years ago, rather than spending so much money on a new aiport, I for one would much rather be able to get around the city without choking on a the petrol fumes, whilst stuck in traffic. Better late than never, I suppose!

Three new subway routes to be able to begin services in 2010

Three new subway routes will be able to begin services in 2010.

Maitree Srinarawat (ไมตรี ศรีนราวัฒน์), director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said the bidding process will begin this month and construction will begin within this year.

Mr. Maitree said the Mass Rapid Transit Authority will oversee the construction of the 23-km purple line from Bang Sue (บางซื่อ) to Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) and the blue line from Hua Lamphong (หัวลำโพง) to Bang Khae (บางแค) and Bang Sue to Tha Phra (ท่าพระ), with a combined length of 27 kilometres. These two lines will cost about 103 billion baht, he said.

The State Railway of Thailand will oversee the construction of the 32-km redline from Phaya Thai (พญาไท) to Rangsit (รังสิต), which will also be connected with the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi airport, Mr. Maitree said. Construction will cost about 40 billion baht, he added.

He expected the three projects to be completed in 2010.

Source: Thaisnews - 3 August 2006

Took the subway last week for the first time verry good and verry fast. can save a lot of time traveling with this sub.

He expected the three projects to be completed in 2010.

Aye right. Believe it when i see it.