Ministry of Transport Sets May 22, 2026 Deadline for EV Bus Depot Handover to BMTA, Khlong Toei Depot Most Ready

The Ministry of Transport is expediting related agencies to resolve land and legal issues to advance the plan to hand over clean energy (EV) bus depots to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), setting a deadline of 22 May 2026. The "Khlong Toei depot" is the most ready, aiming to sustainably upgrade Thailand's public transportation system to clean energy.

Mr. Panya Chupanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, revealed after chairing the fourth meeting to monitor progress on site procurement for the leasing project. Electric air-conditioned bus project (EV). The meeting received updates on the progress of handing over bus depot sites to support the BMTA's project operations according to the scheduled timeline.

Update on the progress of handing over six EV bus depots.

Progress tracking found that each site has different operational statuses according to legal procedures as follows.

• Khlong Toei depot. This site is the most ready; BMTA has signed a lease agreement with the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) and has already taken possession of the area.
• Pu Chao Saming Phrai depot. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has permitted BMTA to use the area, currently in the process of signing documents for payment of highway right-of-way fees.
• Pin Klao Southern Bus Terminal depot. Contract revisions are underway regarding fire safety standards to comply with safety regulations, with signing expected within May.
• Chiang Rak depot. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has approved leasing the site, and billing is being prepared.
• Rama 9 depot, Samut Prakan Housing Station depot, and Khlong Bang Phai Station depot. Currently, these are under Cabinet consideration for approval of site usage, to comply with legal procedures.

Advancing the upgrade of public transport to a clean energy system.

Mr. Panya added that all relevant agencies have been urged to expedite operations and hand over sites to BMTA by 22 May 2026, to enable the project to launch as planned.

The project to procure EV buses by BMTA is a significant milestone in transitioning Thailand's public transport system. It not only helps reduce urban air pollution and PM 2.5 particulate matter but also enhances service quality for the public, under transparent and prudent budget management that sustainably meets citizens’ needs.

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