Fire under Ramkamhaeng Airport Rail Link Station under control

A ferocious fire broke out at a house and stalls under the Ramkhamhaeng Airport Rail Link Station in Bangkok at around 4.30am today. The situation is under control, no deaths or injuries were reported and train services resumed at 8.30am, today, July 1.

Praram Radio Centre 199 received a report of the blaze at about 4.30am. The fire reportedly started at a house located near Ramkhamhaeng Station. Officers rushed to the scene and discovered the fire had already spread to food and product stalls under the station.

The Airport Rail Link official Facebook page announced at 5.22am that Ramkhamhaeng Station would be temporarily closed for safety reasons. Airport Rail Link staff were on hand at the station to provide alternative public transport options for passengers who needed to alight there.

The Praram Radio Centre 199 fire brigade brought the fire under control in just 10 minutes. After a thorough search, there were no reports of deaths or injuries. The extent of the damage is still under investigation.

Airport Rail Link services resumed at approximately 8.30am The Facebook page assured the safety of all passengers but emphasised that the escalator at the station would remain closed until further notice. Airport Rail Link also apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Airport Rail Link is the main public transport link from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Bangkok city centre. The train comprises 10 carriages and is currently operated by Asia Era One, a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Group Company (C.P. Group).

The train has been in operation for over 14 years, with the first and most recent overhaul conducted in 2018. According to a recent report by the Department of Rail Transport, a warning was issued to Asia Era One, urging the operator to plan another overhaul for passenger safety.

Bangkokbiznews reported that the operator planned to invest over 2 billion baht to enhance the efficiency of both the service and the Airport Rail Link train system. The improvements are reportedly intended to support the high-speed train that will connect three airports: Don Mueang International Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and U-Tapao Airport.