Hi Everybody,

The followign is BKK Subway in June 2004

Empty Phaholyothin Station - June 14, 2004
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/000495.jpg
Inside Subway
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/0004951.jpg
Mind Your Step!
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/0004952.jpg

Waiting for the train to Hua Lamphong at Chatuchak
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/0004956.jpg

The trian is coming!
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/0004955.jpg

Samyan Station
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/00049510.jpg

Symbol of Samyan Staiton - Sala Phrakiaw of Chulalongkorn University.
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/00049513.jpg

Stairway to Heaven at Samyan
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/0004954.jpg

Look back to the bottom of the pit (Train to Hua Lamphong) and another floor
(Train to Bangsue)
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/00049511.jpg

Hallway to the turnstile at Samyan
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/0004959.jpg

Trunstile - not working yet - waitign for tokens and smart cards -> TVVMs still at the ship from France -> not reaches Laem Chabang Yet
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/00049512.jpg


Wait unit I scan the next set of photo

I have been into Subway in this evening - the Faithful evening that is the starting point of BKK Subway System. I rode Van to Chatuchak and the ride bus No 69 to
BMA 2. I reach Fortune town by riding Motorcycle to Fortune Town to reach prha Ram 9 Station ... There was an online game masco show at Gate 1


At about 6 PM ... many people were storming Hua Lamphong as well as Phra Ram 9 Station. I could see those people from thsoe kids to grannies - couples - Farang, Chinese -> Storming Rama 9 Station ... Even the News Anchor from Asahi TV alogn with camera crew and interpreter were heading into Subway Gate 1 of Phra Ram 9 Station

At 7:25 PM - the gates were opening and human waves were heading into the booths and to buy 10-Baht smart tokens (imported from Japan at 80 Baht/piece) and 300-Baht Smart cards. I bought Both of them. When the first train RELEASED by His Majesty was not arrived yet, I ran to pick the wallet - one of the gift for the first 99999 passengers in addition to the stationery.

Prha Ram 9 is the only other Station I know that ther is Subway TVM installed.

WHen the Subway released by His Majesty Arrived, I took a half of the roll on the Japanese news anchors who interview the young passengers as well as a mother and a baby inside the subway ...

When I arrived into Hua Lamphong, I was STUNTED on the shck waves of local people storming Hua Lamphong .... It is even worse than Phra Ram 9 Station. BMCL and MRTA Officers have to closed Gate 2 (the Gate of His Majesty) and Gate 3 (the gate with pyramid in front of the gate) since many people are RAGING - closed to edge of insanity when they are goign storm into Subway station - due to the long lines of passengers

Now, I could see the Golden plate sign at Gate 3 Showing the name of this Subway line in addition to the golden plate shown inside Hua Lamphong station ... But I have to come out of Gate 1 to buy a new roll of film and then have to walk on the stair of Gate 4 to platform sinee Gate 4 has NO escalators.

For Lumphinee Station - It is very deep - even not as deep as Si Lom.

I could see the double tunnels for Orange line and the green liens to mark the tracks of future Orange line next to the Belgian Drawing

Subway heading to Bangsue and Hua Lamphong are filled up with passenger into Sadine cane level until it reaches 10 PM.

At one time I heard the young men told his frtiend that "Subway Rollign stocks is 2nd handed left over from Siemens" -> Then I yell back to that young man "Where in the HELL you get such kind of Rumour?"

I could see Indian, and muslim Bangkokians, Japanese businessmen, Chinese tourists and Farang - and his girlfriends riging Subway in addition to those commonmen in Bangkokkians. I could see passengers coming in and coming out of subway to the platforms like sea waves at Major stations like Hua Lamphong, Queen Sirikit Center, Phra Ram 9, Sukhumvit, Chatuchak Park ....

Kamphaen Phet station look very so so for me though ... even though now I could see the billboard covering the space which will become Metro Plaza.

To Expand Subway Systems Skytrain System and High Speed Rail System, Premier
Thaksin BETTER tunr Millenium Steel or Sahaviriya Steel into Siamese version
POSCO and Nippon Steel and turn the automobile assembly lines into Subway assembly lines.


It is very exhaused day for me ... You better wait unti I come up with the photos.

It looks like our Meteor, all automatic :)

http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/meteor/images/meteor1.jpg

Nice to see all the lovely Thai women walking around.

How I would love to be in Bangkok now!

Messr. Flo14 Not Yet to have the automatic subway like Meteor ... Even that, we want Siemens to have 6-car formation ... wuheter it comes from Austrian assembly line or Shanghai Assembly line. Even better, Set up the lcoal assmebly in Thailand. You better ask Alstom come up with the better version and plan for technol,ogy transfer if possible.

Good to see English signs, rare in most foreign subways.

It looks like our Meteor, all automatic :)

http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/meteor/images/meteor1.jpg

For a second I was wondering how the passengers would board the train - an optical illusion makes it look as though it's above the doors!

Nice to see all the lovely Thai women walking around.

...assuming they're women :D

Oh so great that the sub way is up
will the city liveable I cant wait to go back and see it

Theres a plan for a monorail in Dubai isn't there?

Theres a plan for a monorail in Dubai isn't there?

Just a project, or under construction i think.

and it's now officially open. :) The fare is only 10 baht or 25 US cents till Aug. 12 when they will raise to normal fare. i believe it's around 15-36 baht.

Token / Vendor Machine

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p248393847ea25874df6e1add466219f5/f734af3e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p29d35985b7bdadbbfa20cf49d667a468/f734aff2.jpg


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pe04613c7219245eaa1f0ece5d53ea291/f734afe2.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pbaa0d59971e7c7eebc1359beab23cc0d/f734af26.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p51ceb6d2c16d844fbc7dbb29cef021da/f734af54.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p608112cfd7361d02d9033da291454f77/f734afc9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pe0c3b3a430a047dc3e91c134f52d462c/f734afc1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p55b14567d53e22d3eade3a5f0b0ddcfd/f734afd4.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p501d56fd2fa4bedbadfc43d53367af3f/f734afbb.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p4db285d740589251171e2392b6f4c36e/f734af6e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p86f01f93981a72141ca23967f177854d/f734af30.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pba9410037c2a59eb3d398dea4dcfe99d/f734af7c.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p4ec2e2c60b47a52f6a0df000edbfb73f/f734af9b.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p41bbf8481b837661718b09dcf72cdb95/f734b00e.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p3ea6de6a7c3091e0b7ad4a648584ca7f/f734b01a.jpg

Can't wait to try when I get back !!

The Map of Bangyai Line (Bangsue - Bang Yai)

http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Subway/BangYai.jpg

Chitlom Pier sign to link with Subway

http://www.mrta.co.th/images/news/walf02.jpg

How to Link Saensabe Boat with Subway System

http://www.mrta.co.th/images/news/line-boat-mrta2.jpg

Escalator for Flyover at Phaholyothin Station
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/news/DSC02788-2.jpg
Weekdays: (Mon - Fri)
Opened:6 AM - 9 AM. 3 PM - 8 PM
Weekends: (Sat - Sun)Opened: 10 AM - 8 PM
This restriction is duie to ENEEGY SAVING
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/news/DSC02789-1.jpg

This restriction is due to ENERGY SAVING ?
Sorry what do you mean ?

I think he means that the escalators will be switched off after 8pm cause of this city wide campaign to save electricity in the capital.

I got to ride it when I was in Bangkok for a week this summer. Pretty cool system. But it was annoying you couldn't use the same farecard on the skytrain and the subway.

I got to ride it when I was in Bangkok for a week this summer. Pretty cool system. But it was annoying you couldn't use the same farecard on the skytrain and the subway.

I think they'r working on such a system, all bus, boat, sub and sky will combine as one ticket system.

Well, it is NOT jsut switcvhed off, they just put the barrier into the escalator to prevetn further abuse ....

What further abuse? Why?

So is it switched off or on?

Any updates?

ASOK station had been completed for operating ince a few month ago

Have to take a look for modern facility and how convenience for all genreal public to interchange both BTS and BMCL

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p283e653e2ac2a28114cd97f6ea1bcd63/f5f0b21a.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p3fb2d19afe95a9db80ae413a22ccd695/f5f0b1f7.jpg


Silom & SalaDaeng interchange is still under construction

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p2c7a58f688b14785f61bd0c2c3562e8f/f5f0b118.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p0a150cbda3e252aa19a00a9599dd9d80/f5f0b227.jpg

Don't forget to ride of subway by the end of March for receiving great discount applied under non-business peroid



http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/pe0d14eebaa62773c3bbbfc0bcadf5cc7/f5f0abfc.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Zoowatch/MasterPlan-Preview3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Zoowatch/MasterPlan-Preview2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Zoowatch/MasterPlan-Preview1.jpg

Download Version 7.5 (1.1 megabyte) (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/map/Master%20Plan%207.5.pdf)




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Zoowatch/SystemMap-Preview3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Zoowatch/SystemMap-Preview2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Zoowatch/SystemMap-Preview1.jpg

Download Version 6.11 (589 kilobytes) (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/map/System%20Map%206.11.pdf)



I would like to thank 2Bangkok.com (http://www.2bangkok.com) for making these maps available online.

:colgate:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/16/thai.train.crash.ap/index.html

Dozens hurt in Thai subway crash
Sunday, January 16, 2005 Posted: 10:43 PM EST (0343 GMT)

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Two trains have collided at a subway system in central Bangkok, injuring dozens of passengers, police and media reports said.

TV footage Monday showed some of the victims bleeding as rescue workers carried them up the stairs of the Cultural Center station to ambulances during the morning rush hour.

Other dazed and crying victims walked up the stairs with help.

TV and radio reports said that as many as 100 people were injured in the accident, which occurred when a train preparing to leave the station was rammed by another train from behind.

But police had no injury total of their own.

..

Channel NewsAsia International http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/127750/1/.html

Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 17 January 2005 1158 hrs

Trains crash in Bangkok's new subway, 100 injured

BANGKOK : Two trains on Bangkok's five-month-old subway system crashed during the morning rush hour Monday, injuring around 100 people and forcing authorities to suspend services, officials and witnesses said.

"The accident happened around 9:30 am (0230 GMT) when the train headed to Hua Lam Pong left Thailand's cultural center station and was hit from behind by another train that was empty," police Major General Dusitsan Teraphat, deputy metropolitan commissioner, told Thai television.

"Initial reports said almost 100 people were injured. Police and authorities rescued all passengers from the train," Dusitsan said.

The head of Bangkok's subway system, Prapat Chongsanguan, told Thai television that the empty train had just left a maintenance station where it received repairs when it slammed into the crowded rush-hour train carrying some 700 people.

He said officials were investigating the cause of the accident.

Prapat told reporters at the scene that the driver of the empty train had been hospitalized with serious injuries.

One passenger, Wasita Buranasing, told Thai television that she heard a loud sound before the accident.

"Passengers were trapped inside the train for 10 or 15 minutes before the doors opened," she said in an telephone interview on television.

The train was heavily damaged, with broken handrails and debris tossed about, she said.

Television footage show people being carried from the station, some of them visibly bleeding. - AFP

AFP text, photos, graphics and logos shall not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP shall not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP content, or for any actions taken in consequence.

Copyright © 2004 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved.

11:28am - Modern TV 9 is reporting that the entire subway network is closed until further notice.

Channel NewsAsia International http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/127750/1/.html

Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 17 January 2005 1158 hrs

Trains crash in Bangkok's new subway, 100 injured

BANGKOK : Two trains on Bangkok's five-month-old subway system crashed during the morning rush hour Monday, injuring around 100 people and forcing authorities to suspend services, officials and witnesses said.

"The accident happened around 9:30 am (0230 GMT) when the train headed to Hua Lam Pong left Thailand's cultural center station and was hit from behind by another train that was empty," police Major General Dusitsan Teraphat, deputy metropolitan commissioner, told Thai television.

"Initial reports said almost 100 people were injured. Police and authorities rescued all passengers from the train," Dusitsan said.

The head of Bangkok's subway system, Prapat Chongsanguan, told Thai television that the empty train had just left a maintenance station where it received repairs when it slammed into the crowded rush-hour train carrying some 700 people.

He said officials were investigating the cause of the accident.

Prapat told reporters at the scene that the driver of the empty train had been hospitalized with serious injuries.

One passenger, Wasita Buranasing, told Thai television that she heard a loud sound before the accident.

"Passengers were trapped inside the train for 10 or 15 minutes before the doors opened," she said in an telephone interview on television.

The train was heavily damaged, with broken handrails and debris tossed about, she said.

Television footage show people being carried from the station, some of them visibly bleeding. - AFP

AFP text, photos, graphics and logos shall not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP shall not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP content, or for any actions taken in consequence.

Copyright © 2004 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved.



I remember that Singapore MRT had such incident in 1993. :bash:

Well, The number of the injurred is now 180 - with 7 still in ICU for amjor operation due to the puverized liver and spleen and head injury


MRTA Governo has a preess conference tellign tthe public that it is the error in coupling fo the train to Huay Kwang Depot. They cannot coule the train sicne it was at the curve ... and the power gap was at that curve .... so the loosening train is running by inertia to SLAM with the passenger trains ... Even worse, they have swited ou the automatic brake ... so the accident is happening ... according to astrologer's prediction of 2005.

Thats a cool subway, but I suppose taking a Tuk-Tuk cannot be beaten. :)

Now Premier Thaksin has sent the Detailed Report abotu the Subway Accident to Her Majesty at Chitladda Palace -> Now, Governor Praphat has only one choice: Resigned in Disgrace .... or Harakiri!

Well, The Driver of the empty train carelessly RELEASE all the Brakes to couple the train at the depot even though he is SUPPOSED to release ONLY manual brake ....
... NOW he is is HOSPITALIZED and having to pay Heavy Price due to his own carelessness .... alogn with those in control rooms and even MRTA Governor

TWO cars crashed

More News (http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=3064933#post3064933)

Bangkok subway closed after power blackout

Go to (http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=166242)

Now, AI Astrologers [Axxhologers] are tellign that the name of Subway company (BMCL) is so inauspecious that they are required to change the name to prevent further bad lucks ....

However, I think the series of bad lucks are jsut a Karmic retribution form the heaven
to Ai Ch karnchang PCL

Now, Bangkok Bizweek (Weekly version of Bangkok Biznews -> Feb 25 - March 3, 2005) has found the causes of the subway malfunctions:

1) The Subway system has been Designed Exclusively for Alstom-Mitsubishi subway rolling stocks .... NOT for the rolling stocks from the Other companies ....

2) Subway Rolling stocks of Siemens were produced from Austrian Assembly l;ine wihich may not so good as German assembly line ....

One of the official website of BANGKOK Subway.
http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th

Thai Govt To Buy 25% Stake In Bangkok Metro For THB2.45B
31 May 2005

BANGKOK (Dow Jones)--The Thai Cabinet Tuesday gave approval for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to invest THB2.45 billion to buy 2.45 billion new shares, or a 25% stake, in Bangkok Metro Ltd., a private subway operator, government spokesman Chalermdej Jombunud said.

The cabinet has also allowed the MRTA to borrow THB2.45 billion from local financial institutions to finance the acquisition, he told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting.

The purchase is part of a previous agreement between MRTA and Bangkok Metro when the concession for the subway was awarded.

The government had planned to buy out the operations of Bangkok's skytrain and subway from private companies to integrate the city's mass transit systems.

However, the negotiations have stalled so far because the operators cannot agree with the government on the price.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/joprb/bkk01/003b8666.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/joprb/bkk01/_sub02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/joprb/bkk01/_sub03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/joprb/bkk01/_sub01.jpg

I like how transits now-a-days have these 'glass' entrance. Very nice, places like Spain and the new entrance/exit in Hong Kong are really nice.

The stations look abit like the ones in singapore. :)

Premier Thaksin askign German Firms for Monorail
Manager - August 3, 2005

Premier Thaksin has invited the outgoing German Ambassador (Herrn. Fon Steschow)
to talk with him abotu the monorail projects after installign the system for Chian and Malaysia.
This Monrail can constructed faster than BTS Skytrain at cheaper prices....

The outgoign Germanambassador told Premeir Thaksin that Germany has the best monorail
systme in the world which has been installed to Shanghai (China) and KL (Malaysia).
He'll dohisbest to get the goverment conenction in Berlin

Note: The Monrail isntaled in Shanghai isactually MAGLEV while the KL Monorail has been done mymalay Firm ... It seemsto me that our Leader has already messed up and mixed up.

Note2: It might be the Faults fo the Manager Correspondents who have mixed Shanghai Metroand KLIA Express (both done by Siemens) ....

MRTA Extension (Purple Line) finished in 2009

http://www.mrta.co.th/images/mapbanyai.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/station5.1.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/station6.1.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/station7.1.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/station8.1.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/station9.1.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/station10.1.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/station11.1.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/station12.1.jpg
http://www.mrta.co.th/images/Panorama.jpg

SRT Red line (Airport link)

http://www.home.co.th/imgfirstlook/map7.gif

now under construction ... set to completed in 2008

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/London/DSC04932.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/London/DSC04933.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/London/DSC04934.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/London/DSC04935.jpg

stunning pics.

CITY AIR TERMINAL AT MAKKASAN under construction now

http://www.weconsultants.co.th/images/bridges/CAT.gif
http://www.weconsultants.co.th/images/bridges/CAT3.gif
http://www.weconsultants.co.th/images/bridges/CAT2.gif
http://www.weconsultants.co.th/images/bridges/CAT1.gif

NICE RENDERINGS.

yes,it's going to be awesome. :)

Can't wait to ride the train from NBIA to The city :)

Nice

http://tinypic.com/e9f22s.jpg

http://tinypic.com/e9f47d.jpg

http://tinypic.com/e9f3fd.jpg

http://tinypic.com/e9f3mu.jpg

http://tinypic.com/e9f3ug.jpg

http://tinypic.com/e9f41f.jpg

Are the trains full during rush hour?

Most likely, yes.

i like those door thingies, good idea

Here some cool props....

On Screen-Door Commercial.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/veranda/Alucon/DSC04804.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/veranda/Alucon/DSC04806.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/veranda/Alucon/DSC04805.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/veranda/Alucon/DSC04807.jpg

cool advertising concept :)

Funky ads!

Some brief observations from Singapore's new NE line in comparison to Bkk:

- They have longer trainssets.
- All trains have integrated LCD screens.
- Information screens near the entrance and on the platforms. Very useful.
- Lots of station art related to the area to make each station easy to recognize.

- Bkk's token system seems more convenient.
- Train-platform door alignment is way faster and more accurate in Bkk.
- IMO the color scheme in the Bkk trains is nicer.
- Station entrances are easier to locate in Bkk.

All in all I think they are about equally good.

Good to see a subway system. However, am I the only one that thinks the platform lighting is very depressing, reminding one of a hospital corridor?

I read that the dark lighting was designed to deter loitering while being bright enough to create a sufficiently pleasant travel mood. The stations are quite nice, if not a bit similar to each other.

Take this photo:
http://www.yimsiam.com/cgi-bin/data/fanrotfaithai/pic/0004956.jpg
I don't know about anyone else, but I'd get claustrophobic. The ceiling's aren't that high, the lighting is institutional, and just blasé. Some of the exteriors of the stations are really nice though.

Thanks Chad for the screen door ads pics..

Thai subway firm to raise up to $147 mln in mid Feb IPO

BANGKOK, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Bangkok Metro PCL (BMCL), which operates the Thai capital's subway line, said on Monday it plans to raise up to $147 million in its initial public offering (IPO) in mid-February to finance its expansion.

BMCL planned to sell up to 2.86 billion shares, including up to 1.31 billion new shares and the rest from existing shareholders, it said in a statement. It would also issue 300 million shares in an overallotment option.

The IPO was expected to be worth up to 5.72 billion baht ($147 million) after Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal said last week the IPO price would be 1.8-2.0 baht a share.

The share sale would be in mid-February and BMCL shares would start trading on the exchange later in the month, managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana told reporters.

The proceeds would be used to buy five trains over the next two years, repay debt and for working capital, he said. The company has said it will buy trains from Germany's Siemens .

The IPO comes as the Thai government plans to accelerate $43 billion of spending on infrastructure projects, including extensions of mass transit routes after the success of Bangkok's Skytrain and subway in reducing traffic problems.

Sombat said BMCL was interested in operating the new routes.

Montree Sornpaisarn, chief executive of Kim Eng Securities , the IPO's financial adviser, said 40 percent of the IPO would be offered to foreign investors.

Retail investors would be offered 40 percent of the IPO and the rest would be sold to financial institutions, he said.

A roadshow for the IPO to retail investors would be held on Friday and the book building process for the IPO to institutional investors would be on Feb. 10, he said.

BMCL operates 19 trains, carries an average 170,000 passengers per day and has average revenues per day of 4 million baht. The break even point is estimated at 240,000 passengers per day, according to a BMCL executive.

Finance manager Pornpimol Chirtchoochai said BMCL would report a profit in 2008 and wipe out its retained losses in 2011, when it would pay a dividend. BMCL planned to raise fares this year.

BMCL, awarded a 25-year contract to operate Thailand's first underground railway, has delayed the listing several times since it started operations on July 3, 2004, citing poor market conditions.

BMCL is 29.4 percent owned by construction contractor CH Karnchang , 14.5 percent by property firm Natural Park , 19.7 percent by Bangkok Expressway and 9.9 percent by Krung Thai Bank .

BMCL has said it will raise another 3.05 billion baht by offering shares to the state-run Mass Transit Authority of Thailand and its employees before launching the IPO.

The cabinet gave approval to the Mass Transit Authority to borrow from state banks to pay for shares to keep its 25 percent stake in BMCL, Pongsak said last week. ($1=38.95 Baht)

I must say, riding the metro is depressing....If a route was covered by the Skytrain, I'd choose the Skytrain no question about it.

Its like entering the underworld...........blech...........

Thai subway firm delays IPO again

BANGKOK, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Bangkok Metro PCL (BMCL), which operates the Thai capital's subway line, has put its $147-million initial public offering on hold again due to unfavourable market conditions, its underwriter said on Wednesday.

"Due to the political uncertainties which affect investor confidence, we decided to delay the IPO until the situation becomes clearer," Montree Sornpaisarn, chief executive of Kim Eng Securities , said in a statement.

Montree did not give a specific timeframe for the IPO, but said it should happen in the first quarter of this year.

Market sentiment has been weighed down by political concerns after a peaceful anti-government demonstration at the weekend. Media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul has announced that another would be held on Feb 11.

At 0919 GMT, the main Thai stock index <.SETI> was down 0.87 percent at 736.92 points after hitting a 3-week low of 735.88 earlier.

The company plans to sell up to 2.92 billion shares -- up to 1.31 billion new shares and the rest from existing shareholders -- and to issue 300 million shares in an overallotment option.

The IPO was expected to be worth up to 5.8 billion baht ($147 million) after Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal said last month the IPO price would be 1.8-2.0 baht per share.

The proceeds would be used to buy five trains over the next two years, repay debt and for working capital.

The Thai government plans to accelerate $43 billion of spending on infrastructure projects, including extensions of mass transit routes after the success of Bangkok's Skytrain and subway in reducing traffic problems.

BMCL operates 19 trains, carries an average 170,000 passengers per day and has average revenues per day of 4 million baht. The break even point is estimated at 240,000 passengers per day, the company has said.

BMCL, awarded a 25-year contract to operate Thailand's first underground railway, has delayed the listing several times since it started operations on July 3, 2004, citing poor market conditions.

The company is 29.4 percent owned by construction contractor CH Karnchang , 14.5 percent by property firm Natural Park , 19.7 percent by Bangkok Expressway and 9.9 percent by Krung Thai Bank . ($1=39.54 Baht)

Subway operator defies call to delay fare rises
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
Bangkok Post
July 05, 2006

The subway operator, Bangkok Metro Co Ltd (BMCL), defied a cabinet call yesterday to delay the subway fare increases for another 30 days. In rejecting the call, it said the move was in line with a concession contract as the announcement of the new fares was made to the public in advance.

The fares have been increased by one to three baht since Monday and the BMCL insisted it would roll back its new fares only if the government agreed to pay it daily compensation of around 300,000 baht for 30 days, according to a meeting between BMCL managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana and Anchalee Chawanit, executive of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA).

The MRTA, under the Transport Ministry, has given a concession to the BMCL to run the 20km city subway from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue.

The BMCL said yesterday that it was waiting for the MRTA's reply on whether it would pay the compensation.

Though the cabinet yesterday agreed with the fare rises, it called for the delay so that commuters would be notified at least one month in advance of the new fares by the MRTA and the subway operator.

But caretaker government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee insisted that the increases also required approval from the cabinet.

The new fares drew complaints from many commuters on Monday who were unaware of the change. The fares went up from 14-36 baht, depending on the distance travelled, to 15-39 baht.

As the subway operator increased the fares without taking proper steps, it would be asked to compensate commuters for the hike, although the method of compensation had yet to be worked out.

However, the cabinet decision appeared to be contrary to the perception of the BMCL, which believe it has followed every step stated in the concession contract before setting the new fares.

The company has claimed that it had informed the MRTA well in advance of the planned fare rises and had been given the go-head before the new fares were announced.

Yiamchai Chatkaew, acting MRTA governor, said earlier on June 1 that the MRTA would inform the cabinet of the increases. However, the MRTA only did so yesterday.

''The mistake occurred because the BMCL and the MRTA had different views on legal conditions,'' Ms Anchalee said.

Meanwhile, two subway locomotives broke down at the Lumpini station yesterday, forcing a delay in the resumption of services by 20 minutes.

Wow, it's so nice! Go BKK!

I can't wait until Manila's subway will be completed!

Thai subway firm BMCL delays $153 mln IPO again

BANGKOK, July 12 (Reuters) - Bangkok Metro PCL (BMCL), operator of the Thai capital's subway, has delayed a $153 million initial public offering this month but still hopes to float this quarter, its adviser said on Wednesday.

BMCL, which has postponed the IPO several times, wanted time to assess market conditions before going public, Sittichai Mahaguna, executive vice president of Kim Eng Securities , told Reuters.

"We are still looking at the market but think we are not likely to make it in July as planned. But we will try to do it within the third quarter," he said.

The main stock market <.SETI> closed up 0.2 percent on Wednesday but has still fallen 4 percent so far this year.

Market sentiment has weakened in the wake of an inconclusive April general election -- later ruled unlawful by courts -- that has left Thailand with a caretaker government and no parliament.

The political crisis is slowing economic growth, hurting consumer confidence and companies' sales.

BMCL has said it plans to sell up to 2.92 billion shares -- up to 1.31 billion new shares and the rest from existing shareholders -- and issue 300 million shares in an over-allotment option.

The IPO was expected to be worth up to 5.8 billion baht ($153 million) after Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal said in January the IPO price would be 1.8-2.0 baht per share.

The proceeds would be used to buy five trains over the next two years, repay debt and for working capital, the firm has said.

Awarded a 25-year contract to operate Thailand's first underground railway, BMCL has delayed the listing several times since it started operations in July 2004, citing poor market conditions.

The company is 29.4 percent owned by construction firm CH Karnchang , 14.5 percent by property company Natural Park , 19.7 percent by Bangkok Expressway and 9.9 percent by Krung Thai Bank . ($1=37.85 Baht)

HOw they do that screen door ad? Is it a projection of some kind?

BKKs metro system is clean and efficient - but too damn cold! :)

HOw they do that screen door ad? Is it a projection of some kind?
:) Yes it's rear projected. I think it's a ubiq window, like this
http://www.dnp.co.jp/cio/solutions/news/up_file/73/image/ubiq.jpeg

It announces train arrivals before the train itself arrives and thereby cuts off the projected picture. Ubiq windows are becoming popular in some shopping centers also

Nice.

New pics of new Purple Line
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5254/69136380ze4.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5311/21891712ox9.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2779/17452716tj0.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2205/98059168uo5.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3608/48999462yu2.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1290/38877596to2.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2323/70832417iz0.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6568/64745114cy4.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1765/33795654gy2.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5957/10ae8.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/4836/11tn9.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9/12ac4.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/7205/13vh1.jpg

^^ Bidding for a contractor will hopefully be done in a few months. The purple line is the line nearest to implementation. Hopefully construction will start before year end.

I wished this project bringing the living qualities to Thai.

Very nice system.
:okay:
I will check it tomorrow in BKK!
:happy:

Very nice perspective!!

The Thai love their concrete! ;)

I do like the chipcoin...

easy to use, easy to carry, low maintenance costs...

Cheers, m

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/463195411_a89a118240_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/463195437_2d47f9a9cf_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/463201677_15cb1105c7_o.jpg

Thailand to start train line bidding in August

BANGKOK, April 25 (Reuters) - Thailand expects to start the bidding for two of Bangkok's planned $4.7 billion, four mass transit lines in August after several delays, Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras said on Wednesday.

"The Transport Ministry is ready to open the bidding for the red and purple lines in August," he told reporters, referring to the northern red line and the western purple line.

The financing had yet to be decided, but it should come from domestic loans which would help boost an economy beset by weak investment and consumption, he said without elaborating.

The bidding, first planned for early this year, then April or May, had to be postponed further because of delayed regulatory processes, government officials said.

The lines are the first infrastructure projects initiated by ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to be implemented by an interim government installed by the military after a September coup.

They are part of projects Thaksin's government planned to spend $44 billion on between 2005 and 2009 to spur economic growth, but were delayed by the political crisis which led to the bloodless coup. ($1=34.80 Baht)

Thailand to get three new rail lines worth 2 bln dlrs

BANGKOK, May 22, 2007 (AFP) - The Thai cabinet on Tuesday approved three new rail lines worth over 70 billion baht (two billion dollars), which they hope will encourage three million people per day to use public transport.

Two of the projects are light rail lines in Bangkok, a city known for its congested streets and backed-up traffic. Their combined value will be 65 billion baht, said transport minister Thira Haocharoen.

The third rail line, costing 5.8 billion baht, will link the eastern province of Chachoengsao to a deep-sea port, and bidding for all three is expected to start in July, Thira said. Construction will begin next year.

Bangkok's existing mass transit system has three lines -- two above ground, and one underground -- totalling 75 kilometres (47 miles) of tracks. Together they carry almost 630,000 passengers a day.

Officials predict that at least three million people will use the capital's mass transit system when the two new city commuter lines with a combined track length of 41 kilometres are completed by 2010.

"They will take people from provinces neighbouring Bangkok and the suburbs to the centre of Bangkok in 40 minutes or an hour," said Pranote Suriya, a traffic planning official with with transport ministry.

"It is good for Bangkok's traffic because it takes cars off the streets."

Thira said the rail lines would be funded by loans from local banks and some state money, while the government would also seek a loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

The rail projects were part of an ambitious public works programs instigated by deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was overthrown in a coup last year.

Thai voters to get free rides for referendum

BANGKOK, Aug 10, 2007 (AFP) - Bangkok's subway will give free rides when polls open for a referendum next week, while other public transport will discount fares to encourage people to vote, officials said Friday.

Free rides will be on offer while polls are open for the vote on a new constitution on August 19, the transport ministry said in a statement.

Buses and trains across the country will slash fares by 50 percent for four days around the referendum in a bid to encourage migrant workers to cast ballots, the statement said.

Most Thais have to vote in their home towns, which for millions of people means leaving the cities where they work and heading into the countryside for the referendum.

But with a low turnout expected, the government is doing everything it can to encourage people to cast ballots -- including declaring a three-day weekend for the nation's first-ever referendum.

Thailand's army-installed government is asking voters to approve a constitution backed by the military.

The generals who ousted elected prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra last September say the constitution is the first step toward restoring democracy, with general elections expected later this year.

Opponents say the charter will give the military continued influence in government through powerful appointees.

If voters reject the charter, the military has reserved the power to impose a constitution regardless.

Never on time....

CONSTRUCTION / MASS-TRANSIT LINES JBIC agrees to lend B5.76bn for Purple line WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI Bkk Post 14/08/07
The Public Debt Management Office will borrow 5.76 billion baht under the 2007 budget to finance the first phase of the 23-kilometre Purple line mass-transit route running from Bang Yai to Bang Sue. The loans are expected to be signed with the Japan Bank for International Co-operation on Thursday, according to sources.

The financing programme will move forward even though the government is expected to miss its deadline this month to open bidding for construction along the route. If the bidding is formally delayed, the PDMO will shift funds raised this fiscal year to fiscal 2008 for the programme. The Purple line, deemed the most ready for construction of the three new Bangkok mass-transit routes approved earlier this year by the cabinet, has completed its environmental impact assessments.

Two other routes, the Red and Blue lines, have yet to receive EIA approval, a key requirement before financing can be secured. The three routes are expected to cost 160 billion baht in total, with 45 billion going to the Purple line; 59 billion for the Red line, which runs from Rangsit to Bang Sue and Bang Sue to Taling Chan; and 52.5 billion for the Blue line stretching from Bang Sue to Tha Phra and Bang Khae and Hua Lamphong to Tha Phra.

Around 52% of the financing for the three routes, or 84 billion baht, will come from JBIC loans. The rest will be raised from domestic government borrowings and allocations from the central budget. The new light rail lines will be integrated with the current Bangkok subway and Bangkok Skytrain systems. Economists hope that work on the new lines, which are expected to take four years to complete, will help stimulate economic growth in 2008 and jump-start private investment in the property sector.

Can't wait for the purple line.

Thai govt slashes transport fares to boost voting

BANGKOK, Nov 21, 2007 (AFP) - Bus and train fares across Thailand will be cut for four days around next month's elections to encourage people to vote in the first polls since last year's coup, the transport ministry said Wednesday.

Thais cast their ballots on December 23 in the polls that aim to restore democracy to the country following a bloodless military coup which ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006.

The army-backed cabinet has already declared December 24 as a holiday, to encourage voters to trek back to their hometowns to cast their ballots.

Passengers travelling coach on intercity buses and trains will pay only half the normal fare from December 21 to 24, if they show their voter registration cards.

Bangkok's metro buses and river taxis will also halve fares on voting day, while the subway will let passengers ride for free, a transport ministry official said.

The government hopes voter turnout will reach 70 percent.

Early front runners in the elections are Thailand's oldest political outfit, the Democrat Party, and the People Power Party, which was taken over by members of Thaksin's disbanded Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party.

The junta and the civilian government it appointed have vowed the polls will fully restore democracy in Thailand.

But analysts question how free and fair the elections can be when about one-third of the country is still under martial law and Thai Rak Thai, which stormed the polls in 2001 and 2005, has been dissolved.

Nice Bkk subway system.......

Now, at least the construction of Purple line is about to start ... just get the contractor and cleear the land exppaorpriation roun Tao Poon and Bang Phai area ....

Sutthisan Station
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/108995205_03ae9fe2e5_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/99/261618100_65b70aad1d_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/405752644_da970ed010_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/415220886_1306d30d9c_b.jpg
Silom Station
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/330062891_5a7cd89d86_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/252545783_a32eeb1753_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/95/249149608_081f9ece4f_o.jpg

why is the purple line not go underground?

why is the purple line not go underground?

It is in SUburb AREA so the elevated track is more cost effectivbe than undergroudn tracks ... In other citeis aroudn the world, the t rack of underground have become elevated tracks once the lines have reached suburbs.

I found underground shopping at Jatujak station look really cool.............

wow! this metro network seems to be very nice! :okay: I´m looking forward to visit it next November ;)

Metro Mall Underground Shops@ Chatuchak station

http://www.ssbkk.com/include/pix.php?sid=1444

http://www.ssbkk.com/include/pix.php?sid=1446

Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Makkasan Station/City check-in terminal



http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5189/13ln6.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7168/14xv4.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2401/69574320fe9.jpg

BTS Extension On-nut to Bearing

Pics by Chainarai
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/chainarai/bts2/BTS_115.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/chainarai/bts2/BTS_108.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/chainarai/bts2/BTS_100.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/chainarai/bts2/BTS_081.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/chainarai/bts2/BTS_070.jpg

See all update pictures here. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=514835

The airport link train



Here we go with the latest update
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/Maverick_th/IMG_1290.jpg


http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9217/9872a008th9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Makkasan Station/City check-in terminal
When is this line opening?
:?

Airport link is likely a Commuter rail more than metro na....

about end of next year

THAT's going to be nice. I usually take catch the 551 bus from suvarnabhumi to Victory Monument and then get on the BTS down to National Stadium (generally where I stay when I'm in BKK). A direct BTS line to the airport will save easily 1.5 hours of travel time, especially at rush hour... amazing.

But the metro still sucks. While it would be great if it were integrated with the skytrain, it's ridiculous that it's not one system. Bangkok is maybe the only city i've ever been to with two parallel transit systems that don't cooperate. BTS and the metro need to unite as one!

And, as a general rule, it's stupidly expensive. 30b for a short ride on the BTS, followed by the same (if not more) on the metro? How does New Delhi, which has a system probably even more impressive than that of BKK, manage to only charge Rs. 5-8 (4-7 baht) a ride? The ridiculous cost (for Bangkok) of the skytrain makes it too pricy most locals - it's the equivalent of charging $10 to ride the New York subway.

And, as a general rule, it's stupidly expensive. 30b for a short ride on the BTS, followed by the same (if not more) on the metro? How does New Delhi, which has a system probably even more impressive than that of BKK, manage to only charge Rs. 5-8 (4-7 baht) a ride? The ridiculous cost (for Bangkok) of the skytrain makes it too pricy most locals - it's the equivalent of charging $10 to ride the New York subway.

I'm no expert on the conversion, but I'm pretty sure the conversion of bahts to dollars is 33 bahts = $1 (1 American Dollar). So on the contrary, paying 30 bahts for a short ride is much like paying about $1 to ride the train... sounds pretty fair, at least by American standards.

Also, while I'm commenting about the train, I just wanted to say that after visiting Bangkok last year, I absolutely loved the skytrain and subway system. My last night there, I was stuck in traffic for 4 hours driving to a Muay Thai fight. When the fight was over, I saw that a subway stop near the arena could take me to the place I was staying at. The train took 15 minutes... I couldn't believe how convenient it was. It's great that Thailand is investing so much money into mass transit for residents in the city. The auto-traffic there is an absolute nightmare!

But the metro still sucks. While it would be great if it were integrated with the skytrain, it's ridiculous that it's not one system. Bangkok is maybe the only city i've ever been to with two parallel transit systems that don't cooperate. BTS and the metro need to unite as one!

there is a plan for that and it will take about six months...
this news below was from 24th january, so fingers-crossed that it will happen soon. it's not only the tickets that will get upgraded, all busses will now be replaced by airconditioned busses.

^^ มาซะที รอเหงือกแห้งแล้ว

TRANSPORT / SKYTRAIN, SUBWAY TRAVEL INCENTIVE

Single ticketing plan moves step closer
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK


Bangkok's elevated train and subway operators plan to integrate their ticketing system this year and then cut fares to encourage more commuters to use the service.


Executives of Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS), which operates the elevated railway, and Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), which runs the subway, signed an agreement yesterday to integrate their ticketing systems.


According to BTS chief adviser Anat Arbhabhirama, the companies will make their old tickets compatible with each other's systems in the next six months.


In the next two years, they will introduce a common ticketing system that can later expand to cover other modes of transport, including expressways, passenger buses, boats and shops.


Key to the integration is creation of a clearing house by both electric train operators to handle revenue-sharing.


The companies plan to hire a consultant next month to study the integration process.


BTS chief executive officer Keeree Kanjanapas said that once a common ticketing system is in place, both operators will find ways to cut fares to attract more commuters.


Without fare cuts being offered, he said, few commuters would turn to electric trains because there were other kinds of affordable transport available.


He expected the convenience of a common ticketing system would encourage more commuters to use electric trains.


However, BMCL managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana said yesterday that the subway would raise its fares from 15-39 baht to 16-40 baht from July 3 this year. The increase was in line with its contract which allows the firm to raise fares every two years.


Prapat Chongsanguan, governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority which owns the subway concession, said extended railway networks would make the system more attractive, not a common ticketing system.


Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has cut its rapid-train fees for people travelling less than 300 kilometres. The cut is to help offset higher consumer prices resulting from rising fuel costs.


The fee cut will take effect on Feb 1. The fare for a trip of up to 50km will be halved to 20 baht. Those travelling up to 150km will pay 30 baht and up to 300km, 50 baht.


Trips within these ranges include services between Bangkok and Lop Buri, Kaeng Khoi and Ratchaburi. The fare for travel distances of over 300km will stay at 110 baht.


http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/24Jan2008_news02.php

Plan for day tickets, all-aircon bus fleet

Bangkokpost 11/04/2008


The Transport Ministry has floated the idea of making all city buses airconditioned and introducing a flat rate fare for a one-day travel pass.


Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri told the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to prepare a proposal for consideration by the cabinet next month.


''One-day tickets and airconditioned buses should encourage people to leave their cars at home and take buses or other public transportation,'' he said


''Good service at a reasonable price would help reduce the use of private vehicles.''


The fare would not be high, even though all buses would be airconditioned, to ensure it was within the means of low-income commuters.


There are about 1.5 million fully paid bus rides a day in the city, with another 300,000 trips by the elderly and children.


He said the BMTA also needs to revise its bus routes to better serve the needs of commuters and complete the link services with the skytrain and subway systems.


BMTA director Pinet Puapatanakul said the flat-rate ticket should be in the range of 10 to 20 baht. Normal fares based on distance travelled would remain in place for short rides.


''Airconditioned buses will attract people who now travel by car, but fares must be cheaper than using private cars,'' he said.


The BMTA rejuvenation plan also includes cutting the staff pool from 18,000 to 12,000, he said.

great news for public transport in Bangkok...

(except for last part about the 6000 jobs cut)

Cheers, m

I'm no expert on the conversion, but I'm pretty sure the conversion of bahts to dollars is 33 bahts = $1 (1 American Dollar). So on the contrary, paying 30 bahts for a short ride is much like paying about $1 to ride the train... sounds pretty fair, at least by American standards.

That would be fair, if Bangkok was in the United States and populated by people getting paid in US dollars. That's not the case, though - the skytrain is too expensive for the vast majority of the local population who make under $20 US a day (that's generous). By Thai income standards, 30 baht may very well be the equivalent of $10 for many.