Politics
Ministry Confirms Mo Chit 2 Redevelopment Stays in Chatuchak
Chatuchak residents will continue using the existing Bangkok Bus Terminal location for intercity services as planning funds support upgrades and potential light rail connections.
How we reported this
The Ministry of Transport has confirmed that the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak), also known as Mo Chit 2, will remain in its current location and undergo redevelopment rather than relocation to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. This decision keeps the terminal's services in place for local commuters and visitors who rely on it for regional travel.
Planning and Construction Funding
The Transport Company Ltd. received a 39-million-baht allocation in fiscal year 2025 to complete planning for Mo Chit 2's redevelopment. A 3.6-billion-baht budget request is planned for fiscal year 2027 to start construction in 2027. These steps follow eight major upgrades completed by late 2024, including platform revamps, new seating, LED schedule screens, and four new entrances designed to match airport standards.
A government proposal to transfer management of the Grey and Silver Lines from the BMA to the MRTA includes a review of existing studies and an exploration of a light rail (tram) system in Chatuchak to improve intermodal connections. Such changes would affect daily travel patterns for residents who combine bus, rail and market visits.
Local Market and Transport Use
Chatuchak Market operates as a car-free environment during opening hours. Data show 62.77% of visitors rely on public transport while 60% of store owners previously traveled by car. Redevelopment at Mo Chit 2 and any light rail exploration could influence these patterns by altering access points and service integration near the market area.
The confirmed location decision means residents avoid shifts in terminal access that a relocation would have required. Planning work funded for fiscal year 2025 is expected to shape the next phases, with construction projected to begin in 2027 if the larger budget request advances. The government says the policy will maintain current services while adding improvements to platforms and entrances already implemented.
Further steps depend on budget approvals and the outcome of studies on line transfers and light rail options. These elements tie directly to how Chatuchak residents reach the terminal and connect to other transport modes in their daily routines.