NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 10 October 2026, Thai bus operator Choedchai Tour has launched an all-electric bus service between Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok, offering free rides for 10 days as diesel prices rise and transport operators seek to cut fuel costs and air pollution.
The inaugural service departed at 09:00 on 10 October from Platform 17 at Nakhon Ratchasima Bus Terminal 2, carrying passengers who had booked tickets through the company’s website and application. The regular one-way fare is 257 baht, but passengers can ride free during the 10-day promotional period.
The Foton electric bus has 31 seats with electrically adjustable reclining functions, USB-A and USB-C charging ports for mobile devices, and a toilet on the lower deck.
The service operates on Route 21 between Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Chatuchak. Departures are scheduled for 09:00 from Nakhon Ratchasima and 18:00 from Bangkok.
A Foton Motor engineer from China travelled on the inaugural trip to monitor safety standards and provide technical assistance in case of problems during the journey.
The route covers 256 kilometres, with the bus operating at a maximum speed of 90 kilometres per hour. Each trip is expected to take around four hours. The battery can power the bus for more than 300 kilometres on a charge, while recharging takes approximately three hours.
The project is a collaboration between Choedchai Industrial Garage and Chinese state-owned vehicle manufacturer Foton. The partners aim to replace conventional combustion-engine buses with electric vehicles to reduce energy expenses and air pollution. Some materials, components and spare parts are also manufactured in Thailand, supporting domestic industry and economic activity.
Route 21 faces a changing transport market
Route 21, connecting Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, was once among the most profitable air-conditioned interprovincial bus routes. More than 30 years ago, buses operated at an average interval of around 15 minutes during the daytime, and the combined value of operating slots and vehicles reportedly exceeded 11 million baht.
Ratchasima Tour Co, operated by former bus operators’ association president Suchinda Chedchai, known as “Je Kiew”, initially served the route as its sole operator. In 1995, during Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan’s tenure as deputy transport minister, Air Korat Pattana Co received a concession to operate on the route.
On 14 March 2007, some operators from Ratchasima Tour split off to establish Suranaree Air Co. In 2013, Ban Chang Phueak Tour Co, owned by ice cream factory operator Thongchai Thongsang Suk, became the fourth concession holder.
Nakhonchai Transport’s successors later acquired operating slots and buses to establish Nakhonchai 21 Co, becoming another competitor. Next Express Co launched its first Route 21 service on 7 April 2021 after acquiring operating slots from Suranaree Air and Chang Phueak Tour, which had suspended services.
Route 21 once had a total fleet of 248 buses, operating more than 200 trips a day on average. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, disease-control measures and a shift towards private vehicles reduced demand. Even after restrictions were lifted, changing travel habits and a sluggish economy continued to weigh on passenger numbers.
The route now averages around 140 trips a day. Passenger numbers are particularly low during the middle of the month, midweek and late at night.
Choedchai Korat, Nakhonchai 21, Air Korat Pattana and Next Express are among the operators still running services, though they have reduced departures. Other operators have requested temporary suspensions.
With the route facing a prolonged downturn, operators are competing to attract passengers, improve profitability and stay afloat amid rising costs and other business challenges. The launch of electric buses is one effort to adapt to the changing market while reducing dependence on diesel.