Chao Phraya Express Boat has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) to run a pilot project of electric boats for commuters on the Chao Phraya River.
The two yellow boats were developed by Kasetsart University (Sriracha Campus). Each boat can accommodate up to 80 passengers and is powered by 214kWh lithium-ion batteries, which can cover a distance of 60km on a single charge. The boats' top speed is about 10 knots or 18.5kph and they are equipped with an air-conditioning system powered by rooftop solar cells.
Chao Phraya Express Boat will integrate the e-boats into its service without charging a fee for six months. The initial plan is to operate the e-boats between Pak Kret pier to Rama VII pier in Nonthaburi and from Rama VII pier to Sathon pier in Bangkok. The availability of the service will be announced soon.
Egat introduced the e-boats in September last year as part of its plan to launch EV charging stations in Bangkok and up-country. Egat also worked with King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok to introduce 51 electric motorcycles for taxi drivers in Nonthaburi last year. Moreover, it has joined hands with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to modify four diesel-powered buses into electric buses.
In the meantime, the Chao Phraya Express Boat has resumed its cruise service to Koh Kret in Nonthaburi.
The tourist boat is available every Saturday until the end of this month. It will leave Sathon pier at 10am and return from Wat Poramai Yikawat pier on Koh Kret at 3pm. The fare is 150 baht. Commuters can also get on the boat at the Ratchawong, Pran Nok and Nonthaburi piers.
Call 086-331-4215 or add Line ID @cpxboattour for more details.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Thai Vietjet has resumed direct flights between Phuket and Chiang Rai.
The service is available four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The outbound flight departs Phuket at 8.15am and the inbound flight departs Chiang Rai airport at 10.50am. The travel time is about two hours.
The airline also plans to resume other domestic cross-regional flights including Hat Yai–Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai–Nakhon Si Thammarat from March 19.
Visit vietjetair.com and skyfun.vietjetair.com.
- Thai AirAsia will resume all of its domestic flights in April. It expects to serve more passengers who want to fly during the long Songkran holidays.
During April, the airline flies to 21 cities from Don Mueang Airport including Chiang Rai, Krabi, Loei and Nakhon Phanom and five cities from Suvarnabhumi airport including Chiang Mai, Nan, Phuket, Hat Yai and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
It has not yet offered domestic cross-regional flights.
Visit www.airasia.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATES
- Cape & Kantary Hotels is offering the "Come Back With Peace Of Mind" promotion for 13 of its properties.
Prices for a night stay start from 1,400 baht and that includes breakfast for two, late check-out (subject to availability). The promotion will last until April 30 for stays until the end of April.
Visit capekantaryhotels.com/come-back-with-peace-of-mind.
- Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai has introduced the Jungle Escape promotion for guests to stay at least five nights.
Prices start from 8,500 baht per night for up to two adults and one child under twelve years sharing a room. The offer also includes a complimentary upgrade to a Three Country View Suite, daily breakfast, one elephant experience per person and a complimentary night's stay in a Jungle Bubble.
The promotion is valid for stays until March 31.
Visit anantara.com/en/golden-triangle-chiang-rai/offers or call 053-784-084.
- Dusit D2 Khao Yai in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima has introduced the "Weekday Crust & Comfort" promotion.
A night stay in a Deluxe Plus Room starts at 3,314 baht and includes daily breakfast for two, a selection of dusitD2 homemade pizza and a complimentary voucher of two doughnuts at Bu-Co-Lic Café.
The promotion is available for stays from Sundays to Fridays from now until the end of March.
Visit dusit.com/dusitd2-khaoyai or call 044-003-000.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
