Transport

Thailand’s rise to the forefront of economic development in South-east Asia over the past three decades was first fuelled by its agricultural prowess, which was then followed by its transition into a regional manufacturing powerhouse, before the more recent push to evolve into a knowledge- and service-based economy. Although numerous factors have aided the country’s achievements across disparate sectors, a common thread that runs through each of these industries has greatly improved their odds of success both internally and internationally: an increasingly modern, capable transportation network. This chapter contains interviews with Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport; Sombat Kitjalaksana, Managing Director, Bangkok Expressway and Metro; and Usanee Sangsingkeo, Acting President, Thai Airways International.