BANGKOK BTS SKYTRAIN | SILOM LINE Future Extensions to Khao San Road, Pinklao & Bangrak?
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- čas přidán 17. 06. 2023
- The future looks great for getting around Bangkok. Future lines will serve locations that will open up this city and make travelling around so much simpler, less taxis and traffic, no fuss, and air conditioning! The Silom Line will be extended to serve more adveturous parts of the suburbs and beyond, and I explored what could happen if they ran lines to the old city, Pinklao, Khao san Road and Bangrak plus many more places. Don't take this as gospel because we all like to hope and dream....
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Back in the 1980s, Khao San road was very easy to reach from Thonburi station where the trains from Malaysia used to arrive but nowhere else in Bangkok. It was a 15 minute Tuk-tuk ride across the bridge.
Not much has changed. Khao San road is still as hard to get to as it was back then.
I always liked the fact that KSR was a little bit off from the main BTS/MTR lines. It kept it feeling just that little bit off the beaten track, which is almost completely gone.
I always use the rail network when I’m there.
So much easier than trying to negotiate with a cab driver over using their meter.
Honestly, as fun as this is, it also highlights the opportunity that Bangkok has to get in front of the curve and make these extensions happen, sooner rather than later. Don't wait for the demand, but instead, stimulate it! You can build communities around these lines, improve housing for the less well off and reduce unwanted density, as well as move more people onto public transport!
Ahead of the curve in one sense. However, more accurately 10 years behind the original time frames from the master plan released in 2004 and the time frames announced in the period thereafter. (Also fon't forget previous plans from the 80s and 90s that were never built) Some lines have opened 5 years late from original construction tiemtables, eg SRT Red lines and MRT Blue line ext. It's a slow, always delayed process but BKK is gradually getting there.....
I think I've found the ideal job for you Pat, Train consultant to all Thai train operations in Bangkok, oh and cat supervisor obviously too. Sounds like fun .... regards :)
Hope so, sounds like a dream job, best of 2 worlds!
For iced tea & snack, Pat. Thanks for an excellent and informative clip as always.
Thank you very much, I will savour the tea and ice cream!!
When the BTS first opened in Dec 1999 there were 3 proposed exts the BMA planned to be built by 2008;
1) Sukhumvit line was to be extended north from Mo Chit to Saphan Mai. After over a decade of delays this finally opened in June 2020 as part of the longer ext to Khu Khot.
2) Silom line spur from Chong Nongsi to Rama 3. This was dispensed with in 2003 and later became a BRT line.
3) Sliom line south extension to Lak Song (via Phetkasem rd) via Wong Wian Yai. This was the originally the plan to run the Silom line from Bang Wah to Lak Song (Bang Khae) when the MRT Blue line was originally planned to run north along what is now the MRT Purple line. However, this was changed in 2004 when OTP reconfigured the MRT Blue line to run it's current route while finalising the 10 line master plan - now called M-MAP. Indeed, the BMA already started building the river bridge and viaduct for the first part of the then 4 station (later reduced to 3) ext to Wong Wian Yai back in 2000.
After the ext to Bang Wah wa sopening in Dec 2013, the BMA announced a new plan for the first time to extended the Silom line further north to Taling Chan. Economic studies were completed in 2018 and an EIA started in 2019, but not much has progressed since then. There has been discussion that is this was built a long term further ext north along the Ratchapruek rd corridor to connect to the MRT Purple line at Bang Rak Yai could be built.
In 2003, the BMA also proposed the plan to extened the Silom west from National Stadium to Democracy Monument (Phan Fah) along Ratchadamnoen Ave & Rattanakosin area (Sanam Luang) and under the river to Fai Chan to interchange with the developing plans to reconfigured MRT BLue line. This was to be a fully underground BTS ext east of Yotse.This ext plan was later dropped back in 2009 as the MRTA changed the alignment of the western section of the MRT Orange line from Ratchawiti rd to a more south alignment running along Petchaburi rd and Ratchadanoen Ave then crossing the river to interhchange witht he MRT Blue line at Bang Kung Non (Though originally it was proposed to go farther towards Taling Chan). It is doubtful that the Silom line will ever be extended any further west beyond Yotse.
The current 3 BTS extension plans are;
1) 9km Khu Khot to along Lam Lukka rd to Wongwean (Eastern ring rd), 2) 7km Keha to Bang Pu, &
3) Bang Wah to Taling Chan are unlikely to be built within the next 5 years. (There is also the missing station N6 which needs to be built)
The first 2 are part of the M--MAP master plan, the 3rd is not. The M-MAP plans were all to be completed by 2029. The new M-MAP2 plans are due to be released in August. This not only includes all MRT, BTS and BMA lines planned for the period from now to beyond 2029 yet to be built such as the MRT Brown line & BMA Grey line, but also completely new lines and extensions.
However, the current huge problem is that the BMA has a significant US$2.5B debt to the BTSC company. Part of this debt is from the new extensions built by the MRTA ( to Khu Khot and Kheha) and transferred to the BMA. Part of it is the fact that those new exts are still currently free and not generating revenue. The BMA has indicated that it might transfer owenership of the BTS lines to the MRTA prior to the BTSC concession agreement coming up for renewal in 2029.
It is a huge mess but the cureent BMA Gov being a former Transport Minister has stated that he will work out a solution. Until that is done no new BTS extensions will be built.
And the debt keeps rising, it's been far too long now, for the Mo Chit to Khu Khot line to be free, should have been a year at most.
@@BangkokPat Yes exactly. Considering that N9 opened in Aug 2019, then Kaset Uni in Dec 2019 before Covid and then up to N17 in June 2020, that's 3-3.5yrs of lost revenue while the BMA is paying the BTSC to run the exts! Chadchart thought he could resolve the debt situation in a couple of months.
However, after his first year in office he now realises that it is a much more complex issue given that it involves turf wars between the MOI which approves BMA BTS plans & the MOT (MRTA & SRT). The relatively new Dept of Railway Transport is meant to improve coordination and working relationships between agencies but the uncooperative and competing mindset between the BTS system and MRT system prevails in all agencies thinking.
Def something to potentially dissect a little in your 2nd video ?
For many of us the train lines are the lines of access to walk-arounds and exploring. Today I spent the morning walking and taking photos of the streets and markets around Srinagarinda not too far from the south terminus of the light green line. First visit to Samut Prakan and its tower and the wet market nearby. Haven't been to the old city, by contrast, since my first visit in 2006. The reason? I don't want to do the confusing river ferries. Yeah, BTS is the best.
It's amazing to reflect on the changes that have already taken place in Bangkok since I first visited way back in 1987. Especially, with regard to public transportation.
I'm amazed what they have already with the BTS
It would seem Thailand is way ahead when compared to Australia. It constantly amazes me how good Thais are at building these overhead lines.
Australia is doing relatively very well. Currently investing AU$120B in new metro & suburban lines & extensions in Perth, Sydney, Bribane and Melbourne.
Love the videos! Please consider doing a video of all the extensions of both BTS and MRT that are currently in the works and are set to open soon.
I will do, this is just Part One!
Planning Minister Khun Pat, nice work. Entertaining, a dreamer and an obvious visionary all in one. You have my farang vote...for what's that's worth....as long as you don't have any media holdings. 🙏😉
Yes, Pinklao is definitely underserved for mass transport. But maybe there'd be protests to avoid the influx of backpackers coming over from Khao San.
They are already building the MRT (Undeground) from Bang Sue to Khao San road, you'll see all the works taking place up Samsen road, just saying and a great video.
That;s from Tao Poon and a station will be about 1km from Khao San Road on Samsen Road and another at Panfa Leela bridge
@@BangkokPatisn't there a station planned at victory monument?
@@superman_69703 Panfa Leela station will be the nearest to Democracy Monument, it might even be named that, as they are still deciding the name
@@BangkokPat oh that's pretty far away from khao San road, how annoying.
@@mythai05 It is a bit far to call iit Democracy Monument but the construction of the purple line has a big sign saying Democracy Momument station PP22, but that can change as it's only provisional name for now.
Brilliant video and run down of future possibilities. One factor that you did not mention, but might be needed due to heavier loading, is the insertion of one or two cards into each train. Whilst this appears to be 'simple' especially as stations are already design to take 6 car units, is the fact that their are multiple different models of rolling stock (five types, from two manufacturers). It might be easier just to ensure that the new rolling stock is built as 5 (or 6 to future proof) car units. A mix in service of both 4 and 5/6 car units if sensibly scheduled would probably be the cheaper solution.
Interesting, logical and seemingly do-able plans for Skytrain extensions. Never say never. Back in the 80s, no one would have believed this infrastructure could possibly exist in Bangkok. Hope the appropriate commissions take a good look at your logical and well thought out suggestions.
What's to prevent an extra-extension line from Khao San Road to Bamrung Muang / Phanfa Leela, just a short distance way. Then we'll have a BTS Circle Line! You're a genius, BKK Pat!
After being in Bangkok a few times, I can’t help but be impressed with the with the cleanliness of the subways and how quiet the locals can be, similar to Tokyo where I live. Things are happening in this town. Would love to try living there for a bit. You think the authorities might pay you as an advisor, Pat?
😂
Not in a million years Jack, especially with my free travel for cats proposal😻😻😻
Silom line or Dark green line at Phra Nakhon district is planning extension only to Yotse station for connect SRT commuter dark red line. Because Khaosan road is near Sanam Luang station of MRT orange line extension.
There is a rule that any new MRT/BTS train routes inside the circumference of the inner ring road (aka inside the circle of the MRT Blue line) must be underground. So the extension from National Stadium station must go underground.
This rule came out after the first phase of BTS has been built.
Ah that may answer a question i had concerning old city
Inside the Ratchadaphisek ring is a 'should' not 'must'. But inside the inner bangkok (Rattanakosin Island), it is a must.
Also the mrt blue line doesnt follow the full ratchadaphisek ring as it cuts right through the ring twice
Awesome video Bangkok Pat,I watched it with my Thai wife,she was born and grow up in Bangkok.😊😊😊😊
Is there any train over the river?
You neef to work as a director in BTS 😁😂🤣 you have good planning skills.
Well done engineer 👍🏼👍🏼
Love Thailand
Love The Thai food
Love Thai ladies
Love the King
Thumbs up
All the support
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🙏🙏❤❤❤🍺🍺🍺🍺
When I see your thumbnail and I was like “What the h-ll are you on about ?” Then I check your video out, What a unique video can’t wait for the sequel. 😅
Pat its great how you always keep everyone up on the ways to travel and get around Thailand. You helped me alot when I was there in March 2023
Chuf chuf Pat.
Great ideas Mr Pat!
As always like to be kept up to date about BKK. Because Bangkok is still building they might5 take up your idea's Pat. So much has changed since we rode on the BTS. Need to go back.
Now any new train routes inside the circle of the MRT Blue line must be underground so BTS can not extend anymore except extend to the outskirts. In the future you can go to khaosan road by the underground MRT Orange line(interchange with BTS at Ratchathewi station).
Thx for another interesting video. I started visiting Bangkok since 2001 and since than a lot a changed and also the public transportation like the BTS and MRT. From 2017 they have extend the lines much more from the BTS and MRT which is so much better. I really like ur ideas to extend the lines further some will be reality and other maybe or never happen.
It’s great watching the evolution of the expansion of rail lines and your predictions . The future train line Swamy
Really Need to Learn that line and must do more time in BBK
maps worked well
That Holiday Inn Silom is 2 towers (buildings). The original tower is the one with unique and very photogenic round windows. When that hotel opened in the 1970s it was a Hyatt. I stated there in 1978 and am sure it was a Hyatt then.
Brilliant as always!!! THANKS
Bedankt
Thank you very much Christian. Much appreciated😻
Back when I first came to Bangkok, the BTS was a vein for me to get to the desired spots in Bangkok, considering where I lived. It was literally a no-brainer, compared to the nightmare traffic.
Great stuff ! Love the content of low key Krung Thep , keep it up BP .
Very entertaining video as per always and lot's of fun also 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
A++. You should become the minister for transport and development please Pat
6:43 what are these two big yellow towers for, please
Cheers mate!
The former Maen Si Waterworks
goo.gl/maps/7mQECFMoQ3w8UNWaA
@@BangkokPat Thank you Professor
Good news
A Vlogging Visionary. Love Ya Work.
Pat have you ever run a marathon ..
Pat has never done a marathon but does do regular marathon walking tours 😅😺
Hello mate, I think your National Stadium ext is a good idea as it makes the old town a bit more accessible. Also the Bang Wa ext to Talin Chan etc. But onto KSR just doesn't seem fitting! Better to extend/adapt the canal from Phanfa to KSR ? Cheers!
I liked these ideas.
Interesting video - there are a lot of possibilities and the current new lines and extensions already drastically improve rail coverage. Looking forward to your upcoming videos on this topic.
Regarding Dark Green Line going west, I doubt it would extend past Yotse as it would need to be underground (street width insufficient for elevated tracks) and there is no good space for the line to dive underground.
Actually, the orignal BMA plan for the Silom west extension was for the line to be extended undergound beyond Yotse to Democracy Monument, Sanum Lunag and under the river to Fai Chai. However, this was jettisoned in 2009 when the MRTA realigned the Orange line western section to run along Petchaburid rd and Ratchadamnoen Ave (from the previous Ratchawiti rd alignment) essentially duplicating the BMA ext plan.
For the dive underground, the tentative plans were for one track to dive first then the other 200-300m farther along. which would reduce the ROW needed for the dive.
@@yappofloyd1905 Thanks for the information!
I always thought it would be hard for them to push on much further than National Stadium as it starts to get a bit narrower on Rama 1 Road. Unless they actually went underground and kept the stations discreet like they've done on the newer parts of the Blue line.
Underground? Bangkok is always gets flooded, wouldn't it be a concern? NY subway was flooded after the hurricane, and it was a mess.
@@pannachawangkul585 Much of the Blue Line is underground, 70% of the MRT Ornage line will be underground and half of the MRT Purple line southern ext cureently U/C will be underground. it is not a great concern as stations are built with the provision of flood gates which worked on the Blue line during the 2011 floods. NYC has much older infrastructure which requires renewal as the MTA repair of 11 tunnels after Sandy highlighted.
Khao San Road just might happen because all the business there want out. and Iconsiam wants in for the new "Icon KhaoSan".
@@mythai05 There's also the Orange Line's Sanam Luang Station (OR03) which is a 4-minute walk away from Khao San Road
Good show Pat.
The best possible way for the Silom line to be built beyond Yotse is to tear down the tracks beyond national stadium and rebuild it with a slope so it can go underground. An underground Yotse terminus is much more extendable without having to worry about building along the roads or destroying the old town.
Loved the Mozart interlude on the way to Khao San Road ...
Any chance Bangkok Pat of doing a video on Bangkok corrections museum the old prison in Bangkok Manchai I think it was called even the area around lardyao klong prem. Just love the old days in Bangkok
It closed at the start of the plandemic and sad to report it has never reopened. Part of the site is being dug up for the new MRT Purple line station at Sam Yot. They aren't touching any of the old prison structures but a real shame the museum is no more.
Thanks for showing my area of Bangkok, a black cat and bus 15. Please apply to BTS, Bangkok as a railway engineer, they need you😅.
Interesting Video Pat, with good ideas from you for the Future BTS Line. 🙏
Thanks! 😊
This video makes perfect sense. BTS Authority, Take note!
I love your dream. Ok I pay for it!!! 💰💰💰💰
Pat I would like to see them build that rail from don muang to utapo that definitely would help with traffic.
CP consortium is now saying that the Eastern HSR line (AKA 3 Airport line) will be completed by 2028 but realistically that will be 2029/30. Some preliminary works related to moving ultilities have already started. When they signed the contract in laste 2019 they said it would be built by 2024 but ehn Covi hit and changed their financial forecasts so they have been renegoiating the contract with the SRT. Got to be patient with this one as the HSR line was first propiosed in 1996!
Interesting topic. As a tourist who spends quite a bit of time in Bangkok, I definitely find myself sticking (mostly) to areas in and around the BTS (unless I have a good reason to go elsewhere), so more lines and stops to easily access other parts of the city would be most welcome.
I'd like the Silom line to take over Sukhumvit's North half, and the Sukhumvit line to take over Silom's West stub & extend a stop or two. This would better balance the now extended line lengths. And it'd move the Sukhumvit's tight turn onto the Silom - so removing tight turn track & train wear from the Sukhumvit, whilst simply adding an opposite tight turn to the Silom's maintenance.
Civil Engineer Pat, Love it. Spot om suggestions
Love the skytrain as it’s a landmark for whenever you are lost in Bangkok, you just find a station and it will take you back to your hotel....just make sure you book a hotel close to the skytrain 😂
new job for Bangkok Pat ........ TOWN PLANNER & TEACHER
Ahhh yes, we can only keep dreaming lol
Public transportation dreams….
this all makes a lot of sense hope this happens soon
2:31 Uffdah! That was close.
Let's see... The first mass public transport system in Bangkok was the tram service, which was build by a danish company. The Thai Airways was founded by a joint venture between local small Thai airpline company, the thai government and the danish part of SAS, and their first intercontinental flight was to Copenhagen.... So, it would only be natural to lead the BTS all the way to the small town of Odder, Denmark where it will connect to the Aarhus Light Railway network. 😂
WOW , PAT you are the Bollox :)
Cheers Ivor😻
Is TRAINHEAD a term?...🙂
I see too many beautiful facades that would be at risk from your dream. My experience as a tourist I'm sure outweighs the convenience of the locals 😅.
Of all the major cities Bangkok probably has the most indistinguishable dreary skyline
You should be an urban developer 😊.
The extensions are greatly motivated by kickbacks and grants from Japan or China, generous contractor terms, and not the financial feasibility of the lines. However, hope the BKK to Chiang Mai bullet train can be a success.
I have always imagined possible routes the mincer city Metro could link too! I hope after all their outer Metro Stations are built they actually focus on Inner city Metro that would be the only way to reduce traffic with multiple Inner city connecting Metros! However it would be 20+ yrs from now! Many of us well could be ….
Cities across the world can learn from Bangkok’s can-do / must-do metro expansion… my home city in the U.S. (Houston) is still stuck in the 1950s with no real mass transit.
I'm surprise to read this, Jim. My husband, (he's half Scot & half Soux Indian, btw, if you are wondering, lol) works in Dallas/ Ft. Worth area, always telling me how huge the HWY and Railway in TX is, (our home is in AR ) I told him to check out Thailand's Trains and Railway in general, well, he was speechless after that.
How realistic is it to reduce traffic if these ideas were put in place 😮
Long overdue
Another problem with extensions from national stadium westward is that, there's a regulation that says a metro system must be underground when entering the inner bangkok
Of course and there's limited space to send the line underground along Rama 1 Road
Train spotting 🥸
I think that was an opium dream ! 5555 😂
Saigon Line 1 opening 2024? Very odd choice of route for half of it.
I think bkk infrastructure is pretty impressive albeit a tad ugly but, I realise that it can't go underground because of the area..I hope all this borrowing can be accounted for.. anyway another interesting vlog.
you should really do a cooperation video with "RM transit"!!!
you'll have a lot of fun together, and I think your contents are complimentary enough to each other that you will have a lot of subscriber crossflow with him.
He did do a Bangkok rail video but l don't know who he consulted with, it had several inaccuracies, awful b-roll and bad pronounciations. But l think most of his viewers wouldn't know the difference anyway.. disappointing as l do watch his videos. And if he had searched properly for someone to help with it (me) it would have been a lot better...but he wouldn"t wanna work with my small time channel anyway.
@@BangkokPat they differ in quality, but his B-Roll as you put it, is getting better (he very much relies on outside sources for it)
his best videos are the kind where he has someone local do the video stuff and some of the background, whilst he himself does the theoretical transit stuff and how it can be done (which is something he is good at)...
he does seem to look for a local perspective, and when he does get it, he uses that for the benefit of improving the quality of his content...
with the pronunciations, they can be weird, but he covers places all over the world... places, whose language he rarely knows... so, slip-ups are inevitable.
as for small channel, you certainly do not feel small for me... of the top of my head, I would neither call RM particularly huge either...
Great content as always. In terms of extensions or finishing work, any idea if/when they are going to finish station N6, the station missing between Ari & Saphan Khwai? (Sena Ruam) I sent an email asking to the general BTS email but got no response.
That station is not seen as a priority, so who knows. The infrastructure/support columns are in place so it will eventually in the future.
Your dreams are cool😅
Why don't they hire you as a public transportation consultant and route planner?
I wish....
Enjoyable video Pat. Whats the cheapest option for using the BTS can you buy a day/week pass etc
Only day passes or stored value top up card, but you can also buy a card with say, 25 trips all capped at the same price so you get a discount.
@@BangkokPat Cheers Pat
The Light Red line?.... I missed that one when i was there in March?..... Does it run into Bang Sue Grand Terminal? Or run underground to it? And was it you telling me about the planed extension of the Skytrain from Phaya Thai to Bang Sue and Don Mueang? Is that likely to happen any time soon? I've walked past National Stadium along Rama 1 Road when going from the Asia Hotel to Hua Lampong when off on my train journeys, the area never looked too busy at the times i've been there......
There is a bus route BRT from Sathorn to Ratchapruek. Along the river. Upgrade to BTS?
Maybe one day!
Pat you are to clean to be sleeping on the side of the road.
I'll do anything for CZcams....
I’m Thai and I can confirm that it’s not going to happen…even in a million years.
Nice dream though.....
I don’t know about the practicality, but surely theres a need for some kind of extension west from Phaya Thai. Often my first night involves taking the ARL then having to get a taxi from PT into the old city. I guess planning may get more difficult as you get close the old city? Is that why it isn’t happening?
The Airport Rail link is being extended from Phaya Thai to Don Muang via Bang Sue, was announced last year.
If they extend it to Khao San Road then maybe they should make it a ring line
I forgot to mention that.....but they wouldn't have space to build it.
@@BangkokPat Oh
😅หลับ
Dreaming of new lines....
@@BangkokPat so good 😊
62nd
Late to the party Nick, in fact haven't seen you for a while.
@@BangkokPat Yesterday I missed the bus to the Olympic stadium. When I got there the race had already started...
@@nickyboy. G'day Nicky Boy legend 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
Will pinklao ever het a mrt or bts line , we really need one
is bts easier to construct than MRT underground?
I would say it's definitely faster!
please give a good map with the video
What about southern bus terminal?
It is not too far from Taling Chan station so you can take the SRT Light Red line there and then take a motorbike/taxi as some locals do. If and when the BTS SIlom line is extended from Bang Wah to Taking Chan that will also be an option.
are the current lines making money?
Maybe not as much as they would like
Some of these areas are quite historic and have an interesting character. A BTS line would ruin that.