Chiang Mai has taken a major step toward becoming a sustainable, low-carbon city after local leaders and Asset World Corporation (AWC) signed a landmark agreement on 20 October 2026 for green, electric tourism transport, including Thailand’s first electric sightseeing tram.
The agreement was signed at the InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping, with AWC chief executive Wallapa Traisorat joined by Chiang Mai Governor Thosapol Puanudom and Mayor Assanee Buranupakorn. Leaders from the provincial police, the transport office and the Tourism Authority of Thailand also gave their full support.
Agreement signed for a greener Chiang Mai
After the signing, the group tested a new electric bus designed to cut PM2.5 air pollution, one of Chiang Mai’s most persistent environmental problems. By replacing older, polluting vehicles, the project aims to ease traffic congestion and deliver a large drop in harmful air pollution for residents and visitors alike.
Officials say better public transport will make everyday travel faster, safer and fully eco-friendly, while helping the province protect its natural beauty and attract travellers who care about the environment. Local businesses are also expected to benefit from the modernisation.
The Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization is playing a major role in the rollout, while local traffic police are helping to plan safe and efficient routes for the new vehicles.
Thailand’s first electric sightseeing tram
The centrepiece of the initiative is the “Chiang Mai Tram by Lannatique”, Thailand’s first electric sightseeing tram, developed by AWC together with Arun Plus Company Limited. The tram runs entirely on 100 percent clean energy and blends modern technology with traditional Lanna design.
The rubber-tyre tram is fitted with air conditioning and high-efficiency air filtration capable of filtering PM2.5, improving both air quality and the passenger experience. It offers a range of up to 180 kilometres per full charge and complies with international safety and quality standards, including UNECE R100.
The tram will connect more than 40 well-known restaurants, cafes and check-in spots along two main service routes encircling Chiang Mai’s moat, including Tha Phae Gate, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Wat Chedi Luang Woramahawihan, Warorot Market, Lannatique, the Pantip Lifestyle Hub and AWC-affiliated hotels.
With more than 1,500 parking spaces available at AWC-affiliated properties on the city’s outskirts, visitors can park and continue their journey on the electric tram, reducing car use inside the old city. Net revenue from the project will support sustainable local community initiatives in Chiang Mai.
The Lannatique destination
The tram is part of the broader “Lannatique” development in the Chang Khlan district, a world-class lifestyle landmark that blends Lanna traditions with contemporary culture under the concept of “The Heart of Lanna Art Movement”, celebrating more than 700 years of Lanna heritage through a contemporary art village.
AWC and Arun Plus first announced the tram project in August 2025, and the 20 October 2026 agreement brings the city authorities formally behind its rollout, advancing Chiang Mai’s goal of becoming a leading global sustainable tourism destination.
AWC chief commercial business officer Michael Hariz said the project reflects a shared commitment to innovation that connects cities, people and local cultures in a balanced way through an environmentally friendly green mass transit system designed with conservation and green tourism in mind.
Key facts
- What: Agreement signed 20 October 2026 for green electric tourism transport in Chiang Mai, including Thailand’s first electric sightseeing tram.
- Who: Asset World Corporation, Arun Plus, Chiang Mai province and city leaders, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
- The tram: “Chiang Mai Tram by Lannatique” — 100 percent electric, rubber-tyre tram with Lanna design, PM2.5 filtration, up to 180 km per charge.
- Routes: Two routes around Chiang Mai’s moat, connecting 40+ restaurants, cafes and check-in spots and landmarks including Tha Phae Gate and Wat Phra Singh.
- Park and ride: More than 1,500 parking spaces at AWC-affiliated properties on the city’s outskirts.
- Goal: Cut traffic congestion and PM2.5 pollution, and position Chiang Mai as a global sustainable tourism destination.
Related reading on Watan News: East Africa Adopts 10-Year Tourism Strategy to Market Region as One Sustainable Destination.
Chiang Mai’s electric tram shows how a historic city can protect its heritage while modernising how visitors move through it. If the rollout delivers cleaner air, quieter streets and fewer cars in the old city, it could become a model for sustainable tourism across Southeast Asia.
