On January 12, 2026, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) held a signing ceremony for the Integrity Pact for the Air-Conditioned Electric Bus (EV) Leasing Project, involving 1,520 units.
Mr. Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, Director of BMTA, stated that the signing of the Integrity Pact marks a significant opportunity for all relevant parties to jointly declare their intentions, including BMTA as project owner, Nakhonchaiair Co., Ltd. as the bidding winner, and the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, in order to ensure the project is conducted transparently, honestly, and with auditability.
Implementing the Integrity Pact in this EV bus leasing project reflects the public and private sectors’ dedication to principles of good governance, from the procurement process through to the end of the contract period. This effort aims to build public and societal confidence and sets an example of responsible and sustainable public project management.
The project entails leasing 1,520 air-conditioned electric buses, including an electric charging system, with a 7-year leasing period. The project was carried out through e-bidding, with the final project value at THB 14.90 billion offered by Nakhonchaiair.
A source in the EV industry noted that NEX Point Public Company Limited (SET: NEX) has signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU) to produce and deliver electric buses to Nakhonchaiair. The selection of the bus brand is under review, with expectations that it will be a Chinese brand for optimal cost management, following Thai Smile Bus Co., Ltd.’s previous selection of the Golden Dragon brand.
Recently, the Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (SET: EA) group and NEX submitted several electric bus models to Nakhonchaiair for consideration, with a decision expected this week before entering commercial production.
With EA and NEX serving as the sole integrated manufacturer and assembler of electric buses, they can control costs and quality from production and assembly through to delivery, thereby boosting competitiveness and efficiently accommodating large orders.
This electric bus production and assembly project for BMTA is part of a plan to reform Bangkok’s public transport system. BMTA plans to gradually replace all buses with electric models under 7-year lease contracts, totaling 1,520 units, to phase out old vehicles, enhance service quality, reduce long-term operating costs, and support Thailand’s environmentally friendly transportation policy.
