Expressways&Tollways:Toll rise!

[jpatokal]

Greetings,

Quite a few older maps, eg. Lonely Planet Bangkok, show a nameless "Second Stage Expressway" extending from Th Ratchaprapop (between WTC and Pratunam Market) westwards, connecting to the Phayathai-Banghklo Expressway.

But 5 years after the map was published, in reality there's just a largish, vacant-looking construction site -- concreted over but no elevated structures, no tarmac, no activity -- and an even larger shantytown below where the expressway presumably should run. So what's the scoop? :confused:

[Pas]

I know the area you're talking about. It's quite likely those concrete pads are the abandoned foundations of the now defunct World Trade Centre Hotel project. See artist impressions here (http://www.geocities.com/topsyturvy_6051/worldtrade.html) The Central Group who now operates WTC has said that they'll expand the existing WTC complex. So (surprise surprise) we might see even more shopping areas there!!

Also, I don't think that section of the expressway is going to be completed anytime soon because land expropriation matters have not been resolved (anyone pls correct me if I'm wrong).
The project was strongly opposed by the local Ban Krua community who organised protests and even sought legal representation to prevent eviction by ETA (Expressway Authority). The issue has received wide media coverage in the past. And Ban Krua is not just any squatter settlements.. the community exists for over 200 years, probably when Khlong Saen Saep was first dug up. Those places may look like shanty towns but seems there's a strong sense of community there.

[jpatokal]

A-ha! OK, thanks for the information... but I do believe the link you provides shows a renderings of the mostly complete and recently resurrected Central World Tower on Rama I (which was formerly known as the WTC Bangkok Tower), not the planned hotel on Ratchaprarop?

[Pas]

hi there Jpatokal.. those renderings also shows the hotel tower as well (it's the smaller of the two towers facing Rajaparob Rd). Central Pattana is reviving the office tower + hotel project but it won't be of the same scale as what the original developer Wang Petchaboon had envisaged.
In reality, the WTC hotel tower never got off the ground.. only the foundations were completed. This hotel was supposed to have 45 storeys under the original mater plan. Central Pattana are still pressing ahead with building a 4-5 stars hotel as part of Central World Plaza but I don't think it'll be in the form of another highrise :)
A development concept for Central World Plaza from Central Pattana's website.
http://www.centralpattana.com/images/worldplaza.gif

[jpatokal]

Hmm... but the map you link to (love the caption :D) shows the hotel hidden behind the currently existing WTC Isetan, whereas the mysterious fenced-in concrete lot is to the right of Isetan, next to the Saen Saep canal.
So I'm still not quite convinced it's the same thing... unless they've decided to move it!?

[Pas]

Then I have no idea which fenced off concrete bit you mean (an annotated plan / photo might help). Well at least we've established that it's not part of the WTC site :)

[Wisarut]

Khun jpatokal

For the concrete fence ... It MUST be installed for security reason since the proposed expressway (CD Road) from Yommaraj to Ratchadamri is very closed to Sra Pathum Palace -> the palace which is hnow belonged to Princess Sirindhorn! The Sra Pathum Palace used to be belonged to Princess Mother and Prince Mahidol (parents of our His Majesty) ... Now, you see the important of the palace!

The CD Road from Yommaraj to Ratchadamri is UNLIKELY to be resurfaced any time soon since it must poass through Ban Krua village -> the community of Cham people migrated into Bangkok 200 years ago ... and those in Ban Krua are also the backbone for Jimk Thomson's Silk business .... Think about it!

[Fatwol]

I know the land you mean - the area between klong saen saep and WTC, right? It's fenced off looking like a construction site, but there's nothing going on there. A real eye sore, even with the new low rise market in front of it (which should never have been built there by the way, it was crying out for another high rise to give the area that elusive Manhattan-style density)

[jpatokal]

K. Fatwol: Yup, that's the place.

K. Wisarut: Whoa! Now I finally connected the dots. So what I dubbed a shantytown is actually where Jim Thompson's silk weavers lived -- and still live? I've weaved (groan) my way through it once, but didn't notice anything related (not that I was looking)... although I suppose this would explain some of those incongruous-looking multimillion-baht SUVs parked in the middle of it all.

So I can still find and/or buy handmade silk in there somewhere? Any hope of directions usable by a farang who can barely muster up enough Thai to haggle? A little googling seems to hint that the area extends past Phayathai into the vicinity of Jim Thompson's house.

And a bio of Jim T. with some background on Ban Krua: http://www.cpamedia.com/history/jim_thompson_thailand_silk_king/

[Kiku99]

The hotel should be another hi-rise so that it would add density to the area. :D

Anyways, i really think that the govt. should take a serious action regarding the Ban Krua community. Either find another place for them to stay or improve that area to become a nice residential area.

It's located right in the middle of Bkk so it's an eyesore sight especially for foreigners.

[The Enforcer!]

Not sure how to add this to Structures & the City so added here:

travelling to/from Bangna daily I am intrigued with the increasing height of the link from the Bangna-Chonburi elevated Expressway to the Ram-Intra Art-Narong Expressway, which presumably at some point will link with the Chalerm Mahanakhon (First Stage) expressway.

Back in October, it looked like running at the same level as the Bangna-Chonburi elevated Expressway all the way above Chalerm Mahanakhon (First Stage) expressway to the Ram-Intra Art-Narong Expressway.

However, now pillars at the Art-Narong junction are substantially higher than the existing expressway.

Any ideas?

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

For that Expressway Link for the first stage and Bangna - Bangpakong Expressway, it was initially designed to connect both Ram Indra - At Narong Expressway as well. However, the governemtn has asked Expressway Authoruity to scale down to Link ONLY the 1st stage expressway with Bang Na -Bang Pakong exptressway ....

[The Enforcer!]

Dear Kh. Wisarut,

This makes it even more confusing as Ram-Intra Art-Narong is already connected to the First Stage yet there is piling FROM this over and along the side of First Expressway for at least 400m and they are still working on it today!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Because the 3rd stage Expressway have collect 40-Baht toll to who who want to use their expressway as well as thsoe who want to use 1st stage expressway. This have petered out many of the potential users since they don't want to pay more for linking with oitehr system. Therforfe they ask to constrict the connection Bang Na - Bang Pakong expressway wout LINKING to 1st stage exprtesswat so as NOTY to get extorted fee from Ch., Karnchang who run ERam Indra - At Narong expressway

[The Enforcer!]

Dear Kh. Wisarut,

Checking with my eyes today I am really, really confused!

From the elevated Bangna-Chonburi road they are building central supports as far as 300m over the Tollgates.

From there there are a mixture of very high Central, or edge of Expressway, supports being erected all the way along to Ram-Intra-Naranong Expressway.

At this juncture, there is a road paralleling the link from in-bound Mahanakron Expressway to Ram-Intra-Naranong Expressway, but then it curves left as if joining the other direction of Mahanakron Expressway but then it dips!

The Enforcer!

[Nekochan]

Dear Khun Enforcer,

You mean S1 Expreeway? It is a new expressway connecting elevated Bangna Expressway - Ram Indra Expressway (directly). The alignment of S1 (Southern Expressway Section 1?) is above the existing Chalerm Mahanakon ..... but I think this section has nothing to do with Chalerm Mahanakon itself!!

There is an elevated tollgate on Sukhumvit 64 with an off ramp for motorists want to get off to Chalerm Mahanakon. I am not sure there is any on ramp for S1.

You can drive from Ram Indra to Bangna Expressway without getting off to Chalerm Mahanakon first and vice versa. But you have got to pay....I think 40 Baht for passenger car.

I checked the data from ETA website. I hope I got it right.

[grtaylor]

Not sure whether this is the correct place to ask, but is there a map anywhere of exactly what is happening at the Sukhumvit end of the Bangna-Trad highway? Obviously they are connecting it to the inner expressway, but how?

What is happening at the junction with the Ram Indra expressway? It would be interesting to see a map of it all!

[The Enforcer!]

I was not sure of where to put this so it is already answered in

Highrises & other structures in Bangkok/Expressways page. see http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=219

The Enforcer!

[admin]

A reader asks: "I noticed that some equipment has been installed on the toll plazas along the Bangkok-Chonbury Motorway. Orange and black painted vertical arms at the leading portion of the approach to the toll booth. While driving past, one side appears to have some electronic circuitry and the other looks like it has LED's. I haven't noticed these before, but I'm possibly not the most attentive person in the world. Are they indeed new, and if so, what are they?"

[GWR]

If you are prepared for paint to dry, this one will figure out your Bangkok Expressway Tolls. Go to the following page and Click 'Interactive Map'. Quite novel way to while away the same time it would take you to travel the same distance:-http://www.eta.co.th/home_en.php

[ncr]

Khun Nekochan's description is correct.

Yesterday (16 June 2005) this ad (http://tinypic.com/63rsau) by ETA (www.eta.co.th) appeared in The Nation. The drawing provides a good overview of the overall layout / planned traffic flow.

Funny: the announcement is titled "The Opening of Bangna-At Narong Expressway (Third Stage Southern Route S1)", but they don't actually say when it is scheduled to open.....!

[ncr]

Funny: the announcement is titled "The Opening of Bangna-At Narong Expressway (Third Stage Southern Route S1)", but they don't actually say when it is scheduled to open.....!OK, as mentioned on the main page, it is already open:

Bang Na Trat connector expressway open
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Bangkok Biznews, June 16, 2005

On June 15, 2005 Premier Thaksin opened S1 section of the expressway (4.7 km) connecting the 1st stage expressway and the 3rd stage expressway with Bang Na-Bang Pakong expressway. This allows motorists to go from expressway to expressway without having to go down to Bangna Intersection at km 6 toll gate.

[Nekochan]

I wonder if anyone can explain this to me.

On the morning of Monday Aug 1, I had to travel on 2nd Stage Expressway Section D from Srinakarin/Motorway junction to Rama 9. I entered the expressway and found that traffic jam started right ahead of me, very unusual.

Most people tried to drive on inbound emergency lane and just stucked there. (Thais do not understand the notion of emergengy lane, of course). Traffic snarled for almost 40-50 minutes until I reached Rama 9 tollbooths.

Surprisingly, there were 50% of people making u turn out of the expressway just before entering the booths. They drove off in the opposite direction by using on ramp from inbound Rama 9 Road. People from Rama 9 who wanted to get in the toll system could not go anywhere. It was just a gridlock in front of the booths.

I know something about selfish user algorithm in traffic study. But I did not think it was as bad as I saw. Gosh!, people used the expressway for FREE!

I did not mind paying 25 Baht just to stuck for another 30 minutes just to get off at Or Sor Mor Tor.

And today everything was the SAME!! Is it all about the closure of Kampangphet7 or we have too many selfish beings around here??

OH! YES! People at SBIA were so excited to have a brand new CTX machine!!

[GWR]

Anyone care to interpret this case for us please?

I suspect it is yet another case of 'slippery eel' governmental agencies dodging their responsibilities to megaproject contractors. So it is perhaps yet another reason why some may be reluctant to get involved: -

Supreme Court frees ETA from having to pay Bt6.2 billion over expressway dispute


The Supreme Court Thursday ruled in favour of the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (ETA) in its dispute with BBCD consortium, which demanded Bt6.2 billion in compensation.

The Supreme Court ruled that then ETA governor Siwa Charoenphan unlawfully signed a contract with BBCD to build the Bang Na-Bang Pli-Bang Pakong expressway so the ETA was not bound to pay any compensation resulted from the contract.

An arbitration committee asked the ETA to pay the compensation to BBCD for a delay in handing over land for the construction of the expressway.

Later, the Civil Court ruled on December 30, 2003 to uphold the arbitrary committee's decision.

The Nation


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30026938

[GWR]

The additional detail below suggests that the then ETA Governor abused his powers with the expectation of reward from the plaintiff. Not too surprising, if it's true. That said, the rest of the ETA must have been asleep at the time: -

Supreme court orders ETA not to pay Bt2.6 billion

The Supreme Court overturned on Wednesday Civil Court's decision which ordered the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (ETA) to pay BBCD consortium a compensation of Bt2.6 billion.

The Supreme Court said that then then ETA governor Siwa Charoenphan unlawfully signed a contract with BBCD to build the Bang Na-Bang Pli-Bang Pakong Expressway so the ETA was not bound to pay any compensation resulted from the contract.

An arbitration committee asked the ETA to pay the compensation to BBCD for a delay in handing over land for the construction of the expressway.

Later, the Civil Court ruled on December 30, 2003 to uphold the arbitrary committee's decision.

The Supreme Court said that BBCD had offered stocks and rights to purchase stocks to Siwa and other officials to convince them over the contract. Therefore the Court considered the contracts unlawfully conducted.

The Supreme Court said Siwa signed the contract with BBCD although he was well aware that there were many problems which could be used as reasons to extend the contract and to demand for additional compensations and expenses.

Considering these, Court believed that Siwa wanted to help the plaintiff as he was promised benefits from the plaintiffs.

The Nation



http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/15/headlines/headlines_30026942.php

[GWR]

Don Muang Tollway re-instates 55-baht fee

(BangkokPost.com) – Don Muang Tollway Public Co., Ltd. has finally succumbed to what it described as "overwhelming losses" after reducing its tollway prices 3 years ago.

After agreeing to the government’s proposal to reduce tollway fees from 55 baht to 30 baht back in 2004, the firm finally decided to back down from the move and announced plans to re-introduce a flat fee of 55 baht starting on Dec 21.

According to company executives, Don Muang Tollway has had to see profits shrink while having to shoulder tens of billions of baht in collective losses in the past three years.

Executives strongly believe that the company will begin to enjoy gains after the 55 baht flat fare is re-introduced in less than a month and that shareholders will start to receive dividends within the next three years.


Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=123951

[mdechgan]

55 baht just for the Don Muang section of the expressway?
So just to get to Don Muang I have to pay 40 baht for the innner expressway and another 55 for the Don Muang section? Sometimes on a good day a drive under the tollway on the Vipavadhi isn't that bad.

[FarangBha]

Is the same tollway Australia's Babcock and Brown just bought into? Wonder how they pulled that off. Makes me a happy camper, esp with the Don opening up again.

[GWR]

14 December 2007
Bangkok Expressway to ask for toll hike
Bangkok Expressway Company Limited (BECL), which holds the concession for all Bangkok expressways, is set to request permission to increase toll rates next year. The company states that it will propose the new rates to the government in February of 2008.

The company said rates will be increased by 10 baht on all tollways. The rates though will be based on original tolls and not currently subsidized tolls, which would be a 10 baht raise from 45 baht equaling 55 baht. The company affirms that if its request is denied it will ask that the government create a plan to subsidize costs for the company which is unable to shoulder the burden of the projects.

The BECL also revealed it will be installing automatic tollway attendants to replace the now man powered system. The automatic attendants will be able to handle up to 1,800 cars per hour while human attendants average only 400 cars.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter01
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255012130028

[GWR]

Expressway toll fee to rise from Bt40 to 45

The government approved a 12.5 per cent rise in expressway fees, less than reportedly sought by Bangkok Expressway Pcl, the nation's largest private toll- road operator.

Tolls will increase to Bt45 from 40 baht for passenger cars, said Surachai Thansitpong, deputy permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry.

Bangkok Expressway had sought a Bt55 fee.

The new fee is scheduled to take effect on Sept 1, and the cabinet will have to decide if a government tax of Bt3 per toll will also be imposed, Surachai said.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/24/business/business_30078887.php