SRT boss Wuthichart Kalyanamitra oversaw the ceremonies which launched the two express services on their journeys from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani. Some trains on Thailand’s two other mainline routes to Nong Khai and Hat Yai are due to be replaced with new ones on the 2 December.
The trains operating on Chiang Mai services plus those that will serve Nong Khai and Hat Yai passengers feature new locomotives. The innovative carriages are equipped with the likes of aircraft-style bathrooms, television screens, air-conditioning and modern devices for disabled access.
Another plus of the new trains is they have better suspension when compared to most of the SRT’s older rolling stock and give a much smoother ride. 12GO ASIA notes that fares on the new trains remain the same and, as demand for tickets is high, pre-booking is recommended.
State Railway of Thailand christens new trains
News in Asia
The State Railway of Thailand’s brand new rolling stock made its public debut last Friday. An SRT spokesperson said the two trains with the new China-built carriages were just about full and most of the berths had been pre-booked by international travellers.