The Transport Ministry is pressing ahead with four mass transit projects for Bangkok and its surrounding areas in a bid to realise the second master plan for mass rapid transit development.
Deputy Transport Minister Pailin Chuchottaworn said the ministry will have these four projects moved ahead or even approved this year.
If approved, the development would extend mass transit services for Bangkok and surrounding areas by another 20 kilometres.
The first project is the Brown Line monorail, linking Khae Rai in Nonthaburi and Lam Sali in Bangkok. The 50-billion-baht Brown Line is pending approval from the Land Traffic Management Commission (LTMC).
The next is the Grey Line monorail linking Ram Intra to Rama III.
Additionally, there would be express passenger boat services from Samut Prakan's Sam Rong to Nonthaburi's Pakkret.
There would also be a Gold Line from Krung Thon Buri BTS station to Prajadhipok, via Khlong San.
"The mass transit system in Bangkok and surrounding areas is key to solving traffic congestion," said Mr Painlin.
Once the system becomes fully operational, discount coupons or other incentives would be introduced to encourage people to switch to public transport, with demand likely to grow as a result.
About 1.16 million people use the electric mass transit system which comprises the Green Line, Blue Line, Airport Rail Link and the Purple Line.
When the first phase, which features ten transit routes is completed in 2024-2025, the number of passengers is expected to increase by about 1.57 million.
The last route, the Orange Line linking the Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri, is expected to become operational in 2024-2025.
Mr Pailin said the ministry also plans to introduce catamaran tourist boats on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to boost tourism, with the route running from Phra Arthit pier to Asiatique.
Fares are initially set at 60 baht per trip with a day ticket priced at 200 baht.
He said the project is expected to accommodate individual tourists more than group tours, as the country expects to see more arrivals of individual travellers.
Also in the pipeline to boost tourism is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour that will take tourists through the the old city to shopping centres in downtown Bangkok.