BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has revealed that a proposal to convert more of the public transportation fleet to electric vehicles is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet this month. The Transport Ministry plans to seek funding under the government’s 200-billion-baht emergency loan decree to support the transition. Phiphat has discussed the plan with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and the Department of Land Transport. If the proposed program meets the financing requirements under the loan decree, the ministry will proceed with its request for Cabinet approval.
Bangkok’s public bus network is already moving toward electric operation, with about 2,320 electric buses expected to be delivered after mid-2027. Once the new vehicles enter service, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is expected to operate an entirely electric bus fleet. The government plans to extend the conversion to interprovincial passenger buses in the next phase, replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric models where feasible. The proposal is expected to reach the Cabinet for consideration by the end of August. (NNT)
