Public urged to try water transport on Chao Phraya to avoid traffic jams

Department director-general Wittaya Yamuang said that travelling by passenger boats in the Chao Phraya River is an option for people in Bangkok and its suburbs who want to avoid the traffic congestion of the city.

There are now both passenger ships and chartered boats for tourism to provide more services. All ships are subject to safety standards as required by the Marine Department, including safety equipment such as life vests, he said.

The boat drivers and masters must obtain a crew licence. Any violation or use of unsafe instruments will lead to suspension of the crew licence and the service will be stopped immediately, he said.
Premier Riva Boat Co said it sees an opportunity to expand the water tourism industry, especially on the banks of the Chao Phraya River where tourists, both Thais and foreigners, are interested in visiting the temples and water attractions all year round. The company has launched a charter boat business, the first tuk-tuk passenger boat service in Thailand.

There are five pilot boats, of which two have run a trial service since November 2019. They aim to develop up to 10 boats. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic affecting foreign tourists, the company has adjusted its business plan. Originally, the company planned to launch the tuk-tuk boat business next year with a fixed price according to distance.

This year, the company expects 250 passengers to use the service per month, or 3,000 people per year, generating an income of approximately Bt2 million per year.
Next year, when the service of five tuk-tuk passenger boats is completed, it expects to increase passenger numbers to 500 per month or 6,000 people per year, generating income of Bt4 million per year and expanding continuously when the number of passenger ships increases to 10 in the future.