Mobike Rides into Bangkok University

Mobike Thailand officially launched yesterday with the arrival of its first batch of smart bikes in Kasetsart University.

Having signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Thailand’s leading mobile network provider, Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Bangkok’s largest, and most prestigious University, Kasetsart University (KU), the Mobike movement has brought bike share to Bangkok for the first time.

Mobike Thailand’s Partners

Mobike Thailand was announced during an MOU signing with AIS and KU in August of this year.

On the 2nd of November, the three partners launched the smart bikeshare service at Kasetsart University campus today at a launch event with media and the public, featuring an official joint press conference as well as fun and interactive activities joined by many of KU’s 60,000 students.

Kasetsart university campus is the perfect place to initiate Mobike’s operations in Bangkok as a controlled environment to review operations, collect data on riding patterns and receive feedback from regular riders. Over time these learnings will inform the responsible and sustainable growth of the Mobike service across Bangkok.

The Launch

The launch event took place on the KU campus with many students and faculty turning out throughout the day, vying to be the first to try the world's first and smartest bike share. Participants enjoyed games, challenges, photo-booths, sweet treats and a huge caravan of KU’s first riders made up of students and faculty, (as well as a large number of interested people from all over Bangkok) were able to try the first Mobikes on campus on a group ride led by VIP guests, famous Thai actors Kamolned Ruengsri and Kao Jarayu La-ongmanee.

Asst. Prof Ratchot Chompunich, Acting Vice President for Strategy development and Organizational Communication from Kasetsart University, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, Acting President of Kasetsart University, Mark Lin, Head of International Operations of Mobike and Mr. Han Kheng Lee, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Product and Solutions at AIS also joined the ride with Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, taking the lead of the caravan on the final stretch back to the celebration.

Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, Acting President of Kasetsart University, said:

“I would like to thank Mobike and Advanced Info Service for choosing Kasetsart University to launch Mobike’s operations, allowing our over 60,000 students to become the first Mobikers in Thailand. In anticipation of Mobike’s arrival, we have enhanced the campus’ landscape by expanding bicycle lanes and installing new road signs and street lights. We have also implemented 26 bike parking zones near classrooms, dormitories, the library, and canteen, among others areas. We fully expect the ‘Mobike in KU’ program to help make our school an even more environmentally friendly place for learning. Responsible bike-sharing usage is a top priority and we will encourage users to ride safely and park their bikes in the appropriate places. We are truly looking forward to welcoming Mobike at KU.”