✅BANGKOK BTS SKYTRAIN | Cost | Design | Architecture | Construction | Trains | Testing | Opening

The BTS skytrain story is a look back to the 1990s, a complete history of the planning, early design, the partnership with BTSC, the environmental obstacles, and the 1997 financial crisis. We look at the architecture, design, structures, construction, the trains and the future projects as well as some interesting fun facts and nerdy trivia which makes this Skytrain video so unique and complete that there is NO OTHER VIDEO OF THIS KIND anywhere on KZbin with exclusive footage never seen before. Enjoy!
00:00 Start / 1990-1993 / BTSC / New routes / Lumphini Park
05:33 Rush hour on the Skytrain / Changing tracks
06:28 1994 / Environmental impact / Skywalks
09:39 1995-1996 / Construction begins
12:12 Future plans / Saphan Taksin / Airport extension
16:44 1997 Asian Financial Crisis
18:27 Construction footage
20:16 Highest point on the Skytrain
21:26 1998 / Architecture & design / First trains rolled out
23:40 1999 Test running the new trains / Grand opening
THANKS TO THE REVIEW AROUND CHANNEL: ‪@ReviewAround‬ / @reviewaround
WALKING TOUR INFO: Email: [e-mail] Line ID: pat.mck
profile.php?...
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL!
www.buymeacoffee.com/bangkokpat
Paypal: [e-mail]
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/bangkokpat
MOVING TO BANGKOK & WANT INFO ON EVERYTHING? Contact me for a Zoom consultation.
WANNA TEACH ENGLISH? Do a TEFL Course & Get a Job: www.essentialtefl.com/
MY PHOTO COLLECTIONS from video shoots: www.flickr.com/photos/1385953...
Filmed, produced, edited and researched by me.
Email: [e-mail]
LINE ID: pat.mck
Instagram: bangkok_pat

[@johnkilmerstone]

Educational and entertaining, Pat. I can only imagine how much work was involved in researching and curating archive videos and photos, along with all the diagrams, facts, and figures, to create this coherent compilation. Excellent work (yet again)!

[@ProjectBangkok]

Amazing history of the BTS Pat! I think its one of the best things about Bangkok

[@senianns9522]

Must admit a lot of good and fluent research has gone into this! Well done Pat!

[@BangkokPat]

Cheers Rob, lots of fun had making this video except the rooftop view from the bar in Victory Monument wasn't possible!

[@senianns9522]

Hi Pat, I worked in Bangkok on a contract for ITD in '93 / 94. The multi product buried pipeline from Klong Toey to Don Muang Airport. Designed to take 10,000 fuel tankers off the roads per week! ITD poured great and strong concrete but the management style and decision making was something else! * Asia Hotel was the hotel I stayed in when first visiting Thailand in 1973. I was on my way to work in Singapore at the age of 21.

[@PauloGaetathe_original]

I'm old enough to have been to Bangkok before the BTS was built and it was a much more difficult city to figure out, plus the commute times were much longer. Nowadays everyone just takes it for granted, even me!

[@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus]

I recognise a few places on there especially the Asia Hotel funnily enough....... It's amazing how much the system has grown, when i first visited Thailand in 2012 the Sukhumvit Line only went from Bearing to Mo Chit, now it stretching right out to the suburbs......

[@mortykja]

I like your style of your vlog's mr. Pat

[@VanTran-ps5cf]

Your vlog is greatly appreciated 😊 I would not be surprised if the government of Thailand decides to sponsor your efforts in the near future!

[@BangkokPat]

Maybe one day, l can only dream....

[@lmfaogirl666]

Nice informative as always😊

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@carleto9597]

Very good job Pat, I like taking the BTS and MRT to get around when I visit Bangkok. Sure Beats the traffic. Thanks for part 2. Stay safe there.

[@yiplekhong5111]

I got to say BTS in Bangkok is one of the best in SEA. Clean, well maintain , smooth etc...

[@GoSatta]

This was nostalgic! Takes me back to the first times in Bangkok 98/99 when you could see the test runs, it all looked so futuristic in the middle of all the chaos that was Bangkok back then :)

[@BangkokPat]

All looked light grey and new!!

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

NOW I know about the public transport in Bkk. Your depth of research is incredible. Porsche Design, first delivery, former plans. Thanks for your great episodes!!! Greetings from Germany

[@jurimay6579]

Greetings from Thailand @Alfa Bravo 😊😊

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks very much and really glad you enjoyed that, me and May send our greetings back to you in Germany!!

[@robbielittle52]

Interesting asever…we are in Bangkok at the moment and trying to just use these rail systems inc the Airport link(first time)…look forward to part 3

[@highbrand]

A great trip down memory lane.

[@jorgenmansson4269]

I started riding the train in1999 when it only went from VM to Siam but when I came back to Thailand at the end of 1999 it was possible to go from Mo chit to On nut, i remember the skywalk to Asia Hotel and another skywalk to a shoppingmall at On nut station

[@ratnoinamaew7822]

Excellent content as usual BP, keep it up. Those BTS lines were built just in time for my arrival there to work in 2000 and they made getting around so much easier and BTS now is really part of BKK life for many, unimaginable now, without it.

[@nw-by-n]

Excellent. BTS is my favorite transit system.

[@getberget]

Perfect start of my saturday

[@paulhoskin3286]

Bangkok must be one of the most jam packed cities in the world

[@DaSharedVideos]

Thanks. Great history and old photos. My first trip to Bangkok at around 1996, so I did get to see the BTS work in progress. Stayed at the Hyatt Erawan at the time and I remember the walk along Sukhumvit Road from the Hyatt Erawan to Asoke intersection being very sunny and warm. Now, it's all mostly shaded by the elevated skytrain. Back then, traffic was especially bad and you could often walk faster than the taxis.

[@specialized500]

Best Bangkok vlogger on you tube.

[@BangkokPat]

Thank you very much. The numbers don't reflect that but mordreflects your average KZbin viewer's intelligence👻👻👻

[@shaunashton9744]

I can only think of how much research you put into this video Pat, a lot of amazing old footage. Although there seems to be a lot of missed opportunities with the design of the rail links at least Thailand have done something, I will still be waiting when I am an old man for an Airport rail link.

[@jakdkt23maroengkoratthai]

WELCOME TO THAILAND AGAIN. THANK YOU .;FROM KORAT THAILAND

[@doorway57]

I love watching construction videos. The sheer amount of mental and physical effort expended is amazing. Just wish they finished faster. Do you plan a series like this covering the MRT?

[@BangkokPat]

I am working on an MRT video but as yet no footage of construction as it took place underground! I got photos though still hunting for video.

[@bertvanderkooij2886]

Sorry for your headaches having to sort out and retrieve all the old footages and videos, but rest assured that your sacrifices are not in vain and highly appreciated by your hardcore fans!! Another awesome job by the one and only Bangkok specialist on KZbin.

[@BangkokPat]

Thank you very much Bert 😻

[@wadawads]

A wealth of information again, absolutely fascinating.. its amazing how you get all the old footage? Great work thank you!

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you enjoyed it, l've accumalated a lot of footage for this over the years....😎

[@wrightst8]

Thanks Pat, your research, planning and execution matches the transit system itself! Pity that the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal is so far from the BTS station, but I now why, thanks! Also, the Sukhumvit line extension to the airport seems such a missed opportunity. I guess ahead of its time, but now would make perfect sense. Cheers mate!

[@Vandyke0147]

Your channel is some of the most worthwhile and quality expat channels!

[@gus3578]

Nice Work Pat 👍

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Gus👍

[@c.k.2]

Wow! That video was a masterpiece! Must have taken you a long time to gather all that info. Even details, that the trains were manufactured in Vienna by Siemens. I’ll bet not a lot of people knew that. Unfortunately, all public things take so long due to the corruption. Without it, BKK could be more prosperous than Singapore. Anyway. Thanks again Pat for this video!

[@grahamjohnson4702]

Why would a lot of people want to know where the trains were manufactured, I would as It interests me and Siemens was a company that took over the Demag tram factory in Dusseldorf where I lived.

[@angelmessenger8240]

Thank you for another brilliant treat, so much history and knowledge.

[@jampasurprenant1794]

I absolutely love it The story about the Bangkok sky training I was there in 1999 the sky train wasn't opened yet I was there for one week interesting because my father was retired from the railroad station makkasan.

[@ronaldvanamsterdam]

Bedankt. Beautiful videos of Bangkok. As it really is. Pat's historical representation of Bangkok in particular is very informative.

[@jurimay6579]

Thank you for the support @ronaldvanamsterdam 😻😊

[@LGandM]

Great video Pat. I like all the concrete infrastructure of Bangkok, trains whizzing by overhead this way and that, on multi levels. Enjoyed the history too, well done.

[@mikestravelshow]

I love the BTS in Bangkok. Without this public transportation we would be screwed. Look forward to riding on one soon. Thank you as always Pat ✨

[@SelwynSeychelles]

Thanks Pat, I learnt a lot of interesting facts about the trains which I use a lot here. Looking forward to Part 3.

[@billsimpson2392]

Immaculately researched as always Pat. Thank you! 😊👍

[@user-jb9ty5ds7r]

Pat, I hope you are making a good living from these well researched and really interesting videos, you deserve it.

[@nassimabed]

Love it. I am a huge fan of the BTS and been so since my first visit back in 2006. One thing that never changed since then is the voice announcing the next station. I wonder if you will uncover the details of who is behind that voice and how it was managed as the lines expanded to more stations over the years. Looking forward to Part 3 ❤

[@BangkokPat]

It's a lady who has always done the voices, there's video of her on KZbin doing the recordings somewhere

[@raidermanuk]

@@BangkokPat kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXK1lHloaNeogrc&ab_channel=WOODY

[@andywarne963]

The same lady has done the new Yellow line. Her English accent is a little unusual because she sounds in the main English but sometimes American. Its usually easy to tell whether a Thai person learned English in the UK or in the USA but not sure in her case!

[@bacca71]

Search "Bangkok BTS voice" on KZbin and you should find a short Thai language interview of this very beautiful, classy lady.

[@omnapathaigirl532]

@@andywarne963 Hi Andy, so on that note it's not always a case of that Thai person learning the language in a particular country. When I worked in Bangkok I asked two Thai twins who were friends of mine, where in America did they live. As they spoke English with American accents. They replied that they had never lived in America but learnt English by watching the sit com Friends. Im English and speak some Thai and Thai people tell me I have a particular accent. That amazes me as I'm simply doing my best to get it right and no idea others could pick up an accent as such. Languages fascinate me and I've been on a long mission to learn Thai and love it as much as I love Thailand.

[@viktor.egelund]

Design of the trains was good. They still look modern and fresh in 2023.

[@bengmelea8646]

I purchased a condo on Phayathai Rd in 1998 (at 30% discount due to the "Tom Yum Crisis") just before the BTS line was opened there. Catching the crowded No. 11 bus to Sukhumvit and my work place before then was no fun at all. Now with the Airport Link railway system operating, many, if not most, passengers use the Phayathai stations of both lines to transfer rather than those at Makkasan, for the reason you state: a very long walk! The problem there is the small lifts are not designed to carry people (but to satisfy the designated design brief at minimal cost to "have a lift") and all their baggage.

[@AlisonAZ]

Thank you for all of the history and research.

[@CharlieChaplinVideos]

Thank you na krab.. love BTS

[@PsychicLord]

Great video, I remember once being on a train that travelled in service from the Light Green to Dark Green Lines. The Thai local that I was travelling with even took a few steps out of the train at Siam, as he was convinced that I was wrong in my assumption that [on this journey, at least], we would be able to travel from Mo Chit to Sala Daeng without having to transfer. His face was a picture!

[@richardo4878]

I really enjoyed that Pat. Thanks 🙏

[@mussen1876]

Thanks Pat. Very informative. A lot of work must have gone into this.

[@songsrisuk5385]

Two thumps up for this video

[@JoeyClacton]

It’s just so easy and enjoyable to move about Bangkok on the rails. I really don’t use it enough when I’m there.

[@alfixall]

Thanks for showing my favorite BTS station and hotel! Asia Hotel... Cheers!

[@jimmyboysmovies1972]

What a great vlog Pat I remember going from the mid 90s onwards and seeing the progress every year. It was hard for the motorists and residents during the building but what a game changer when it opened. So smooth getting around and I love the fact someone use a video camera on the 1st ride ahhh the days before mobiles !!!!!. Nice one Pat 🍻

[@BangkokPat]

That must have been a big camera in those days! It was well worth those years of disruption but it hasn't stopped Thais buying cars!!

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

Great video. I remember that before and during construction, I watched news clips in Canada stating that Bangkok had the world's worst traffic. I love that now when I visit I can take the airport link to Phaya Thai and I found a couple of great hotels within a couple minutes walk of the terminus station so I can check in quickly after arriving. Also glad to see the new extensions and future plans and now I finally know why there hasn't been a BTS airport link. Thanks!

[@AlphademonAlphademon]

Wow I thought I was watching a documentary channel. The clip is very informative and has many old pictures and clips that bring back my memories. Even when I was young, I thought that I was not gonna live long enough to take the mrt and bts that we all take for granted today. I got your link from another Thai youtube channel "BangkokTube Akira". This video is a diamond.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks very much and of course thanks to Bangkok Tube Akira for choosing my video as an example, I had prepared for many years to make this video and it's one of the reasons why I started this channel, to tell this story! Also I wanted to collect as many old photo and videos as I could find!

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

Thank you so much for this video! The developement of public transport in Bangkok in the last 25 years is incredible. But the jealousy between operators was not good. I mean, you metioned it, it is a pain in the a... to change at Makkasan from ARL to MRT. And in my opinion that place has the most confusing naming of stations in Bangkok: ARL = Makkasan MRT = Phetchaburi SRT = Asok Khlong boat = Asok The skywalks are really nice feature; protecting you from traffic, sun and rain. Yes, I hope there will be more in the future. What I am always thinking about is though: Why Bangkok things it is a good idea to have so many rail systems. MRT, BTS Monorail, People mover... That makes the system complicated. And there shouls be a working version of the "Spidercard" to avoid the hassle of buying a new ticket for every system. 5555 In this video I only missed cats. 🙂

[@grahamjohnson4702]

It's easier to let people have ideas and implement them than do it their selves. That way it's cheaper for the community.

[@koalasquadron530]

Hopefully we can catch up next April, and we'll bring some Skytrain photos with us!

[@PaulWalliswriter]

That brought back some memories, thx Pat

[@gertdrok]

Very, Very Interesting Video, with your Clear Information Pat, as always. Must be a hell of a Job for you to investigate this info. My Compliments to you! 🙏

[@granturismoKL]

Great docu-vlog, Pat, as always 😀 Hope the accessibility aspect can be address in part 3. It's a bummer getting up/down as escalators/lifts are scarce at most stations.

[@mcscootie]

probably the best city transit system in the world

[@Goldeneast11]

Thx a lot for this great video. I love all the history and background you provide!

[@mmaranta785]

Absolutely brilliant video Pat!

[@Absts4ct]

I remember the day my dad took me to ride the BTS during the public testing days.

[@alexbarnett7552]

Another great video, thanks BKK Pat

[@nuplissken1600]

Awesome old footage from the 90s 🎉

[@ashleyupshall7641]

Nice one Pat. Thanks for all the research and effort.

[@CrapKerouac]

8:35, Thai chap wearing a cardigan in the Bangkok heat… how do they do it? You're the best in the business, Pat. Great video as always, thanks.

[@jurimay6579]

Thank you @chairmanmaose 😻😊

[@barrywilson8726]

Great work Pat. Very informative even for someone who been here near 15years.

[@mrmartin2079]

Very interesting thanks - the BTS is such a fantastic transport asset to Bangkok

[@Nordic_Sky]

Pat, I'm in awe of how much time you must spend putting these videos together. I learn so much from them. Great stuff!

[@BangkokPat]

A lot of time, research and love goes into my videos!!

[@caseywarren7426]

Love the video pat Keep it up my dude!

[@Blazjul]

Just got around to watching this video and I really enjoyed it, don’t ask me why. I don’t even live in Bangkok, but I love all your historical videos

[@aidanomorgadh1]

Thanks Pat, great video, well done!

[@attlee1945]

Fascinating video Pat. Well done

[@roberttudor455]

Excellent Mr Pat ... :)

[@kungkit201]

I really respect you so much to find some photos or videos to insert in this video and it would be so hard to find each of them. Anyway, thank you for a really good video like this and I'm looking forward to watching your next episode soon!

[@BangkokPat]

Thank you very much Kung, yes it is very hard to find some old pics and video but l keep searching and never give up!

[@yamawowlai]

Thank you Khun Pat, the documentary is so useful.

[@poomsiraprapasiri8448]

The interchange between MRT and ARL at Petchburi / Makkasan is a pain, but at BTS Phayathai it is reasonably easy.

[@alancurtis9155]

Pat, another great video, many thanks.

[@dangor751]

Excellent!!! Thanks Pat !!!

[@Hector5257]

Congratulations on a great job as always

[@GinoG63]

Childish - you hit the nail on the head, again.

[@BangkokPat]

Couldn't find a more appropriate word Gino!

[@meganpapa1]

Awesome video!! Thank you Bangkok Pat!

[@YouYesYouYouAreBeautifulMyKing]

I think the mindset of most private businesses have changed when it came to a Skytrain station infront of their property, they recognized the benefits that they may gain. The only ones that haven't change are those of the Government. The end station of the new Pink line for example was supposed to be right next to the Purple line's station, but because some government organization screeched at the top of their lungs, it was moved a little further out. 😒

[@user-rh3cl5oq8u]

Great video - again 😊 Love travelling with BTS, hate taxis

[@jackbesser387]

thanks Pat, I have been watching your videos for awhile now. if i could only remember everything. been studying Thai since 2014 also, same thing!, slow progress.. although a fun adventure.

[@gabreiellawissell7310]

this 1 them video i go WoW you amaze me photos videos you find in your research ,Well done Pat

[@jurimay6579]

😻😻

[@rpgbb]

Only Italians could manage to deal with the Thais… Italo-Thai 🚂 👻🤣 I remember when taking the Sky Train for the first time, dream… But 20B against the 8B for the bus… 😅 No wonder the locals didn’t take the Sky train in the beginning

[@kittenastrophy5951]

The initial route was also too short and not extending to serve the residential zones of the bangkokians. I think this is the main obstacle based on my own experience. The ticket price was not the problem if it worth the convenience.

[@user-ru4kd8cw4r]

This is the good history.Thakyou.

[@majorkade]

Really enjoyed this one! Thanks for your research and for educating us all. 🙏

[@ralphdiaz9726]

Excellent background information and journey Pat!!!

[@mikaelhabel4171]

Great job Pat😎

[@geoffreyburton2654]

Thank you for the video great history. I wish a lot more of English speaking videos about Thailand where like yours. But there again maybe not since your style of video make this channel unique.

[@paulharrison25]

Amazing video, the amount of research you must have put in is nothing less than outstanding. Personally I love the BTS and MRT, and think they're awesome feats of engineering. And never knew Porsche designed the interiors thats brilliant. As for that silver line as you said that seems a bit pointless unless it links to more central parts of the systems😊

[@cyclonicleo]

Thanks so much, Pat. This was very interesting!

[@kieranbarry8193]

Excellent video Pat! And as a bonus, ive learned how to pronounce Suvarnabhumi properly! :)

[@BangkokPat]

Thank you! 😃If only it was spelled a bit simpler...

[@IAm-NotHear]

Amazing old footage

[@chrisgclark]

Always amazing content and information, thanks Pat 🎉

[@thebangkokguide]

Great style 👍

[@jillmalo1698]

Wow. That is a lot of historical content that you researched and added video. Very interesting. Well done.

[@jonasrettig327]

Great Video! Keep up the good work!