Improved Roads, Rails To Aid Thai Traffic Problems

<I>Bangkok</I> - Thailand's capital, notorious for some of the worst traffic jams in the world, is undergoing a renaissance of its roadways and railways to combat this obstacle to doing business here.

Newly opened major highways, road additions that will soon debut and a wide range of public transit projects will ensure that getting around Bangkok is easier than in the past, and should be significantly better in the near future.

The improvements already are yielding progress. "After years of planning and construction, the completion of additional expressways-particularly circle expressways leading from suburbs 16 to 20 miles away from downtown-has alleviated congestion during prime travel periods," said Armanda Mequet, a spokeswoman for the Regent Bangkok hotel. "Last September's opening of the second stage expressway, linking the airport to the downtown riverfront, also has made commuting more convenient and accessible." A Shangri-La Hotel spokeswoman said she recently did the trip at midday in 30 minutes.

However, a lot of work remains. Inner-city movement still can be a challenge, Mequet warned. Although she lives just three miles from her hotel, "it normally takes between one and 1 1/2 hours for me to get to work."

Average rush hour speed in Bangkok is 2.5 mph, compared with 7.5 mph in Hong Kong and 16 mph in Singapore, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. To speed things up, a number of roadway projects are under way. These include a 21-mile, six-lane expressway extension from Pak Kret to Bang Pa-In, scheduled to open in 1998; the third stage expressway, now partially opened, a 50-mile system connecting central Bangkok with its outskirts that should be finished by 1999; and a 50-mile, four-lane road linking Bangkok with the port area of Chonburi, set to open later this year.

But Bangkok is not relying only on new roads to relieve congestion; mass transit will play a role via three innovative projects. The Bangkok Transit System, featuring elevated electric trains, is scheduled to open in 1998. The first stage runs from the Northern Bus Terminal to Rama I Road in central Bangkok, and then eastward along Sukumvit Road. The second stage runs from the Rama I interchange southwards to Silom Road. When fully operational, carrying capacity will be 50,000 passengers per hour.

Also in 1998 will be the partial debut of the Hopewell Project, an elevated rail and road system. The first two stages-from Yommarat to Rangsit and from Yommarat to Hua Mark-are slated to open in June 1998. Three further extensions are planned. In addition, ground broke in November for an underground rail system which, when fully operational, will be able to handle 50,000 passengers per hour.

Among Thailand's most important 1996 infrastructure developments were the debut of expanded airport capacities and the announcement of plans for a second international airport.

Tourism officials say last year's opening of a second terminal at Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport is accelerating the flow of passengers through customs. The extension includes 94 additional checkin counters, plus 64 immigration counters for arrival and 36 for departures. The airport offers six more business- class and VIP lounges, plus 36 day rooms for connecting passengers.

The Second Bangkok International Airport, expected to be significantly larger than Don Muang, will occupy approximately 20 square miles of land at Noong Ngu Hao, about 12.5 miles east of Bangkok. Because of delays, however, the airport won't be completed until 2003, according to aviation officials. The facility will include two runways and one passenger terminal handling some 9,550 passengers per hour.

Eventually, the airport will be expanded to two terminals plus four runways designed to accommodate large aircraft. Once SBIA is finished, Don Muang will be converted into a primarily domestic facility.