New train service to link Bangkok and Penang in three months

Thailand will launch a new train service linking Bang Sue in Bangkok to Penang, Malaysia, within the next two to three months. The initial phase will be a six-month trial period, marking a significant step in cross-border transportation.

The announcement was made yesterday, August 20, by Ekarat Sriarayapong, head of the Governor’s Office of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Awirut Thongnet, Deputy Governor of the SRT, attended the 42nd KTMB – SRT Joint Conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, from August 13 to 16 to discuss expanding railway cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia.

This collaboration aims to facilitate seamless travel for citizens and enhance cargo transportation between the two countries. It aligns with the policies of Surapong Piyachote, Deputy Minister of Transport, and the Thai government to boost tourism and economic growth.

The meeting approved the principle of operating a train service from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Padang Besar and Butterworth in Penang, Malaysia. This initiative will promote tourism and economic activities between Thailand and Malaysia.

The meeting also agreed to extend the MySawasdee tourist train route from Malaysia to Thailand. Initially terminating at Hat Yai Junction, the route will now extend to Surat Thani Station.

The MySawasdee train has received excellent feedback, with full passenger capacity on every trip. Extending this route is expected to further support tourism and increase national revenue. Both countries will work out the details and timeline for this extension.

A joint working group will be established to consider the service extension from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Padang Besar, ultimately reaching Butterworth Station. The service is anticipated to start within two to three months and will initially operate as a six-month trial.

Ekarat also mentioned that the meeting discussed expanding freight cooperation. The SRT is ready to support cross-border cargo transport, including routes such as Padang Besar to Hat Yai Junction, Hat Yai Junction to Bang Klam/Thung Pho Junction/Kantang, and Padang Besar to Bangkok/Saphli/Napradu.

Both parties acknowledged the success of the ASEAN Express train service, which connects Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China. Plans are underway to increase the frequency of the ASEAN Express from one trip per week to two trips per week, reported KhaoSod.