The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced that a new train service from Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Terminal to Penang, Malaysia, will commence within two to three months.

 

On August 20, Mr. Ekkarat Sri-arayangpong, Chief of the Office of the Governor of SRT, confirmed this development. It was endorsed by Mr. Awirut Thongnet, Deputy Governor of SRT, during the 42nd KTMB – SRT Joint Conference held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, from August 13-16.

 

The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral rail cooperation, improve passenger travel, and enhance cross-border goods transportation between Thailand and Malaysia. It aligns with the broader policy of Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport, to stimulate economic growth and boost tourism for both nations.

 

The conference approved the Bangkok Grand Station – Padang Besar – Butterworth, Penang, route in principle, which is expected to enhance travel connectivity and promote tourism and trade between Thailand and Malaysia.

 

The agreement also includes extending the MySawasdee tourist train service from Hat Yai Junction in Thailand to Surat Thani Station, following positive feedback and full occupancy rates on all trips.

 

This extension is anticipated to further stimulate tourism and generate increased revenue for both nations. Further discussions will focus on finalizing operational details and implementation timelines.

 

A joint working group will be formed to advance the launch of the extended Bangkok-Padang Besar-Butterworth service, expected to commence within the next 2-3 months, with an initial 6-month trial period.

 

Mr. Ekkarat also highlighted that the meeting explored further freight transport cooperation, with the SRT expressing readiness to support cross-border goods transportation through routes such as Padang Besar – Hat Yai Junction, Hat Yai Junction – Bang Klam/Ban Thung Pho Junction/Kantang, and Padang Besar – Bangkok/Sapli/Na Pradu.

 

In addition, the success of the ASEAN Express train service connecting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China was recognized, and plans to increase its frequency from once a week to twice a week were discussed.

 

This collaboration marks a significant expansion in Thailand-Malaysia rail connectivity, promoting seamless travel, trade, and tourism while reinforcing Thailand’s ambition to become a regional hub for tourism and logistics.

 

Source: Khaosod English

 

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The editorial team at Invest Bangkok Property