As I posted in the Dec update, absent a major dispute this extension will be open by late 2018 except for the 1st stage from Bearing to Samrong.

MRTA & BMA are still stating that the 1st stage will open in April but I always expect delays which is why I listed it for May/June. The rest of the ext might progressively open in stages thereafter during 2018.

This extension is outside the province of Bangkok which is why unlike all other BTS extensions, it was contracted by the MRTA. The MRTA subsequently wanted to shift it to the BMA and this ongoing delay in completing an agreement is essentially a dispute regarding the exact payments that the BMA will make to the MRTA. Essentially, the BMA has agreed to 'take on' the nearly completed project, they just understandably want to reduce the amount paid to the MRTA.

(It is also worth remembering that this is a 9 station ext for which only 7 stations have been built. The other 2 will be built in years to come which the BMA will be mindful of)

For openings this year it should basically be;

1) BTS Suk line Bearing to Samrong - April/May/June
2) MRT Blue Line Bang Sue to Tao Poon - Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec.