BANGKOK — The BTS Skytrain’s newest station lurched into service Monday, with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s attempt to operate a train knocking passengers off-balance.

BTS Samrong, the first of nine stations to open past Bearing as part of the Sukhumvit Line extension, will be free through the end of April.

At this morning’s ceremony, Gen. Prayuth presided and attempted to operate the train, but it jerked forward and almost made passengers lose their balance. Controls were handed over to a trained operator who returned it smoothly to BTS Bearing.

READ: BTS Fares Increase 5 Baht for Outlying Stations

The extension comes 18 years since the popular rail service launched. It will serve Samut Prakan and reach the coast.

In addition to Samrong located at Soi Sukhumvit 80, the 13-kilometer extension will stop at Pu Chao, Chang Erawan, Royal Thai Naval Academy, Pak Nam, Srinagarindra, Phraek Sa, Sai Luat and terminate at the Kheha Samut Prakan housing projects.

Although construction is complete, full operation has been delayed until next year because the city said it lacked the funds to launch as planned.



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