Chiang Mai Tackles Traffic Congestion, Pushes for EV Bus Launch in Sep 2026

Matichon•Society•18d ago

Reader Briefing

Chiang Mai is implementing a multi-faceted approach to combat traffic issues, including the upcoming launch of EV buses in September 2026, road expansion, and urban planning initiatives.

•Chiang Mai is actively working to resolve traffic congestion through various projects.
•An EV Bus service is slated to launch between September and October 2026.
•Road expansion and urban planning are being undertaken to improve traffic flow and support future city growth.
•A new urban development plan has been in effect since May 25, 2026, covering seven districts.

Overview

•On July 8, an executive meeting was held at Chiang Mai Provincial Hall to address urban traffic issues.
•Roads such as Nimmanhaemin and Mahidol have been improved with adjustments to crossings, temporary medians, parking regulations, and increased police presence.
•The development and operation of EV Bus public transport are in the procurement phase, with service expected to begin in September-October 2026.
•Highway Department 1 is carrying out 11 projects totaling nearly 40 kilometers to improve highway networks.
•Rural Road Department 10 is continuously developing projects including road construction, expansion, underpasses, overpasses, and bypass roads.
•The new comprehensive urban development plan for Chiang Mai has been in effect since May 25, 2026, covering seven districts.
•The new urban development plan aims to support city expansion while preserving natural resources, culture, and local lifestyles.
•A proposal was made to create a master plan for public transport in Chiang Mai, including infrastructure, traffic safety, and the formation of a working committee to integrate public transportation systems.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Unnamed Official

"It is expected to be operational between September-October 2026."

คาดว่าจะสามารถเปิดให้บริการได้ช่วงเดือนกันยายน-ตุลาคม 2026

Unnamed Official

"It has been in effect since May 25, 2026."

มีผลบังคับใช้ตั้งแต่วันที่ 25 พฤษภาคม 2026 ที่ผ่านมา

Key Entities

Place

Chiang Mai(เชียงใหม่)ℹ️

The province where traffic congestion mitigation and urban development projects are being implemented.

Nimmanhaemin Road(ถนนนิมมานเหมินท์)

A road in Chiang Mai that has undergone traffic management improvements.

Mahidol Road(ถนนมหิดล)

A road in Chiang Mai that has undergone traffic management improvements.

Person

Sivakorn Buapong(นายศิวกร บัวป้อง)

Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai who chaired the meeting on improving the province's road traffic system.

Organization

Highway Department 1(สำนักงานทางหลวงที่ 1)

An organization currently undertaking 11 projects to improve highway networks in Chiang Mai.

Rural Road Department 10(สำนักงานทางหลวงชนบทที่ 10)

An organization actively developing projects such as road construction, expansion, underpasses, and bypass roads in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Public Works and Town Planning(โยธาธิการและผังเมืองจังหวัดเชียงใหม่)

The provincial department responsible for explaining the new comprehensive urban development plan for Chiang Mai.

Travel Rights Council(สภาสิทธิการเดินทาง)

An organization that proposed the creation of a public transport master plan and a dedicated working committee for Chiang Mai.

Law

New Comprehensive Urban Development Plan of Chiang Mai(ผังเมืองรวมเชียงใหม่ฉบับใหม่)

A new urban development plan that came into effect on May 25, 2026, to support city growth while preserving resources.