The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to begin an extensive upgrade to its third-class passenger fleet, transitioning 40 cars from fan-powered units to air-conditioned models. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the comfort and service of Thailand’s public transportation network. According to Mr. Wirit Amrapal, Governor of SRT, the Mechanical Division has submitted a detailed scope of work (TOR) for the project, which is now awaiting government procurement procedures. The first batch of 40 upgraded cars will be auctioned for a budget of 295.60 million baht, with bidding expected to open between June and August 2025.
The renovation process will occur in stages, with the contractor required to deliver the first five refurbished buses within 150 days of receiving them, or approximately by May 2026. Over the following years, additional buses will be upgraded, with the project set for completion by early 2028. A second phase will request budget approval for 90 more buses in 2026 and 2027, ensuring steady progress. The first batch of 40 air-conditioned cars is anticipated to be in service by June 2026.
Currently, SRT operates around 300 to 400 third-class trains, and the planned upgrades will focus on modernizing 130 of them, with an overall budget of 939.70 million baht. The upgrades include the installation of air conditioners, redesigned, more comfortable seating, improved toilet facilities, and enhanced interiors. The air-conditioned electric trains will serve as power sources for the various systems onboard. Despite the renovations, the SRT is committed to ensuring that public services remain unaffected by these upgrades, guaranteeing that enough trains are available for passenger use during the renovation period.
The fare for third-class trains currently starts at just 2 baht, but the SRT is considering adjustments to ticket prices once the upgrades are complete.
Mr. Wirit further emphasized that the SRT is also working on expanding its fleet to support the opening of dual tracks throughout the country. A proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Transport for 184 new air-conditioned diesel rail buses, intended for commercial service. The estimated budget for this project stands at 24,150 million baht, and if approved, bidding will open in September 2025, with delivery expected to start in 2027.
Another procurement proposal involves replacing 182 special express and express buses, totaling 10,502 million baht. If approved, the project is expected to begin in February 2026, with the first two trains delivered in May 2028.
The SRT’s ongoing modernization initiatives reflect its commitment to improving the comfort, efficiency, and safety of Thailand’s rail system. These upgrades are expected to have a significant positive impact on the public’s access to high-quality, air-conditioned transport options in the near future..
