Rail Dept. mulls 40% off-peak discount for Blue & Purple lines and Airport Link

15 Sept 13:41 Key points summarised by AI

The newly-established Rail Department proposes up to 40% off-peak fare reductions on the Blue, Purple lines, and Airport Link, excluding the BTS sky train system.
Discounts would apply during specific off-peak hours (10 am-4 pm, 8 pm-midnight) and weekends, with an additional five-baht per trip discount for monthly ticket holders.
The initiative aims to increase ridership by 10% but would require a one billion baht annual government subsidy to operators, funded by Bangkok's road taxes.
The proposal is set for committee review this Friday, with a potential three-month trial period expected to commence in October if approved by the transport minister.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.