The Transport Ministry has expedited efforts towards achieving Net Zero by transitioning 2,801 intercity buses to electric vehicles (EVs) and establishing 350 charging stations.

Under the policy of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand is committed to addressing climate change through actions aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2065, as well as the development of sustainable transport infrastructure.

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has been responsible for the development of a low-carbon intercity bus system with climate-resilient infrastructure to address the impacts of climate change.

A joint meeting with relevant agencies was conducted to support actions aligned with the country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Electric intercity bus transformation

Panya Chuphanit, Director of OTP, revealed that the Ministry of Transport has developed a concept for a low-carbon intercity bus system and tasked the Transport Company (TCL) with overseeing the procurement of electric intercity buses, with a total of 381 buses planned.

The initial phase will involve procuring 54 electric buses as a pilot project, with TCL responsible for securing funding for leasing the vehicles. The project aims to replace existing intercity buses with electric buses (EVs) and includes:

- Up to 381 intercity buses, consisting of 60 minibuses, 321 12-metre buses, and 2,099 vans operating on 219 intercity routes.
- The installation of 350 charging stations to ensure adequate coverage and meet the demand for electric intercity buses.

Secure GCF funding to support the project

The transition from internal combustion engine buses to electric buses is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 267,317.50 tons per year, with a project timeline of five years.

The project seeks to secure financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other agencies, with a total budget of THB 18.57 billion (US$ 540 million) for implementation. It will also support EV bus manufacturers and battery producers, in addition to the government's existing support measures.

Panya explained that the Ministry of Transport has not yet received the allocated budget for this project, as it depends on government approval. The THB 18.57 billion budget is intended for all relevant ministries involved, including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Industry, and others.

Transport company launches EV bus rental auction

Recently, TCL initiated an electronic bidding process (E-Bidding) for the procurement of 54 electric buses, with a budget of approximately THB 300 million and a five-year rental period.

Atthawit Rakjamroon, Acting Managing Director of TCL, noted that no private companies showed interest in bidding, citing the perceived limited availability of electric buses for rental in the country and concerns that renting electric buses may not be cost-effective compared to purchasing them outright.

He further explained that TCL is preparing to issue a new procurement announcement to invite qualified private companies to bid for the project. If no bids are received, TCL will announce a specific procurement method by the end of the month.

Once a private company is selected, TCL will invite the winning bidder to sign a contract and prepare a plan to deliver 54 electric buses within six months, by June 2025, for deployment on designated routes.

Service launch by late 2025

The procurement of 54 electric buses is intended to provide services on routes of up to 250 kilometres, such as the Bangkok-Pattaya, Bangkok-Hua Hin, Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima, and Bangkok-Saraburi routes. The service is expected to begin by the end of 2025.

In addition, improvements will be made to bus terminal access and integration with public transport systems to enhance efficiency. This will include upgrading terminal facilities and expanding connections to reduce reliance on private vehicles and encourage the use of sustainable, low-carbon public transport options.

Efforts will also be undertaken to ensure the efficient and responsible disposal of used batteries from electric intercity buses to minimise environmental impacts. Furthermore, training and capacity-building programmes will be implemented for personnel at all levels and relevant stakeholders. These will include:

- Organising training sessions and knowledge transfer.
- Developing skills in the maintenance and repair of electric buses and related infrastructure.
- Managing emergency situations and promoting awareness campaigns on the benefits of electric buses.