Bangkok Commuters Urged to Improve Public Transport Etiquette
A Bangkok news article highlights five common annoyances on public transport, including playing loud phone audio without headphones, leaning on poles, occupying priority seats, carrying large backpacks in crowded vehicles, and cutting in line to board. It urges commuters to practice basic etiquette to improve comfort and safety for everyone. The piece encourages self‑reflection and simple adjustments for smoother shared travel.
Have you ever encountered annoying behavior on public transport? This article outlines five common irritations on BTS, MRT, buses, and vans that make fellow passengers frown. It reminds everyone of simple courtesy rules to make shared travel smoother and safer in Bangkok’s daily commute.
Traveling by public transport—whether BTS, MRT, bus, or van—has become part of everyday life for Bangkok residents going to work, school, or running errands. Although rail systems help avoid traffic jams, passengers still face crowded spaces, especially during peak hours when vehicles are packed. Bus and van rides often feel cramped due to high usage and unavoidable road congestion.
When everyone shares limited space, consideration for others is essential. Yet certain behaviors frequently appear and become topics of complaint on social media because, while they may seem minor to the doer, they cause significant annoyance and inconvenience to those nearby. The piece explores five such irritations and offers easy tips for more pleasant, respectful journeys that also increase safety.
• Playing phone audio loudly without headphones Listening to videos, music, or games through phone speakers, or talking loudly on calls, disturbs others who may wish to rest or read.
• Leaning on poles so others cannot hold on Handrails and poles are meant for balance while the vehicle moves or brakes suddenly. Leaning fully on a pole or wrapping arms around it blocks others from gripping it securely, increasing the risk of losing balance in crowded conditions.
• Sitting in priority seats without yielding to those who need them Priority seats are reserved for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and young children. While anyone may sit there when unoccupied, passengers should vacate them promptly when someone with greater need boards.
• Carrying large backpacks on the back in crowded vehicles A bulky backpack can unintentionally obstruct others, especially when standing in tight spaces. The solution is to hold the pack in front or place it between the legs where it does not block the aisle, making it easier to manage.
• Cutting in line to board before letting exiting passengers disembark Rushing to squeeze onto the vehicle before those inside have stepped off creates congestion and delays. Waiting for alighting passengers to exit first keeps boarding orderly and safe.
