Over the past six months, we’ve been hearing a lot of updates on what we can expect from Bangkok’s transportation system by 2020, including all the hype surrounding the soon-to-launch MRT Purple line and the all-in-one Mangmoom card that’s yet to be implemented.
Now, we're starting to see renderings of the future extended stations on the MRT Chaloem Ratchamonkhon Blue line (from Hua Lamphong-Bang Kae and Bang Sue-Tha Pra). Of particular note, the Mass Rapid Transportation Authority (MRTA) claims that four stations—Wat Mangkorn, Samyod, Sanam Chai and Isarapap—have the most beautiful designs in the country. Here's a sneak peek of what to expect:
1. The Sino-Portuguese-style Wat Mangkorn, inspired by the rich Chinese heritage in the Yaowarat Area
1. Samyod Station, inspired by the Samyod arch and former government buildings on Charoenkrung Road
3. Sanam Chai Station, designed by National Artist (Visual Art-Architecture) Dr. Pinyo Suwankiri, taking the shape of Rattanakosin-era state room, decorated with Thai art
4. Said to be subtly hidden in an old-style building, Isaraphap Station, the first MRT station on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, will put particular emphasis on the swan as a symbol of Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawiharn
Currently the scheduled date for completion is April 2019. For more on what Bangkok's public transport network will look like in the future, see here.
