Bangkok Metro: construction progress and launch timelines for new lines in 2026

The Bangkok Metro continues to expand: the transport authority reported on construction progress on the western section of the Orange Line and on preparing trains for the eastern section. As of late October 2026 (2569 on the Thai Buddhist calendar), readiness of the western section stood at 38,50%, while the first stage of production, procurement and installation of equipment and trains for the eastern section was 76,56%. These figures refer to different types of work and do not mean that passenger trains already run on the new stations.

Trial runs are planned for the eastern section in December 2027, with opening in January 2028. The western section, including the route through Pratunam, has a separate opening date, and the Brown Line for now remains a separate project. Here we look at what has been done so far, when the next stages are expected, and which routes you can count on when planning a trip. Current as of publication.

What is known

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) reported that as of late October 2026 (2569 on the Thai calendar), the western section of the Orange Line stood at 38,50%. The construction portion reached 42,50%, while work on the railway systems was 7,89%. These figures are provided in an official statement from the transport authority.

For the eastern section, a separate figure stands at 76,56%: this is the readiness of the first stage of production, procurement and installation of equipment and trains. It does not describe the whole Orange Line. While future stations are being built and equipped, a more useful resource for getting around the city is the article on Bangkok’s existing transport.

Bangkok Metro: eastern section of the Orange Line and launch dates

The eastern section will stretch for 22.5 km and includes 17 stations,: 10 underground, and 7 elevated. The route runs from the “Thailand Cultural Centre” station toward Min Buri, to the Romklao intersection. According to the transport authority, the main construction work in the east is complete, but preparation of systems and rolling stock continues.

For the Orange Line, the company is building 32 train sets from Siemens Mobility. The authority expects the first delivery in November 2026 (2569 on the Thai calendar), and all 16 train sets for the eastern section by mid-2027 (2570 on the Thai calendar). The operator Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM) separately clarified that the first train set to actually arrive in Thailand at the end of November should be train set No. 2. No delivery has been reported yet.

The next stage is systems testing and preparation of passenger service. The authority plans trial operations for December 2027 (2570 on the Thai calendar), and the opening of the eastern section is planned for January 2028 (2571 on the Thai calendar). The publication Nation Thailand notes that the December trial runs are expected to be free, while the January services will be paid. The opening date comes from the published plan that the authority’s board noted on July 14, 2025, not from a new decision to postpone it.

Western section of the Orange Line: progress and complex work

The western section will connect Bang Khun Non with the “Thailand Cultural Centre” station. It is a fully underground section running 13.4 km with 11 stations. Its opening is scheduled for July 2030 (2573 on the Thai Buddhist calendar), independently of the eastern section’s schedule.

Here, work continues on diaphragm walls, installing temporary slabs, excavating soil and building stations. Near the Democracy Monument, the Pipe Roof method is being considered, with consecutive sections of about 9 and 7 m. Under the Chao Phraya River, a tunnel section of about 200 m is planned at a depth of about 30 m below the water surface.

The western route runs through the Pratunam intersection toward Ratchaprarop Road. Opening the eastern section does not start service on the western section through Pratunam and does not open transfers there: it has its own schedule.

Brown Line: when construction starts and service opens

The Brown Line is a separate monorail project running 22.1 km with 20 stations. According to the schedule on the Brown Line project page of the transport authority, construction is planned to start in February 2029 (2572 on the Thai Buddhist calendar), and passenger service in February 2032 (2575 on the Thai Buddhist calendar).

The authority’s board noted the project schedule on January 20, 2026 (2569 on the Thai calendar). This is the date the published plan was adopted, not a new launch decision. Starting construction does not mean the line will be open for travel.

What to do

Until the new sections open, use the existing metro lines and other available routes. Do not count on transfers through the not-yet-open western section near the Pratunam intersection or through the Brown Line; information about paying for metro trips with bank cards · RU relates to existing transport, not to sections that have not yet opened.

Do not yet derive the future Orange Line fare from the tender calculations: it is not a confirmed ticket price at opening. Before your trip, check announcements from the transport authority and the operator, distinguishing between testing, trial runs and regular service. Planned dates may change.