Bangkok, Thailand, June 29, 2004 -- Bangkok’s newest mass transit system, the subway, is to open on 3 July 2004, one month ahead of schedule. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will graciously preside at the formal opening ceremony at the main Bangkok railway station, Hua Lamphong, on July 3, 2004 at 17.30 hrs.

The first 99,999 commuters on the opening date will also receive souvenirs. From the opening date, until August 12, 2004, the royal birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, commuters will be allowed to use the subway at a specially low rate of 10 baht for all routes.

All the revenue from the fare during that period will be donated to Royal charities and foundations under the patronage of Their Majesties the King and Queen.

From 13 August 2004 - 3 July 2005, the fare will rise to the 15% discounted rate of 12 - 31 baht, depending on the distance travelled, and rise to the normal rate of 14 - 36 baht thereafter.

The subway is owned and operated by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the Bangkok Metro Company Limited (BMCL). Its original date of opening was set at 12 August 2004. However, as the test runs have been largely successful, it was decided to open it earlier due to public demand.

The subway will run from the city’s main railway station, Hua Lamphong, under two major thoroughfares, Rama 4 Road and Ratchadaphisek Road. It will make a major contribution to attracting more visitors to Thailand and boosting the average length of stay in Bangkok by linking several hotels, shopping centres and business districts, as well as the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan said, “The subway will supplement the existing Bangkok Skytrain that is already playing a major role in helping visitors, business people and convention delegates get around easily and conveniently.

“It will significantly enhance the attraction of visiting and staying in Bangkok, one of the most exciting cities in Asia.”

All the subway stations are air-conditioned and well equipped with elevators, escalators, shops, ATM machines, public telephone kiosks and ticket vending machines which accept both notes and coins as well as return change.

Special park-and-ride facilities have been established to help reduce traffic congestion. The Lat Phrao Station has a parking building for 2,000 cars while the Thailand Cultural Centre Station provides a building of up to 200 cars. Parking is being provided especially for subway passengers at a nominal rate.

Moreover, the MRTA has also co-operated with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), operator of the city bus service, to link seven subway stations with 18 bus lines for commuters who live in the suburbs and do not always wish to take their cars.

Safety has been a primary consideration in the construction of the subway. In addition to security guards, the highest international standards have been used for the design of accident prevention and evacuation systems. It is well equipped with fire alarms, fire fighting systems, ventilation fans and emergency escapes.

The MRTA also plans to expand Bangkok’s other mass transit system, the Skytrain, which opened in December 1999.

By the year 2010, the Thai government plans to expand the two mass transit systems to cover a total of 291 kms, linking all parts of the city. A budget of 446.6 billion baht has been approved for the route-expansion projects.

Mrs. Juthamas said, “Bangkok is the first point of arrival for 85 % of the total visitors to Thailand. These mass transit systems will go a long way towards ensuring that all visitors have a pleasurable and trouble-free stay.”

The BMT will operate its 18 bus lines in seven stations which include:

1. Kamphaeng Phet Station:
   Line 77 (to Sathupradit Depot)
   Line 136 (to Sathupradit Depot)
   Line 536 (to Pak Nam [expressway])
   
   
2. Lat Phrao Station:
   Line 96 (to Suan Siam)
   Line 179 (to Rama VII)
   Line 185 (to Rangsit)
   Line 503 (to Rangsit)
   Line 504 (to Rangsit)
   Line 518 (to Rangsit)
   
   
3. Huai Khwang Station:
   Line 12 (to Setthakarn)
   
   
4. Thailand Cultural Centre Station
   Line 11 (to Pravet)
   Line 137 (to Ram Kham Haeng)
   Line 206 (to Srinakharin Depot)
   Line 517 (to Lat Krabang)
   
   
5. Phetchaburi Station
   Line 93 (to Athlete Village)
   
   
6. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC)
   Line 2 (to Samrong)
   Line 25 (to Sai Luat Depot)
   
   
7. Sam Yan Station
   Line 45 (to Samrong)

International PR Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
Tel: 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 1574-78
Fax: 66 (0) 2253 7419