BANGKOK BTS SKYTRAIN | SILOM LINE Future Extensions to Khao San Road, Pinklao & Bangrak? 

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.

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.

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!

For iced tea & snack, Pat. Thanks for an excellent and informative clip as always.

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 :)

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 🙏😉

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 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🙏🙏❤❤❤🍺🍺🍺🍺

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.

It would seem Thailand is way ahead when compared to Australia. It constantly amazes me how good Thais are at building these overhead lines.

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!

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.

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. 😅

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.

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.

Chuf chuf Pat.

Awesome video Bangkok Pat,I watched it with my Thai wife,she was born and grow up in Bangkok.😊😊😊😊

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

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!

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).

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.

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?

Great ideas Mr Pat!

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.

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.

Brilliant as always!!! THANKS

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.

Very entertaining video as per always and lot's of fun also 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺

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

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.

It’s great watching the evolution of the expansion of rail lines and your predictions . The future train line Swamy

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.

Great stuff ! Love the content of low key Krung Thep , keep it up BP .

A Vlogging Visionary. Love Ya Work.

Really Need to Learn that line and must do more time in BBK

I liked these ideas.

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😅.

Good show Pat.

Interesting Video Pat, with good ideas from you for the Future BTS Line. 🙏

This video makes perfect sense. BTS Authority, Take note!

Good news

Civil Engineer Pat, Love it. Spot om suggestions

Loved the Mozart interlude on the way to Khao San Road ...

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 😂

maps worked well

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.

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.

I love your dream. Ok I pay for it!!! 💰💰💰💰

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.

WOW , PAT you are the Bollox :)

Bedankt

Pat I would like to see them build that rail from don muang to utapo that definitely would help with traffic.

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.

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.

A++. You should become the minister for transport and development please Pat 6:43 what are these two big yellow towers for, please

Ahhh yes, we can only keep dreaming lol

this all makes a lot of sense hope this happens soon

new job for Bangkok Pat ........ TOWN PLANNER & TEACHER

Of all the major cities Bangkok probably has the most indistinguishable dreary skyline

Khao San Road just might happen because all the business there want out. and Iconsiam wants in for the new "Icon KhaoSan".

Pat have you ever run a marathon ..

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. 😂

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 😅.

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 ….

Public transportation dreams….

You should be an urban developer 😊.

How realistic is it to reduce traffic if these ideas were put in place 😮

Is TRAINHEAD a term?...🙂

I think that was an opium dream ! 5555 😂

Saigon Line 1 opening 2024? Very odd choice of route for half of it.

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.

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

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......

Long overdue

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.

Train spotting 🥸

Will pinklao ever het a mrt or bts line , we really need one

There is a bus route BRT from Sathorn to Ratchapruek. Along the river. Upgrade to BTS?

Enjoyable video Pat. Whats the cheapest option for using the BTS can you buy a day/week pass etc

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?

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.

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.

Why don't they hire you as a public transportation consultant and route planner?

I’m Thai and I can confirm that it’s not going to happen…even in a million years.

62nd

What about southern bus terminal?

please give a good map with the video

is bts easier to construct than MRT underground?

Pat you are to clean to be sleeping on the side of the road.

If they extend it to Khao San Road then maybe they should make it a ring line

are the current lines making money?

Your dreams are cool😅

😅หลับ

We have used the BTS several times while in Bangkok, and I always found it very confusing. It is as if every single 'line' was built without any planning for past or future lines - but just never happens in Thailand 😄:) IMO one day in the future the 'main' Govt will decree that the BTS is a national issue, and they will create a single organisation to make them all work together - including Pat's obviously good suggestions. They really need a BTS that allows anyone to go anywhere in Bangkok with ease - especially tourists who just do not understand all the colours and what line goes where. I remember looking at the BTS 'map' online when staying at a hotel and I calculated that we had to use 3 separate lines with changeovers to get where we were going that day - so we took a taxi. I am sure the locals work it out by using it everyday - but for a visitor it is an uncoordinated shambles.