Traffic chaos in Bangkok: Phetchaburi Street is rerouted!

Traffic chaos in Bangkok: Phetchaburi Street is rerouted!

Bangkok's transport landscape will soon be affected by important changes. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has announced a traffic diversion on Phetchaburi Road, which will take place between Krungsri Bank and the entrance to Phenix Mall. This is happening as part of the construction work on a sewer for the new Pratunam metro station (OR09) of the Orange Line metro project. This measure will come into force on November 9, 2025 and will last until December 15, 2025, with the work always being carried out at night from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

The diversion will not be without impact on traffic: two lanes towards Ratchathewi on Phetchaburi Road will have to be closed. However, it remains possible to drive through the affected zone with one lane in both directions, allowing residents access to their homes. The MRTA notes that these measures may cause inconvenience and noise pollution and recommends other road users to avoid the route unless absolutely necessary. For more information, you can contact the telephone numbers 0 2168 3460 – 68 or find out about the latest developments on the Orange Line subway project Facebook page.

Investments in transport infrastructure

In a broader context, the Thai Ministry of Transport is also planning major investments in infrastructure. A total of 15 major projects with a total value of over 438 billion baht are in the pipeline to significantly improve national transport and logistics. According to Bangkok Local, four of these projects are already on the Cabinet agenda for consideration.

Among these projects there are interesting plans, such as the first section of the Phuket Expressway (Kathu-Patong), which is to be implemented with a budget of 16.76 billion baht. The procurement of 1,520 electric air-conditioned buses is also on the list, with an estimated value of 15.36 billion baht. In addition, the expansion of the Red Line suburban rail system, which will cover a total of 20.5 km, with three new stations, as well as a project to procure 946 container flat wagons is envisaged.

A look into the future

The impact of these projects should not be underestimated. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit emphasizes the importance of these projects for national development and Thailand's growing logistics needs, which should enable strong connections to the region. There are currently eleven further projects under internal review, including important highway and rail network projects that are intended to further strengthen the country's infrastructure.

For those of us in Munich who may be thinking about a trip to Thailand, this transformation of the capital's streets can present both challenges and opportunities. The measures are undoubtedly a step in the right direction to improve mobility in and around Bangkok. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what further steps the authorities will take.