State Railway of Thailand
การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย

SRT route map (2006)
Overview
Headquarters	1 Rong Mueang Road,Rong Mueang,Pathum Wan,Bangkok 10330
Key people	Veeris Ammarapala (Governor)
Reporting mark	SRT
Locale	Thailand
Dates of operation	1951–present
Predecessors	Royal State Railways of Siam (RSR)
Technical
Track gauge	1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in)meter gauge
Previous gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)standard gauge
Length	4,044 km (2,513 mi)
Other
Website	Official website

TheState Railway of Thailand (SRT) (Thai:การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย, abbrev. รฟท.,RTGS: kan rot fai haeng prathet thai) is the state-owned rail operator under the jurisdiction of theMinistry of Transport inThailand.

The SRT was founded as theRoyal State Railways of Siam (RSR) in 1890.^[1]King Chulalongkorn ordered the Department of Railways to be set up under the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning. Construction of theBangkok-Ayutthaya railway (71 km or 44 mi), the first part of the Northern Line, was started in 1890 and inaugurated on 26 March 1897.^[1] TheThon Buri-Phetchaburi line (150 km or 93 mi), later the Southern Line, was opened on 19 June 1903. The first railway commander of the RSR wasPrince Purachatra Jayakara, Prince of Kamphaengphet.

The Northern Line was originally built as1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)standard gauge , but in September 1919 it was decided to standardize on1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in)meter gauge and the Northern Line wasregauged over the next ten years.^[2] On 1 July 1951, RSR changed its name to the present State Railway of Thailand, which has the status of a state enterprise agency.^[1]

On 7 April 2020, the Thai cabinet named Nirut Maneephan as the new chief of the SRT, the 29th governor in its history.^[3] As of 2020^[update] SRT had 4,044 km (2,513 mi) of track,^[4] all of itmeter gauge except theAirport Link. Nearly 91% wassingle-track railway (3,685 km (2,290 mi)) while 6%, mainly important sections around Bangkok, weredouble-track railway (251 km or 156 mi) and 3% were triple-track railway (107 km or 66 mi).^[5] The network serves 47 provinces and around 35 million passengers annually.^[6] The passenger count is expected to double by 2032,^[7] when the network grows to 6,463 km (4,016 mi)^[7] to serve 61 provinces.^[6]

Buildings of the State Railway of Thailand headquarters, nearBangkok (Hua Lamphong) railway station.

Third-class carriage with 'hall' seating arrangement

The SRT has suffered a loss every year since it was turned into a state-owned enterprise under the Transport Ministry in 1951.^[8] As the worst financially performing state enterprise,^[9] it reported a preliminary loss of 7.58 billion baht in 2010.^[9] In thefiscal year ending 30 September 2016, the militarygovernment budgeted 7,600 millionbaht for SRT infrastructure investments to be used for track duplication, an extension of Bangkok's elevated railway, and construction of bridges, fences, and track improvements, however, the SRT had managed to disburse only 53 percent of its allotted investment budget of 60 billion baht, compared with an average disbursement rate of 80 percent by Thailand's other 55state-owned enterprises (SOEs).^[10] Disbursement rate is seen as an indicator of efficient management.^[10] SRT's budget from government for FY2020 was 13,574.9 million baht, increased from 9,087 million baht in FY2019.^[11]

"If you look at the SRT they are a bit like a patient in [intensive care] and everyone is saying to him 'you are the future' and trying to kick him out of bed when he is still moaning and groaning," said Ruth Banomyong, a logistics and transport expert atThammasat University.^[10]

The SRT annual operating losses are estimated at a minimum of 10 billion baht.^[10] In 2018 and 2019, the SRT lost 12 and 17 billion baht respectively.^[12] As of 2021^[update] the SRT has debts amounting to nearly 190 billion baht.^[13] The SRT consistently operates at a loss despite being endowed with large amounts of property—the SRT is one of Thailand's largest land holders, owning an estimated 39,840hectares—^[10] and receiving large government subsidies. SRT's latest property development scheme is the Chao Phraya Gateway project. It capitalises on SRT's 277rai, 1.16 kilometre stretch of land on the river in theKhlong Toei District. The SRT hopes the project will help clear its 100 billion baht debt. The project is projected to break even within eight years and deliver profits of 140 billion baht. As of April 2019^[update], SRT's plans are being submitted to the Transport Ministry for approval.^[14]

SRT's failings are reflected in passenger numbers, which, according to theEconomist Intelligence Unit have dropped from 88 million in 1994 to 44 million in 2014, and 26 million in 2020.^[15] The SRT has long been popularly perceived by the public as inefficient and resistant to change. Trains are usually late, and most of its equipment is old and poorly maintained. Although SRT's operational costs amount to two baht per kilometre traveled, SRT fares defray only a fraction of that cost. SRT has not been permitted to hike fares since 1985^[16] which is significantly below market rate.^[13]

Under the auspices of the Transport Ministry, the SRT has submitted a rehabilitation plan that will be presented to the State Enterprise Policy Commission on 30 July 2018. The commission, chaired by Prime MinisterPrayut Chan-o-cha is expected to approve the plan. The plan calls for SRT to become the largest railway state enterprise inASEAN. By 2027, anticipating income growth from asset management and cost management, SRT foresees profits of over 20 billion baht.

Hopewell Holdings of Hong Kong was the lead contractor for SRT's ill-fatedBangkok Elevated Road and Train System. The project commenced in 1990 and was terminated by the Thai government in 1998, only 13% complete.^[17] Hopewell and the SRT each blamed the other for the failure of the 80 billion baht project. Both parties sued, and the case has been in litigation since its cancellation. On 23 April 2019, Thailand's Supreme Administrative Court upheld an arbitration committee's ruling in favour of Hopewell. The court ordered SRT to pay Hopewell compensation of 11.88 billion baht, plus 7.5% interest per year. The interest, totaling 13 billion baht, brings SRT's total liability to nearly 25 billion baht, payable within 180 days.

Rail freight, which is cheaper—only roughly half the cost of road transport^[18]—safer, and more environmentally-friendly than road transport, accounted for only 1.4 percent of freight tonnage carried in 2015.^[10] SRT aims to boost its share of cargo transport to six percent with its rail duplication by 2022.^[10] Expansion of SRT's freight service, which could earn more money than the heavily subsidized passenger service, has been neglected for decades in favour of Thailand's roads.^[10]

The SRT's poor financial performance and resistance to reform, coupled with the1997 Asian financial crisis, resulted in stringent restraints being placed on SRT staffing. In July 1998, the Thai cabinet issued an order that the SRT could only hire five new employees for every 100 retirees. As of 2018^[update], the order remains in effect.^[6] SRT officials estimated in 2017 that the enterprise needed to boost staff by 20 percent to 12,000.^[10] In 2018 SRT claims that it needs 18,015 employees to operate efficiently, but only has 10,035 on staff.^[6] The train maintenance workforce has dwindled to 500 from 3,000 over the past 30 years.^[16]

To make up the shortfall, the SRT hires around 4,000 "yearly staffs", usually on daily wages of 300 baht. It has also caused the SRT to pay massive amounts of overtime pay to current employees. For example, one station master inPattani was paid 61,210 baht in monthly salary, but also an additional 102,271 baht in overtime pay.^[6] As of 2020^[update], the staff employment quota was 4,056 but SRT hired 3,721 staffs.^[19]

As of July 2019^[update], SRT employed 10,292 employees and 3,928 yearly staffs, totaling 14,220 while the SRT Board approved the addition of 1,330 new workers to bring the workforce to 15,550,^[20] still fewer than needed to address staff shortages. As of 2020^[update], SRT employed 9,204 employees and 3,721 yearly staffs totaling 12,925 while employment quotas respectively was 18,015 and 4,056 totaling 22,071.^[19]

To address a long list of complaints accusing SRT of a lack of transparency in bids for projects and procurement deals, Prime MinisterPrayut Chan-o-cha fired the governor and board of the State Railway of Thailand in February 2017, using his special powers underSection 44 of the interim constitution.^[21]

Since 1 February 2017,Tickets can be purchasedonline, in person, as well was on the phone by dialling 1690.^[22]

Since 1 February 2024, all long distance special express and express train tickets open up 90 days in advance. Most other tickets can only be bought up to 30 days in advance. For local ordinary and commuter trains, they only can be bought on the day of travel at the station.

Since May 2024, a waiting list function has been added, allowing registered users to wait for available tickets if they have been sold out.^[23]

v t e State Railway of Thailand
Legend
Khamsavath, Laos Thanaleng, Laos Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge Nong Khai Udon Thani Khon Kaen Ban Phai Chiang Mai Ubon Ratchathani Lamphun Si Sa Ket Khun Tan Tunnel Surin Nakhon Lampang Buriram Sila At Bua Yai Junction │ Thanon Chira Junction Uttaradit Chatturat Sawankhalok Nakhon Ratchasima   Ban Dara Junction Royal Cambodian Railway Phitsanulok Aranyaprathet Phichit Prachin Buri Nakhon Sawan Kaeng Khoi Junction Lop Buri Saraburi Ban Phachi Junction Suphanburi Ayutthaya Nakhon Pathom Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Thon Buri Bang Sue Junction Chachoengsao Junction Kanchanaburi Bangkok Hua Lamphong River Kwai Wongwian Yai (MKR) Nam Tok Mahachai (MKR) Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi ferry acrossTha Chin River Burma Railway Ban Laem (MKR) Ratchaburi Maeklong (MKR) Phetchaburi Chon Buri Hua Hin Si Racha Junction Prachuap Khiri Khan Laem Chabang Port Bang Saphan Yai Bang Lamung Chumphon Pattaya Lang Suan Khao Chi Chan Junction Lamae Sattahip Port Chaiya Map Ta Phut Port Ban Thung Pho Junction Khiri Rat Nikhom Surat Thani Thung Song Junction Trang Khao Chum Thong Junction Kantang Nakhon Si Thammarat Phatthalung U Taphao Junction Songkhla Hat Yai Junction Pattani (Khok Pho) Yala Su-ngai Kolok Thailand Malaysia border Thailand Malaysia border (closed) Malaysian Railways Malaysian Railways Rantau Panjang  Padang Besar toGemas Pasir Mas Malaysian Railways toSingapore Malaysian Railways toTumpat

The SRT operates all of Thailand's national rail lines. As of 2023,Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is the main terminus of all long-distance services from Bangkok on the Northern, Northeastern and Southern lines, whileBangkok (Hua Lamphong) railway station is the terminus of all Eastern line services and commuter services from Bangkok on the Northern, Northeastern and Southern lines. Phahonyothin and Ladkrabang Inland Container Depot (ICD) are the main freight terminals.

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TheNorthern Line runs alongside the Northeastern Line until theBan Phachi Junction. There, it splits from the Northeastern Line and proceeds throughLopburi,Nakhon Sawan,Phichit,Phitsanulok,Denchai,Lampang,Lamphun, before finally reachingChiang Mai, 751 km (467 mi) fromBangkok. There is also a branch off the mainline fromBan Dara Junction to Sawankhalok inSukhothai Province.^{[citation needed]}

• Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal - Main station and freight terminal with main diesel locomotive depot and refueling facility.
• Ayutthaya Station - Ayutthaya main station. High passenger revenue, second only to Bangkok Station. It is possible to change here to the Northeastern Line.
• Ban Phachi Junction - A major junction, where the Northern and Northeastern lines separate.
• Lopburi Station - The end of northern Bangkok suburban service; a military town with much history.
• Nakhon Sawan Station - Nakhon Sawan Main Station, Nong Pling Station until 1956.
• Phichit Station - Phichit Main Station
• Phitsanulok Station - Phitsanulok Main station, town with the famous Phra Phuttha Chinnarat
• Ban Dara Junction - Junction for Sawankhalok Line
• Sawankhalok Station - Terminus of Sawankhalok Branch. Station forSukhothai Province and travel toSukhothai andSi Satchanalai Historical Parks.
• Uttaradit Station - Main station, Uttaradit Province.
• Sila At Station - Depot on the Northern Line. Refueling station and up trains will be cut at this station
• Den Chai Station - The dropping point for Phrae with a proposal for a junction for Den Chai – Chiang Rai route
• Nakhon Lampang Station - Depot on the Northern Line. Train will be cut further if going north to Chiang Mai.
• Khun Tan Station - Station in the mountains, base point and entrance forDoi Khuntan National Park.
• Lamphun Station - Main station for Lamphun Province
• Chiang Mai Station - Northern terminus.

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TheNortheastern Line begins on the same route as the Northern Line, splitting atBan Phachi Junction towardsNakhon Ratchasima. Then atThanon Chira Junction, the line splits with one route passingKhon Kaen andUdon Thani before terminating atNong Khai 624 kilometers (388 mi) from Bangkok. The other route passes throughBuriram,Surin,Sisaket to reachUbon Ratchathani, 575 km (357 mi) from Bangkok.

There is also another branch route originating fromKaeng Khoi Junction inSaraburi Province passing throughChai Badan District inLopburi Province andChatturat District inChaiyaphum Province, before joining the mainline heading towards Nong Khai atBua Yai Junction inNakhon Ratchasima Province.

• Saraburi Station - MainSaraburi station, named Pak Priaw station until 1934.
• Kaeng Khoi Junction - The Bua Yai Line and Khlong Sip Kao line diverge from the mainline here. Main Depot with refuelling facility. The point for dividing freight trains into two trains to pass difficult section ofDong Phraya Yen (Kaeng Khoi - Pak Chong) or combining divided freight trains into one train
• Pak Chong Station - The gateway to Nakhon Ratchasima and the point for dividing freight trains into two to pass difficult section ofDong Phraya Yen (Kaeng Khoi - Pak Chong) or combining divided freight trains into one train
• Nakhon Ratchasima Station - Main depot of the Northeastern Line with refuelling facility and a branch line to 2nd Army Support Command. MainNakhon Ratchasima station.
• Thanon Chira Junction - Junction for Nong Khai line close to Fort Suranaree (2nd Army Region HQ)
• Buriram Station -Buriram provincial station with a branch line to a quarry at Khao Kradong
• Surin Station - MainSurin station
• Sisaket Station - MainSisaket station.
• Ubon Ratchathani Station intown of Warin Chamrap - Terminus of SouthIsaan Line (also known as Ubon Line) with depot and refuelling facility. Named Varindr station until 1942–1943. MainUbon Ratchathani Station.
• Lam Narai Station- Station on the Lam Narai/Bua Yai Branch, forChai Badan Municipality.
• Chatturat Station- Station on the Lam Narai/Bua Yai Branch, alight forChaiyaphum.
• Bua Yai Junction - junction with refuelling facility
• Khon Kaen Station -Khon Kaen main station
• Udon Thani Station -Udon Thani main station with refuelling facility.
• Nong Khai Station intown of Nong Khai - Terminus of North Isaan Line (also known as Nong Khai Line), provides a connection toKhamsavath Station inVientiane Prefecture,Laos. MainNong Khai station.

TheSouthern Line begins in Bangkok and heads west towardsNakhon Pathom before splitting into three different routes. One route heads west toKanchanaburi Province (210 km (130 mi)) while another heads north towardsSuphan Buri (157 km (98 mi)). The Southern Line itself continues southbound throughRatchaburi,Phetchaburi,Hua Hin,Prachuap Khiri Khan Province,Chumphon, toSurat Thani 678 kilometers (421 mi) distant. From Surat Thani, there is a westerly branch towardsKhiri Rat Nikhom while the main line continues south toThung Song Junction inNakhon Si Thammarat Province where another branch reaches Kantang inTrang Province. Not far away, another branch separates off the mainline atKhao Chum Thong Junction. The main line from Nakhon Sri Thammarat continues throughPhatthalung before reachingHat Yai Junction inSongkhla Province. From here, a line branches to connect withthe Malaysian railway atPadang Besar and the mainline continues toSu-ngai Kolok passing throughYala Province.

• Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal - Main station and freight terminal with main diesel locomotive depot and refueling facility.
• Bang Bamru Station- Suburban Station, all trains must stop here. First station after crossing the Rama 6 Bridge from Bang Sue.
• Taling Chan Junction- Junction for Southern Main Line(Bang Sue-Taling Chan Link) and Thonburi Branch.
• Thon Buri Station - Former terminus of Southern Line, however some southern trains remain to start the journey here.
• Salaya Station- Suburban Station, forPhutthamonthon District andMahidol University (Salaya Campus)
• Nakhon Pathom Station - Main southern suburban station. MainNakhon Pathom station.
• Nong Pladuk Junction - Junction for Namtok Branch Line and Suphan Buri Branch Line.
• Ban Pong Station - Interchange to Kanchanaburi for those who did not travel along Nam Tok branch line
• Ratchaburi Station - Terminal for southern suburban service, alsoRatchaburi main station.
• Phetchaburi Station -Phetchaburi main station.
• Hua Hin Station - Provincial Station forHua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan with crew changing station.
• Wang Phong Station- One of the stations inPran Buri. Also for the nearby Thanarat Military Camp. More trains stop here for Pran Buri than Pran Buri Station itself.
• Pran Buri Station- Smaller station for Pran Buri, with a well-established Saturday Night Market opposite the station.
• Prachuap Khiri Khan Station -Prachuap Khiri Khan main station.
• Bang Saphan Yai Station - Regional town station. All trains going further south must stop here.
• Chumphon Station - MainChumphon station, locomotive depot with refuelling facility
• Lang Suan Station- Provincial Station in Chumphon. Furthest extent of southern services from Thonburi.
• Ban Thung Pho Junction - Southern container yard, for Khiri Rat Nikhom Branch.
• Khiri Rat Nikhom Station - Terminus for the Khiri Rat Nikhom Branch and the railway toPhang Nga and Tanun (Phuket).
• Surat Thani Station - Crew changing station andSurat Thani main station.
• Thung Song Junction - Locomotive depot, refuelling facility and junction for Kantang Branch.
• Trang Station -Trang main station.
• Kantang Station - Terminus of Kantang Branch.
• Khao Chum Thong Junction - Junction for Nakhon Si Thammarat Branch.
• Nakhon Si Thammarat Station - Terminus of Nakhon Si Thammarat Branch.Nakhon Si Thammarat main station.
• Phatthalung Station -Phatthalung main station, crew changing station
• Hat Yai Junction - Main junction forMalaysia^[24] andSingapore and Main Line of Southern Line, Locomotive Depot and refueling facility. MainSongkhla Station.
• Padang Besar Station - International KTM station in Malaysia. Trains continue to Butterworth (Penang) and further.
• Pattani Station - formerly Khok Pho station,Pattani main station.
• Yala Station - MainYala station, crew changing station
• Tanyong Mat Station - forRa Ngae district andNarathiwat.
• Su-ngai Kolok Station - Terminus of Southern Line. Used to be an international station until the termination of cross border services.

v t e Burma Railway
Legend
Southern Line Nong Pla Duk Nong Pla Duk Junction Southern Line Ban Pong Mai Sa Kosi Narai Ruk Khe Tha Ruea Noi Tha Muang Kanchanaburi Khwae Yai Bridge Bridge on theRiver Kwai Khao Pun Chungkai POW Camp Wang Lan Wang Yen Tha Pong Ban Kao Tha Kilen Lum Sum Ai Hit Tham Krasae Bridge Wang Pho Viaduct Wang Pho Wang Yai Tha Sao POW Camp Nam Tok (Tha Sao) Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi Tonchan Tampii Hellfire Pass Hin Tok Kannyu Saiyok Kinsaiyok Lin Thin Kui Yae Hindat Prang Kasi Yongthi Tha Kanun Nam Chon Yai Tha Mayo Tamrong Patho Kroeng Krai Kurikonta Konkoita Thimongtha Shimo Ni Thea Ni Thea Sonkrai Chaunggahla-ya Three Pagodas Pass Thailand–Burma border Paya-thanzu Tuang Aungganaung Regue Kyondaw Lawa Apalon Bridge Apalon Apalaine Mezali Kami Mezali Lonsi Taungzun Thanbaya POW Camp Thanbaya Anankwin Myettaw Beketaung Tanyin Retphaw Konnoki Rabao Thetkaw Wagale Sin-Thanbyuzayat Tanintharyi Line Thanbyuzayat Tanintharyi Line

• Thon Buri Station - Terminus of Western Line
• Taling Chan Junction - Junction for Bangsue - Taling Chan link (also known as Rama 6 Line), the connection between south and north SRT systems opened with the building of the only rail bridge across the Chao Phraya River in 1925.
• Salaya Station - Bangkok suburban station close toMahidol University (Salaya Campus)
• Nakhon Pathom Station -Nakhon Pathom main station.
• Nong Pladuk Junction - Junction for Suphan Buri and Kanchanaburi.
• Suphanburi Station - A 2-car DMU operates to Bangkok in the early morning and from Bangkok in the evening.
• Kanchanaburi Station - Main Kanchanaburi station
• Nam Tok Station - Terminus of Western Line.

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TheEastern Line begins at Bangkok before heading throughChachoengsao,Prachinburi to terminate atAranyaprathet inSa Kaew Province, 255 kilometers from Bangkok. There is a reopened rail link to Cambodia from Aranyaprathet. A branch line also connectsKhlong Sip Kao Junction to the Northeastern Line atKaeng Khoi Junction. AtChachoengsao Junction, there is another branch toSattahip. Along the route to Sattahip, atSi Racha Junction, there is yet another branch towardsLaem Chabang Deep Sea Port and further atKhao Chi Chan Junction forMap Ta Phut Port, inRayong.

As of January 2023, all services terminate at Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) station. No services run to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

• Makkasan Station - the main depot of SRT (Makkasan Works)
• Hua Mak Station - Bangkok suburban station
• Hua Takhe Station - Junction for ICD.
• Chachoengsao Junction - Junction forLaem Chabang (double-track railway opened January 2012^[25]) and Aranyaprathet Line. MainChachoengsao station.
• Khlong Sip Kao Junction- Junction for the Aranyaprathet Line and the Cargo Link toKaeng Khoi Junction.
• Prachin Buri Station- MainPrachin Buri Province Rail Station.
• Kabin Buri Station- Half of long-distance Aranyaprathet Line services terminate here. InPrachin Buri Province.
• Sa Kaeo Station - MainSa Kaeo station
• Ban Klong Luk Border Station - Terminus of Aranyaprathet Main Line.
• Chonburi Station- MainChonburi station
• Si Racha Junction - Junction for Laem Chabang Deep Sea Port.
• Pattaya Station - Railway station forPattaya City.
• Khao Chi Chan Junction- Junction for Sattahip Commercial Port and Map Taphut Freight Line
• Ban Phlu Ta Luang Station - One of railway stations fromSattahip
• U Taphao Station - One of railway stations fromSattahip
• Chuk Samet Station - Terminus for current, operational, ordinary train from Bangkok.
• Map Ta Phut Station - Terminus of East Coast Line - freight trains only.

v t e Maeklong Railway
Legend
Pak Khlong San Wongwian Yai Talat Phlu Wutthakat Khlong Ton Sai Chom Thong Wat Sai Wat Sing Bang Bon Khan Keha Rang Sakae Rang Pho Sam Yaek Phrom Daen Thung Si Thong Bang Nam Chuet Khok Khwai Ban Khom Khlong Chak Mahachai Tha Chin River Ban Laem Tha Chalom City Hospital Tha Chalom Ban Chi Phakhao Khlong Noklek Bang Sikhot Bang Krachao Ban Bo Bang Thorat Ban Kalong Ban Na Khwang Ban Na Khok Ked Mueang Lad Yai Bang Krabun Maeklong

TheMaeklong Railway, also operated by the SRT, is independent of the national rail network and is split into two sections. The line begins atWongwian Yai in Bangkok before terminating at the Mahachai station inSamut Sakhon, where a ferry is used by passengers to cross theTha Chin River. The line starts again across the river at Ban Laem and continues until the Mae Klong station ofSamut Songkhram.^[26][27]

SRT operates different types of rail services,^[28] each with different service patterns as outlined below:

• Special Express - fastest services, calling at the least number of intermediate stations between the origin and destination. Generally only call at main provincial stations.
• Express - slightly slower services, calling at a larger number of intermediate stations than Special Express. Generally call at all main provincial stations and at some major towns.
• Rapid - slower services calling at all main provincial stations and major towns and some smaller towns.
• Ordinary - services calling at all stations and some railway halts, originating or terminating in Bangkok.
• Commuter - services calling at all stations and all railway halts, originating or terminating in Bangkok.
• Local - services calling at all stations and all railway halts, originating or terminating outside Bangkok.
• Excursion - special services running on weekends such as the weekend Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi and Suan Son Pradiphat services, or services running on specific days or time periods such as the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam excursion train running only during the winter and the steam train services on designated days.

SRT operates long-distance passenger services on the following lines:

• Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Lopburi-Nakhon Sawan-Phitsanulok-Lampang-Chiang Mai

• Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen-Udon Thani-Nong Khai-Vientiane (Laos)
• Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima-Buriram-Surin-Sisaket-Ubon Ratchathani

• Bangkok-Chachoengsao-Prachinburi-Kabin Buri-Sa Kaeo-Aranyaprathet
• Bangkok-Chachoengsao-Chonburi-Pattaya-Sattahip

• Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin-Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Padang Besar (Malaysia)(International Express)
• Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin-Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Su-ngai Kolok
• Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin-Surat Thani-Thung Song-Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin-Surat Thani-Thung Song-Kantang
• Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom-Kanchanaburi-Nam Tok

Until 2016, SRT operated international services toButterworth inPenang,Malaysia, in conjunction with Malaysian state operatorKTM. Direct trains from Bangkok now only run as far asPadang Besar, due to the opening ofKTM ETS.

Since 2021, there 3 return trains operate fromHat Yai Junction and terminate at Padang Besar across theMalaysia–Thailand border.^[24] SRT has also historically allowed operation of theEastern and Oriental Express on their tracks which runs fromSingapore to Bangkok and vice versa, although trips in 2024 did not enter Thailand.

A link across theFirst Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge toThanaleng railway station, nearVientiane, opened in March 2009.^[29] In December 2010, following Chinese plans to extend theirstandard-gauge railway network toXishuangbanna on theChina–Laos border and further into Laos,^[30] the Thai government agreed to start negotiations on building a standard-gauge network.^[31] This would initially involve two lines:^[32] from Bangkok to the Lao border, and a longer line from Bangkok along the peninsula to the Malay border. In 2024, long distance overnight train services between Bangkok andVientiane Khamsavath railway station were started. Shuttle trains to Udon Thani are also being operated in conjunction with the Lao National Railway.

The rail link toCambodia viaPoipet from the railhead atAranyaprathet was constructed in 1941, but was closed in 1961 due to strained Thai-Cambodian relations during the Cold War. The rail connection was repaired and reopened in April 2019. Cross-border services briefly ran until it was suspended by the outbreak ofCOVID-19. Currently, no cross-border services operate.

Railway connections toMyanmar (Burma), notably the infamousDeath Railway, are defunct.

• Malaysia - same1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) gauge
  • Padang Besar Checkpoint: open
  • Su-ngai Kolok-Rantau Panjang Checkpoint: tracks connected but rail checkpoint closed, may reopen.
• Laos - same1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) gauge
  • Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge atNong Khai Province, across theMekong River toKhamsavath railway station.
• Cambodia
  • Aranyaprathet-Poipet Checkpoint: tracks connected but rail checkpoint closed due to COVID-19.^[33]
• Myanmar
  • Three Pagodas Pass Checkpoint: defunct, but projected extension will rebuild the route.^[34]
  • see alsoDeath Railway

The SRT operatescommuter rail services from Bangkok along the Northern and Northeastern Lines up to Ayutthaya, Ban Phachi Junction, Lopburi and Kaeng Khoi Junction. Ten trains run along the route on a daily basis.^[35] A new service serving between Thon Buri and Salaya was launched on 22 October 2010, extending to Nakhon Pathom on 1 June 2022 to act as a feeder service for the SRT Light Red Line.^[36]

TheRed Line project is a new commuter rail system also owned by the SRT and will replace portions of rail lines running through Bangkok, eliminating at-grade crossings. Currently, two lines operate: theDark Red Line and theLight Red Line.

Thai railways transported around 11 million tons of freight per year in 2007–2012, which was around 2% of the total amount of freight moved by all modes of transportation.^[37] While it is possible for freight trains to travel between Thailand and the neighboring countries (Malaysia and Laos), the amount of international rail freight presently constitutes only a minuscule portion of Thailand's foreign trade. In 2012, merely 95 thousand tons of export cargo left Thailand by rail, as compared to 12 million tons of cargo exported by road, and 114 million tons of cargo exported by ship. For import, the rail transport's share was even smaller.^[37]

Thai railways transport both bulk freight (primarily oil products and construction materials) and containerized freight. Most of the freight movement is between Bangkok and sea ports (in particular, between the deepwater port ofLaem Chabang and the container terminal inLad Krabang, in Bangkok's eastern suburbs).^[38]

In an attempt to increase the railway's share of the nation's freight transportation market, in 2016 the SRT, in a joint project with Japan, started experimenting with small, 12-foot containers. It is thought that, being smaller than the standard 20-foot containers, these containers can be more easily transported by truck between a rail station and the end customer. These containers are being tried on two routes from Bangkok's Bang Sue station: a 722-km route toLamphun Province in the north of the country, and a 433-km route toKhon Kaen in the northeast.^[39]

SRT also operates special services aimed at tourists, such as the SRT Royal Blossom train, SRT KiHa 183 Excursions, steam train services and weekend Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi and Suan Son Pradipat province. Most of these special services feature special trains, and are priced at a premium, with added services.

Refurbished old KiHa 183 trains debuted on the SRT network, gifted by theJR Hokkaido Railway Company, are now some of the most popular excursion train services, providing day and overnight tours to different provinces such as Ayutthaya, Hua Hin, Chacheongsao, Nakhon Nayok and Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi.

Type	Manufacturer	Numbers	Year(s) built	Quantity built	Power	Max speed (km/h)	Image	Note
UM12C[40] (GEK[41])	General Electric	4001-4050[40][41][42]	1964 (4001–4040)[40][42] 1966 (4041–4050)[40][42]	50[40][41][42]	1,320 hp (0.98 MW)[40] (660 hp (0.49 MW)x2)	103[41]		Refurbished around 2010–2011.
AD24C[43] (ALS[41])	Alstom[43]	4101-4154[41][43]	1974–1975[43]	54[43]	2,400 hp (1.79 MW)[43]	90[41][43]		First batch of AD24C locomotives. Some refurbished with newMTU 16V4000R41R[44] orCaterpillar diesel engines.
AD24C[43] (AHK[41])	Alstom,[43] Henschel[43] andKrupp[43]	4201-4230[41][43]	1980[43]	30[43]	2,400 hp (1.79 MW)[43]	100[41][43]		Second batch of AD24C, built under license by Henschel and Krupp. Some refurbished with newMTU 16V4000R41R[44] or Caterpillar diesel engines.
AD24C[43] (ALD[41])	Alstom[43]	4301-4309[41][43]	1983[43]	9[43]	2,400 hp (1.79 MW)	100[41][43]		Third batch of AD24C. Some refurbished with Caterpillar diesel engines.
AD24C[43] (ADD[41])	Alstom[43]	4401-4420[41][43]	1985[43]	20[43]	2,400 hp (1.79 MW)[43]	100[41][43]		Fourth and last batch of AD24C. Some refurbished with newMTU 16V4000R41R[44] or Caterpillar diesel engines.
8FA-36C (HID[41])	Hitachi	4501-4522[41]	1993	22	2,860 hp (2.13 MW) (1,430 hp (1.07 MW)x2)	100[41]		First batch of Main Line Locomotive Program, usedMAN Diesel engines in the short-term[citation needed], then replaced byCummins KTTA-50L engine, later modified to KTA-50L
CM22-7i[40] (GEA[41])	General Electric	4523-4560[40][41]	1995–1996[40]	38[40]	2,500 hp (1.86 MW)[40] (1,250 hp (0.93 MW)x2)	100[41]		Second batch of Main Line Locomotive Program, usedCummins KTA-50L[40] engine. Some locomotives air-conditioned.
CSR SDA3	CRRC Qishuyan	5101-5120[45]	2013–2015[46][47]	20[46]	3,800 hp (2.83 MW)[46]	120 But limited 100[46]		5101-5120 all active in freight service UseCaterpillar C175-16 ACERT engines[46]
CRRC CDA5B1 (QSY)	CRRC Qishuyan	5201-5250[48]	2022[48]	50[48]	3,218hp[48]	120[48]		First 20 locomotives arrived in Thailand in January 2022. UseMTU 16V 4000R43L[48]

Type	Manufacturer	Numbers	Year built	Quantity built	Power (horsepower)	Max speed (km/h)	Image	Note
RHN	Hitachi	1011-1048 (power cars) 11–48 (trailer cars)	1967	38+38	220	90		Now used as a Northeastern line commuter train. Some installed withNathan K3LA horns. One unit donated toCambodian Royal Railways.
THN	Tokyu,Hitachi andNippon Sharyo	1101–1140	1983	40	235	105		Similar to NKF. Some with installed Nathan K3LA horns.
NKF	Nippon Sharyo,Hitachi,Fuji Heavy Industries,Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Niigata Tekkousho, and Kinki Sharyo	1201–1264, (center) 2101–2112	1985	64+12	235	105		Similar to THN, but with plastic chairs. Some with installed Nathan K3LA horns.
ASR	British Rail Engineering Limited,Derby Litchurch Lane Works	2501–2512, (center) 2113-2120[49]	1991	12+8	285	160 km/h butMinistry of Transport limited the top speed to 120 km/h.		Metre gauge version ofBritish Rail Class 158, with different gangways and couplers, and with inward-opening slam doors instead of plug doors. 3-car set until 2011, when all were refurbished with new seats, vinyl floors, an extra coach and new livery. Some installed Nathan K3LA horn.
APD .20	Daewoo Heavy Industries	2513-2524 (center) 2121–2128	1995	12+8	298	120		First batch, narrow body. All units installed Nathan K3LA horn.
APD .60	Daewoo Heavy Industries	2525–2544	1996	20+40	298	120		Second batch, wide body. All units installed Nathan K3LA horn.
JNR Class ED79 (Hamanasu)	Hitachi,Mitsubishi,Toshiba		1986–1990	10		110		Donated byJR Hokkaido for SRT in 2018 and rebranded to SRT Royal Blossom. They are used for luxury tourism service.
KiHa 183-0	Fuji Heavy Industries		1981/1982	17	220~660	110		Donated byJR Hokkaido for SRT in 2021. They are used for tourism service.
KiHa 40/48	Fuji Heavy Industries andNiigata Tekkō		1977–1983	20	217	95		Donation byJR East for SRT in 2023. Awaiting refurbishment Kiha 40 11 trainset Kiha 48 9 trainset total 20 train set. They are used for feeder service within Greater Bangkok region.

Type	Manufacturer	Numbers	Year built	Quantity built	Power (horsepower)	Max speed (km/h)	Image	Note
AT100	Hitachi		2019	130		160		Used in theSRT Dark Red Line andSRT Light Red Line. 15 units form 6-car sets, while units 10 form 4-car sets.

Used for special services only.

Type	Manufacturer	Numbers	Year built	Quantity built	Power (horsepower)	Max speed (km/h)	Image	Note
SRT Japanese Mikados	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,Hitachi,Nippon Sharyo,Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company,Kisha Seizo	351–378, 901–970 (953 in storage)	1936–1951	98	1280	85		Used on special excursion services on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Chulalongkorn Memorial Day and SRT Founding Day.
SRT Japanese Pacifics	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Hitachi, Nippon Sharyo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company, Kisha Seizo	283–292, 821–850 (824 and 850 preserved in working order)	1942–1951	40	1280	100		Used on special excursion services on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Chulalongkorn Memorial Day and SRT Founding Day.
JNR Class C56	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Hitachi, Nippon Sharyo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company, Kisha Seizo	701–746 (713 and 715 preserved in working order)	1935–1939	46	592	75		Used on the Nam Tok Line (Death Railway) for the annual River Kwai Bridge Week Festival in Kanchanaburi.

In 2018, 91% of Thailand's 4,044 km rail network was asingle-track railway.^[5] A government initiative to move air and road transport to rail passed a major milestone on 28 December 2017 when the SRT signed nine contracts costing 69.5 billion baht with private contractors to complete track duplication on 702 km of the SRT network.^[50] The government's aim is to reduce the nation's logistical overhead, some 1.75 trillion baht, by moving air and road freight to rail because moving atonne of freight by rail costs 0.93 baht per kilometre compared with 1.72 baht by road, but 86 percent of Thailand's freight moves by road and only 2 percent by rail.^[50]

Completed double tracking projects:

• Kaeng Khoi Junction - Chacheongsao Junction
• Thanon Chira Junction - Khon Kaen
• Nakhon Pathom toHua Hin, 169 km^[51]
• Hua Hin toPrachuap Khiri Khan, 84 km^[51]
• Prachuap Khiri Khan toChumphon, 168 km^[51]

Phase one of the project includes five sections of double-track railway with remaining two projects under construction:

• Map Kabao inSaraburi Province toThanon Chira Junction inNakhon Ratchasima Province, 134 km^[52]
• Lopburi toPak Nam Pho inNakhon Sawan, 145 km^[50]

Cabinet approval is expected to allow the signing of contracts for phase two of the track duplication project by March 2018. The second phase will add a second track to 2,217 km of single track over nine rail links at a cost of 398 billion baht. Government plans call for an overall investment of 600 billion baht to create 2,588 km of double-track railway.

Phase 2 by 2029

• 285 km Pak Nam Pho - Den Chai, estimated to cost Bt59.3 billion
• 189 km Den Chai - Chiang Mai, costing Bt57.9 billion
• 308 km Thanon Chira Junction - Ubon Ratchathani, costing Bt36 billion
• 167 km Khon Kaen - Nong Khai, costing Bt25.8 billion
• 168 km Chumphon - Surat Thani, costing Bt23 billion
• 321 km Surat Thani - Hat Yai Junction - Songkhla, costing Bt56.1 billion
• 45 km Hat Yai Junction - Padang Besar, costing Bt7.86 billion.

Phase 3 (new routes)

• Den Chai- Chiang Rai - Under construction
• Ban Phai - Nakhon Phanom - Under construction
• Pak Nam Pho - Ban Phai
• Mae Sot to Pak Nam Pho
• Suphan Buri to Ban Phachi Junction

The Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong line has three contract sections (Aug 2025):

Den Chai-Ngao (103 km), progressing at 38.915%

Ngao-Chiang Rai (132 km), progressing at 48.062%

Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong (87 km), progressing at 37.767%^[53]

The Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham-Roi Et-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom line has two contract sections (progress 42% as of Sep 2025^[54]):

Ban Phai-Nong Phok (180 km)

Nong Phok-Friendship Bridge 3 (175 km)^[55]

This line will link Suphan Buri’s short branch line with the national network at Ban Phachi, enabling freight and passenger transport across regions without passing through Bangkok. It will be 65.5km long and get 4 new stations and 2 container yards.^[56]

The SRT board has approved a plan to demolish and rebuild 298 stations, six million baht each, as part of the track duplication. As of August 2019, the SRT board announced that the unique vanilla and maroon paints scheme would be replaced in the reconstructions of the stations with designs that "reflect local identities".Southern Line stations to the south would be painted blue, symbolizing the sea, andNorthern Line stations to the north would be painted green, symbolizing forests.^[57]

Japan would provideShinkansen technology for a high-speed rail link between Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai. Phase 1 would connect Bangkok to Phitsanulok. It is estimated to cost 280 billion baht. Seven stations are planned for this segment: Bang Sue, Don Mueang, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, and Phitsanulok. To reduce costs, Thai authorities have proposed reducing the number of stations, but theJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has rejected this suggestion on the grounds that it defeats the original purpose of the project.^[58] This portion of the route was scheduled to be submitted to the Thai cabinet for financial approval in August 2018.^[58]

After an initial cooperation agreement was signed in 2015, the Thai government formally requested the technical and financial assistance of the Japanese government in late-2016 for the building of the Northern HSR line to Chiang Mai.^[59] The Japanese completed a feasibility study which estimated that the project will cost 420 billion baht to build.^[60]

A feasibility study by JICA in mid-2018 reported that the train as planned would run at a loss. JICA's study projects only 10,000 passengers per day on the route, as opposed to the 30,000 per day forecasted in the original planning proposals. To be profitable from ticket sales would require 50,000 fares per day.^[58]

The Thai government announced in September 2019 that it may cancel Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed rail project after private investors declined to invest. The cost of the 670 kilometre line is estimated to be 400 billion baht. Japan has turned down the project as a bad investment due to low passenger projections.^[61]

A HSR line to the eastern seaboard was first proposed in 1996 but there was no progress for over a decade. In 2009, the government requested theOffice of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to create a plan for new HSR network in Thailand that included an eastern HSR line to Rayong. The route was finalised before the 2011 election with the promise to begin construction the next year if the government was re-elected, but they lost the election. After the 2011 election, the new government reviewed all HSR plans and the SRT stated that the line would be tendered in early-2014.^[62] After the May 2014 coup there were further delays while the military government reviewed all HSR lines, initially deferring all projects. In early-2016, the government agreed to proceed with the eastern HSR route and suggested that it could be extended toDon Mueang International Airport beyond the terminus atBang Sue Intercity Terminal thus providing a link with three airports.^[63] Extending the line would provide a link between Don Mueang Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, andU-Tapao International Airport inBan Chang District.

During 2017, OTP and the Ministry of Transport in consultation with the SRT agreed that by extending the line to terminate at Don Mueang it would effectively include the long delayed extension of theAirport Rail Link (Bangkok) fromMakkasan Station to Don Mueang Airport as part of the project. The Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC Office) in October 2017 finalised previous OTP plans to build the 10 station Eastern HSR line linking Don Mueang airport, Bang Sue, Makkasan, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chonburi, Si Racha, Pattaya, U-Tapao Airport, and Rayong. In early-2018, the section to Rayong was excluded due to environmental and safety concerns and it was decided that the line would terminate at U-Tapao Airport.^[64]

The SRT stated that the first tenders for the Eastern HSR line are expected to be tendered by May 2018 with a four-month auction period before the contract is awarded.^[65] The cost of the project was estimated to be over 200 billion baht, of which the Thai Government would fund 123 billion baht and the private sector estimated to contribute 90 billion baht.^[66][67]

Two rival consortia vied for the airport link contract.^[68] TheCharoen Pokphand (CP) Group-led consortium consisting ofItalian-Thai Development,China Railway Construction Corporation Ltd, CH. Karnchang, andBangkok Expressway and Metro, won the project with a 224 billion baht bid in December 2018. Their winning bid is valid until 8 November 2019. Until 16 October 2019, the consortium had refused to sign the contract, citing land expropriation and eviction problems and the consortium's request that the government share the risk in the project.^[69] Negotiations were further complicated by the resignation of the entire board of the State Railway.^[70] On 16 October 2019, news reports announced that the CP consortium intends to sign the rail deal on 25 October.^[71] Tanit Sorat, Vice-chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry, said that the contract signing delays are "...unlikely to affect the project because the government will carry out the project smoothly.^[69] The project was eventually approved in October 2019 as a public private partnership between the Thai government andCharoen Pokphand/China Railway Construction Corporation. The assets will revert to state ownership after 50 years.^[72]

In November 2014, Thailand and China signed amemorandum of understanding agreeing to construct the Thai portion of the transnational railway running fromKunming, China to theGulf of Thailand. In November 2015, both parties agreed to a division of labour. Under the framework, a joint venture would be set up to run the project. China would conduct feasibility studies, design the system, construct tunnels and bridges, and lay track. Thailand would conduct social and environmental impact studies, expropriate land for construction, handle general civil engineering and power supply, and supply construction materials.

Once built, China would operate and maintain the system for the first three years of operation. Between the third and the seventh years, both countries would share responsibility. Later Thailand would take on responsibility with China as adviser. China would train Thai personnel to operate and maintain the system.

Dual standard-gauge tracks would be laid throughout the project. In Thailand, two routes would diverge at a junction inKaeng Khoi District inSaraburi Province. One to connect Bangkok to Kaeng Khoi. The other route to connect Kaeng Khoi withMap Ta Phut ofRayong Province. FromKaeng Khoi tracks would lead north toNakhon Ratchasima and on toNong Khai Province. Construction would be divided into four sections: Bangkok-Kaeng Khoi, Map Ta Phut-Kaeng Khoi, Kaeng Khoi-Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai.

Construction of Thailand's 873-kilometre-long portion of the railway system started in December 2017^[73][74] and the Phase 1 line is due to open in 2023.^[75] It will connect to a 417 km line fromVientiane to the northern Lao border and a 520 km line from the Lao border to Kunming.^[76]

This line would link Bangkok withHua Hin. It would be 211 km long and estimated costs in 2016 were 152 billion baht.^[77]

• Rail transport in Thailand

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