BANGKOK – Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra has overseen a test run of environmentally friendly boat prototypes, before officially deploying them in Khlong Phasi Charoen next month.
M.R. Sukhumbhand and members of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials attended the experiment and inspected the 8-kilometer waterway connecting Saphan Taksin pier in Phasi Charoen district and the pier at Taling Chan district’s floating market.
The Governor said the prototype boats are made of fiberglass which minimizes the effect of waves while the boats are maneuvering. He stated that each boats’ capacity is 60 passengers. The vessels are equipped with a GPS based automatic speed control system, four CCTV cameras and a free Wi-Fi service. The boats also have a space for wheel chairs and bicycles.
M.R. Sukhumbhand disclosed that his agency has already received three boats from the manufacturer, while adding that the remaining nine are being assembled and would be delivered by this August. He said the BMA is currently testing the three boats, training helmsmen and extending boat routes to connect with BTS Sky Train stations.
