Khon Kaen has a problem shared by other large cities in Thailand: worsening traffic jams caused by increased dependence on private vehicles. A recent decision to move the city’s main transit terminal to the outskirts of town just made things worse as people without private transport can no longer easily access it.

Even before the move, the public transit system was insufficient and inefficient. A Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, once a beacon of hope for the city, has made little progress, stalled by prolonged legal issues. Meanwhile, the city’s bus service operates on a limited schedule, leaving residents with no choice but to use private vehicles.

Owning a vehicle might seem like a solution but it only worsens traffic problems. The largest province in northeast Thailand, Khon Kaen, a hub for transportation and education, faces mounting challenges. This report examines the city’s transit issues and potential solutions, drawing on insights from Bussing Transit Co., the operator of Khon Kaen City Bus, and the Customer Association of Khon Kaen, which collaborates with civil society to push for better public transportation.

Khon Kaen, the center of Isaan

The traffic on Lao Na Di intersection, Mittraphap Road, Khon Kaen (File/Prachatai)

The heart of northeast Thailand, or Isaan, Khon Kaen is a hub for regional economy, education, and transportation. The city boasts an international airport which connects it to major domestic and international destinations, a prestigious university which draws students from across the nation, and numerous government offices that serve people around the country. Together, these factors cement Khon Kaen’s status as a regional cornerstone.

Mittraphap Road, the transportation backbone of Isaan, links Khon Kaen to neighboring provinces and Bangkok.  The city’s hospitals serve patients from across the region. Despite its important role in region, its public transportation system has failed to meet the needs of residents and the demands of rapid growth.

Khon Kaen’s Public Transport troubles

Khon Kaen has a registered population of nearly two million people living in some 355,094 households. Despite this, the city lacks a comprehensive public transport system. Public buses do not adequately serve all areas of the city and its suburbs.  Overlapping routes in certain areas create confusion and inefficiency. Outside of peak hours, planning trips can be a real struggle as there is no reliable way to check bus schedules.  Municipal budget constraints compound the issue, leaving public transit underfunded and poorly coordinated.

As a result, many people turn to personal cars and motorbikes, increasing their living expenses, exacerbating traffic congestion and causing a rising number of road accidents.

Private Transport Is Not the Solution

Dr.Witaya Chartbunchachai, Chairman of Road Safety Work Group in Provincial Level of Thailand (RSWGS) (Photo: Nanphanita Sukitkunphruetthiphon)

In a recent interview, Dr. Witaya Chartbunchachai, Chairman of Thailand’s Provincial Road Safety Work Group, emphasised the urgent need for public transit development, particularly in populous provinces which are grapples with complex traffic issues. He pointed to the World Health Organisation’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030 (GAPPA), which advocates for diverse and integrated transportation modes under the Multi-Modal Transportation Initiative as a potential solution to urban traffic problems.

According to Dr. Witaya, improving public transit would significantly reduce the use of private vehicles.  A single bus has the potential to replace up to 50 cars, dramatically easing traffic congestion and lowering accident rates. Achieving this requires collaboration across multiple sectors, public and private, to fund and design transit systems that meet public needs.

With respect to Khon Kaen, Dr. Witaya underscored the importance of connectivity between communities and transit hubs. Currently, links between train stations, airports, and bus terminals and the surrounding communities remain inadequate. As a result, residents in remote areas still depend heavily on privately-owned vehicles for travel, further straining the city’s transportation infrastructure.

The Private Sector's Role in the Development of Khon Kaen

When the public sector failed to meet people’s needs in a timely manner, Khon Kaen’s private sector assumed a crucial role in the province’s development. In 2015, businessmen from 20 companies established a city development company, Khon Kaen Think Tank (KKTT), to advance urban growth and reduce reliance on the public sector.

A Light Rail Train (LRT) project became one of its flagship initiatives. The plan envisioned trains running alongside roads at speeds of up to 80 km/h, offering a more cost-effective alternative to heavy rail systems. KKTT aimed to fund the project through crowdfunding and even considered listing it on the stock market to secure additional financing.

The project also embraced the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model, with the LRT stations serving as hubs for both commercial and residential growth. However, the project ultimately hit legal complications and failed to gain timely cabinet approval.

Khon Kaen City Bus: The Struggle for Public Transit in a Growing City

Khon Kaen City Bus at the transit stop, Khon Kaen Bus Terminal (Photo: Nanphanita Sukitkunphruetthiphon)

While planning continues, the city remains without a basic public transit network, relying on only a few bus lines to serve its residents. According to Supakorn Sirisoonthorn, CFO and Co-Founder of Bussing Transit Company, which operates Khon Kaen City Bus (KKCB), relocating the main bus terminal to the outskirts of the city in 2017 further impeded residential commuting. In response, a KKCB project was launched to connect the city center with the new terminal, Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 3, easing traffic congestion and providing a lifeline for commuters.

Supakorn explained that he and his team were originally responsible for looking at transit issues before the job was assumed by to KKTT.  They resumed the role again in 2023, when KKTT ceased operations.  "We didn't want to see the end of public transit planning because it's important for Khon Kaen," he said.

Bussing Transit now collaborates with public entities, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). A notable initiative was the Park & Go program at the Chieng Nuea Fest, a northeastern cultural event that attracted 25,000 visitors. The project encouraged visitors to park outside the event area and rely on public transportation to navigate the festivities. Bussing Transit also worked to promote sustainable travel in the province by partnering with local businesses to offer discounts for tourists using Khon Kaen City Bus, fostering greater reliance on public transit.

Consumer Association Pushes for Songtaew and Terminal Upgrades

Since June 2023, the Consumer Association of Khon Kaen has also been leading an Improvement for Public Transit and School Transit Safety Program to address longstanding issues in the city’s public transportation system. Their survey found significant shortcomings with Songtaew minibuses, including inadequate service coverage, passenger overloading, and reckless driving. Passengers emphasised the need for more parking spots in densely populated areas and the installation of clear signposts to improve accessibility and convenience.

To further enhance public transit, the Consumer Association further recommended expanding service hours and routes to better accommodate rush-hour demand. They also proposed reopening the old terminal, Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 1, in the city center to serve as a dedicated hub for Songtaews. The move would not only increase the number of transit lines but also allow for the introduction of new routes, all while focusing on improving passenger safety.

The Association stressed the importance of decentralising public transit management, empowering local authorities to coordinate efforts with key agencies such as the Transport Office and the Municipal Technician Division. By fostering collaboration under the slogan “Same Goals, Various Methods,” this approach aims to establish shared objectives for transit development in Khon Kaen. The model, they hope, can serve as a blueprint for other provinces facing similar public transit challenges.