Questions, Queries & Complaints About Bangkok's Transport Systems [S6.E43]

Sparked by a recent news story, Greg and Ed consider the ways in
which Thai public transportation misses the mark. Granted, both
guys agree that overall, public transportation in Thailand is
actually pretty good, and miles ahead of where it was when they
got here. The MRT and BTS have expanded considerably in recent
years, regional airports dot the country, and an extensive
railway line spans the country. Nevertheless, certain quirks in
the system just don't make sense, and the boys decided to air
their questions. 


First, Greg mentions the news story about a missing link between
two separate lines of the BTS that come oh so close but
inexplicably lack a connection - not the first time this has
happened. Ed laments that the different lines of both the BTS and
MRT are really separate projects, with some but not really
complete coordination, resulting in some perplexing gaps in the
system. 


Second, Ed brings up the long talked about plan for high speed
rail in Thailand, noting that although the rail system in the
country is quite extensive and very popular, it's also very old
and greatly in need of an upgrade. 


The guys continue, discussing such issues as the lack of boat
connections across the Gulf, the inability to take khlong boats
from the city out into the Chao Phraya, and the lack of taxi
boats from Bangkok to Paknam and out into the ocean. Listen in
for the details.


Last, Greg brings up a purely aesthetic point: why aren't the
pillars and undersides of the BTS used for art and graffiti? No
doubt thousands of square meters of blank concrete would make
great canvases for colorful and creative public displays of Thai
artistic talent. 


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