🗞️ Good morning! Check out these Halloween-themed cafes and events in Bangkok. The week after, 33 public parks will stay open until midnight for Loy Krathong.

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✈️ I’m on vacation, so this issue is shorter than usual. There won’t be an issue next week, and I’ll be back in your inbox Sunday, Nov. 9. In the meantime, become a paid supporter to read about how your feedback shapes Soiciety’s coverage!

The Thailand Consumers Council wants Bangkok to inspect 50 buildings for safety, following a condo fire in Pinklao earlier this month that killed a doctor. This adds to the 38 buildings the TCC flagged after the March earthquake.

Why it matters: The doctor’s death from smoke inhalation inside the fire escape stairwell raised questions about the actual safety of these exit routes in high-rise buildings.

The concerns: The TCC pointed to wider issues of these high-rises, including inadequate access for fire trucks, improper building setbacks, poor maintenance of fire alarm systems and a permitting process that could allow for corruption.

What they’re saying: The group pressed the city to publicize inspection reports every six months, impose penalties for negligence in maintaining adequate fire-exit systems, create a fire-specific complaint platform for residents and establish a building safety registry.

Plans to extend the MRT Blue Line eight kilometers from Lak Song to Phutthamonthon Sai 4 won’t be re-evaluated until 2029, despite a previous plan to open in 2027.

Why it matters: The Lak Song station has become a traffic bottleneck for thousands of commuters in Bang Khae, Nong Khaem and Thawi Watthana. Residents believe the four-station extension would distribute commuters and ease this congestion.

The government’s stance: The Transport Ministry confirmed the project is delayed but not canceled, citing the passenger volume forecasts that didn’t justify the investment.

Yes, but… A local lawmaker countered this justification, saying the data is outdated as it was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also said the area has more commuters than the Purple and Red lines, which were prioritized.

What’s next: With the rail extension on ice for at least five years, the ministry and Bangkok are pointing to feeder buses as the primary solution for commuters in the area.

Actionable tip: If you’re in the area, Bangkok is currently operating a free “BMA Feeder” bus route running from the Thawi Watthana District Office directly to the Lak Song station.

The plan to relocate three main inter-provincial bus terminals — Mo Chit, Ekamai and Sai Tai — to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is off the table, Transport Ministry officials said.

Why it matters: The plan, modeled after Japan’s Hakata Station, was proposed by the previous government, aiming to reduce congestion in parallel to its 20-baht electric train fare cap.

The new plan: Deputy Transport Minister Mallika Jiraphanvanich said the current locations are suitable and consolidation could worsen congestion, especially during holidays. The focus is now on improving existing sites and feeder transport connections.

Meanwhile, the state-owned Transport Co. has completed a study for the Mo Chit terminal revamp. It’s a three-year project that includes integrating the van station across the street and the adjacent BMTA bus depot. Expect modern facilities.

Bangkok’s core retail hub is heading for a shakeup, with a new Central tower rising to challenge the 40-year-old MBK Center, Matichon reports.

Why it matters: This signals years of construction disruption in the already gridlocked area. It also puts a spotlight on the future of MBK, with its land lease expiring in seven years.

What’s new: Central Pattana is building “Central Siam Square,” a 42-story mixed-use tower on Chulalongkorn University-owned land, set to open in 2027-28.

The intrigue: The move is forcing the MBK Center to plan its own major transformation. But any big renovation depends on renewing its land lease, the mall’s executives told Matichon.

The bottom line: Land prices in Siam are expected to climb 3-5% annually. Even without the renovation, MBK’s daily traffic has already surged from 80,000 to 130,000 people, a figure slightly above its pre-pandemic level.

The flat 15-baht fare on the BTS Green Line extensions is changing to a distance-based system, starting this Saturday. These extensions include Mo Chit to Khu Khot, Bang Chak to Kheha and Pho Nimit to Bang Wa.

Why it matters: If your trip stays within these extension zones, you’ll likely pay more. Trips crossing between the old core network and the extensions will also see an increase in the maximum fare.

By the numbers: The new fare on the extensions starts at 17 baht, up to 45 baht. The full-trip fare is capped at 65 baht if you travel across both the original line and the extensions, up from 62 baht. Prices for trips only within the core network remain the same.

What this could mean: The MRT Blue Line might see fewer transfer passengers, as it might now be cheaper to stay on the BTS for the entire journey. Meanwhile, buses serving routes parallel to the extensions could see more riders looking for cheaper alternatives.

Between the lines: The city views this as an interim measure while awaiting potential national government policies or a takeover of the line.

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