Bangkok has placed 47 new information signs explaining services of songthaews across three districts, aiming to make them easier for commuters and tourists to use.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) installed the signs in areas of Sathorn, Bang Rak and Yannawa districts, including Suan Phlu and Saint Louis.

The signs provide route names and maps, operating hours, travel directions and connections to other transport services, including public buses, the BTS and MRT, the Bus Rapid Transit network and boat services.

The BMA said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity by linking neighbourhoods and smaller streets with Bangkok’s main public transport network. The information would be accessible online in the future.

Songthaews offer flexible routes and affordable fares, making them particularly useful for commuters travelling through narrow streets and local neighbourhoods. However, their operations often lack standardised schedules and official operating protocols.

A study found that drivers’ decisions are often influenced by operating costs and profitability. As a result, some services concentrate on morning and evening rush hours and reduce operations during weekends when passenger demand is lower.