Realizing the traffic problem in the Greater Bangkok Area, the government

has planned on the Mass Rapid Transit System for a long time starting from 1971 with
an aide from the German government in sending a team for experts to conduct a study
and a master plan for traffic and transportation in the Greater Bangkok Area. But the
project has had to face with numerous problems in implementation due to the project's
mega size and high investment cost. Adding to this is the policy problem. All these
attribute to the project being unable to launch and the delay has been prolonged until
1992.

The Cabinet of H.E. Prime Minister Mr.Anand Panyarachun imposed the

policy that the Government would construct the Mass Rapid Transit System in the
Greater Bangkok Area it self, thus resolved on 28 July 1992 that the Metropolitan
Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) be founded under the Office of the Prime Minister.
The organization would have a status of state enterprise under the Act on
Establishment of the Government Organizations B.E. 2496 (1953), and is responsible
for the implementation of projects on Mass Rapid Transit System in the Greater
Bangkok Area. The Royal Decree Establishing the Metropolitan Rapid Transit
Authority B.E. 2535 (1992) was announced in the Royal Gazette on 20 August 1992
and effected on 21 August 1992.

Where as the Royal Decree Establishing the Metropolitan Rapid Transit

Authority B.E. 2535 has certain limitations on its provisions resulting in the
inflexibility and inefficiency on the establishment, management and services of MRT
trains as will as in maintaining public safety; and together with the fact that the need
for MRT activity is now immensely increased, it is expedient to revise the provisions
regarding the power and duties of MRTA so as to operate MRT business more
systematically and efficiently. So, in the year 2000” Metropolitan Rapid Transit
Authority” was renamed “Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand” under the Mass
Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 2543 (2000) which took effect from
December 2, 2000. According to the Act, MRTA is authorised to operate Mass Rapid
Transit Systems within the Greater Bangkok Area and other provinces, which will be
stipulated in the Royal Decree, or between the provinces and to run business related to
the MRT enterprise and other business for the benefit of MRTA and the passengers.
 The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) was formed with
the main objectives to operate and develop Mass Rapid Transit Systems, within the
Bangkok conurbation and its vicinities. The MRTA subway system is being carried
out to improve the quality of life of Bangkok residents by providing them with an
alternative means of transportation, which is more rapid, convenient and means of
transportation, which is more rapid, convenient and economic than the conventional
road traffic. Within the year 2010, it is expected that the MRTA system will cover an
area of 291 km., both subterranean and overland, with a total of seven subway lines,
MRTA presently oerates the M.R.T. Chaloem Ratechamongkhon line,. which is
Thailand?s first underground mass transit system, commencing its commercial
operation on July 3, 2004. it also takes responsibility for the three extension subway
lines including Blue Line:Bang Sue-Tha Phra Section, Blue Line: Hua Lamphong-
Bang Khae Section, Orange Line:Bang Kapi Bang Bumru Section, and Purple Line :
Bang Yai-Rat Burana Section. the Purple Line is scheduled for completion in the year
2008. The other three new lines will be managed by the State. Railway of Thailand
and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

M.R.T. Chaloem Ratchamongkhon line is built entirely underground with a

total length of 20 km. it connects the northern and central parts of the Bangkok
metropolis, from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong

Blue Line: Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae Section

The Blue Line: Hua Lamphon-Bang khae Section is 13.9 km long with 8.9 km
elevated and 4.8 km underground. It is an extension line constructed to expand service
of the Chaloem Ratchamongkhon line to serve demand in high-density areas and
residential areas on the west side of the Chao Phraya River.

Orange Line:Bang Kapi-Bang Bang Bumru Section

The Orange Line: Bang Kapi ?Bang Bumru Section has a total length of 24 km
with 21 km of underground line and 3 km of elevated structure. It is aimed at serving
travel demand in the west (Thonburi side) and east of Bangkok.

Purple Line:Bang Yai-Rat Burana Section

 The Purple Line : Bang Yai-Rat Burana Section has a total length of 40 km with 26
km of underground line and 14 km of elevated structure. It is aimed at serving
commuters between suburbs in the northwestern area of Bangkok and the southern
area via the central part of the old city district.