BANGKOK — State-owned Transport Co Ltd has launched trial express bus services from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket, aiming to reduce travel time and enhance passenger comfort with streamlined routes and onboard meals. The trial will run until March 8, with plans for permanent implementation based on passenger feedback, the Bangkok Post reported.

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The new express buses will limit pickup and drop-off points to major terminals, eliminating lengthy stops at roadside restaurants. Instead, meals will be served onboard, cutting travel time significantly. The Bangkok-Chiang Mai route will now take 9 hours and 30 minutes—down from 11 hours—while the Bangkok-Phuket journey will be reduced to 12 hours from 13 hours.

The state-owned Transport Co Ltd has begun a trial operation of special express bus services for Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket, starting on Thursday and lasting until March 8.

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Fares are set at 594 baht for the Chiang Mai route and 1,112 baht for Phuket, with two round trips daily. Departures from Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 terminal to Chiang Mai are at 8 p.m., with returns from Chiang Mai at 6:30 p.m. For Phuket, buses depart Bangkok at 5:25 p.m. and return from Phuket at 4:30 p.m.

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The initiative responds to growing demand for efficient and affordable intercity travel. If successful, the express services could expand to other routes, reinforcing the government’s efforts to modernize Thailand’s public transportation network.

-Thailand News (TN)