BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok’s expanding Pink Line Monorail is preparing to open its long-awaited extension to Muang Thong Thani, offering free public trial rides starting May 20 before launching full commercial service on June 17. The new link connects Si Rat Station to two additional stops, Impact Muang Thong Thani and Muang Thong Thani Lake, bringing improved access to one of the capital’s busiest event venues and helping to reduce traffic on Chaeng Watthana Road.
During the free trial period, trains will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11:30 p.m. on weekends. Services will run every 10 minutes, increasing to every 5 minutes during large events to accommodate higher passenger numbers. From June 17, commercial services will begin with extended hours running until midnight.
Fares for the extension have been set at 15 baht for trips between the two new stations. Passengers transferring from the main Pink Line route will pay an additional 8 baht, unless they have already paid the full-line fare of 45 baht, in which case no extra charge applies.
The Pink Line currently serves nearly 1.7 million passengers monthly on its Khae Rai to Min Buri section. With the new extension, authorities expect an increase of about 14,000 additional riders per day, particularly those attending major events at Muang Thong Thani.
Officials view the extension as an important addition to the city’s transport network, giving commuters and event-goers a faster and more affordable alternative to road travel, while helping to ease congestion in the surrounding area. (NNT)
