An electric passenger boat service started operating on Bangkok's Phadung Krung Kasem canal yesterday morning.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha launched the service at Hua Lamphong Railway Station and was a passenger on the first boat along the five-kilometre route to Thewarat Market.
The service is operated by Krungthep Thanakhom, a subsidiary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Its seven electric fibreglass boats can each carry 30 passengers, with provision for one wheelchair. They can run for four hours per charge, at 10-15kph, have solar panels on the roof to help power their engines and lights, and are equipped with a tracking system and security surveillance cameras.
Gen Prayut said the service was in line with the government's policy to promote clean energy.
The boats operate from 6am-7pm and run every 15 minutes. The long-term fare has been set at 10 baht, but travel is free for the first six months.