Thailand Aims to Become a Train Manufacturing Hub in ASEAN
Despite the Thai government's efforts to stimulate the economy, recent reports from the IMF show a downward revision of Thailand's GDP growth forecast. Adding to the economic concerns, the automotive industry is facing significant challenges, with sales plummeting and some companies closing factories in Thailand.
In response to these challenges, the Thailand Railway Research Institute (STRI) is embarking on a mission to transform Thailand from a train importer to a train exporter and establish the country as a railway industry hub in ASEAN. This initiative aims to revitalize the economy and create new jobs, particularly for those affected by the downturn in the automotive sector.
STRI plans to leverage the existing expertise in the automotive industry to manufacture train carriages. The goal is to produce 50 train carriages annually within the next three years, potentially saving 20% of the national budget currently spent on importing trains. While initially relying on imported locomotives, STRI aims to eventually develop its own locomotive technology through partnerships with world-class companies.
This ambitious project aligns with Thailand's 20-year national strategy and is supported by the current government. STRI is also engaging young people through a "Dream Train" competition to encourage innovation and build future capacity in the railway industry.
This long-term project faces challenges, but if successful, it could significantly boost Thailand's economy, create new jobs, and position the country as a key player in the global railway industry.
Record-breaking! Red Line Electric Train Hits New High with 46,309 Passengers on November 8
Source: IQ InfoQuest News Agency
Sunday, November 10, 2024, 11:38
IQ InfoQuest News Agency (November 10, 2024)
Pichet Kunathumrak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, announced that on Friday, November 8, 2024, the Red Line electric train set a new passenger record with 46,309 trips. This new high is the highest number of passengers for the Red Line since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, total ridership across various rail services, including the Airport Rail Link, Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line (Blue Line), and Chalong Ratchatham Line (Purple Line), reached its highest point for the week, totaling 1,846,814 trips, broken down as follows:
1. Intercity Rail: 85,575 trips
2. Airport Rail Link: 78,487 trips
3. Red Line Commuter Rail: 46,309 trips
4. Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line (Blue Line): 537,940 trips
5. Chalong Ratchatham Line (Purple Line): 84,565 trips
6. Green Line (BTS): 894,025 trips
7. Yellow Line: 49,495 trips
8. Pink Line: 70,418 trips
The Thai Railway Department is pushing for the revitalization of Srakosinarai Station in Ratchaburi Province, aiming to transform its underutilized container yard (CY) into a bustling hub for freight transport. This initiative comes in response to growing demand for rail freight services in the Ban Pong district and surrounding areas, particularly from the paper and food processing industries.
Historically, Srakosinarai Station, located on the Namtok railway line, served as a key transport point for rolled paper products from the Siam Kraft Industry Co., Ltd. (SCG Ban Pong Factory). However, in recent years, the station's CY has seen a decline in activity. Recognizing its potential, the Ratchaburi Provincial Industrial Council has proposed redeveloping the area to accommodate the burgeoning freight transport needs of the region.
"We visited Srakosinarai Station and found that the CY area was not being used effectively," stated Mr. Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT). "The Ratchaburi Provincial Industrial Council proposed to promote the area as a CY to support the transportation of goods in Ban Pong District and nearby districts."
The demand for rail freight services in the area is significant, with paper factories and food processing plants seeking efficient and cost-effective ways to transport their products. Siam Kraft Industry Co., Ltd., for instance, anticipates transporting 80-100 containers of pulp and scrap paper daily via the ICD-Srakosinarai-Tha Muang railway route.
However, current infrastructure limitations pose a challenge. Srakosinarai Station can only accommodate 15 trains at a time, and the limited number of freight trains servicing the route just two per day shuttling between ICD and Srakosinarai falls short of meeting the private sector's needs.
To address these challenges, the DRT plans to expand and upgrade the Srakosinarai CY, increasing its capacity to handle more trains and facilitate smoother cargo operations. This initiative promises to not only boost local industries but also contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transportation network in the region.
Thailand's Railways Gear Up for Regional Trade Boom
Kanchanaburi's stations poised to become key hubs in the Myanmar-Malaysia trade route
Thailand is strengthening its position as a vital link in Southeast Asia's trade network with a major railway infrastructure push. The Department of Railways (DRT) is developing Wang Yen and Tha Muang stations in Kanchanaburi province into key container handling centers, aiming to boost capacity and facilitate smoother cargo flows between Myanmar and Malaysia.
On November 13th, DRT Director of Rail Transport Operations, Ms. Jirawan Hongsakul, and Director of Strategy and Planning, Mr. Ruangdet Mangkorndechakul, visited Wang Yen station to assess its potential as a freight hub. The plan is to transform Wang Yen into a central collection point for goods originating from Myanmar, destined for Malaysia via the Phu Nam Ron checkpoint. This initiative is projected to handle an estimated 200 TEUs of Myanmar-Malaysia containers weekly.
"Wang Yen station will be a crucial link in our national railway network," Ms. Hongsakul explained. "It will not only streamline trade with Myanmar and Malaysia but also serve as a gateway for goods moving between central Thailand and Laos and China through the Nong Khai checkpoint."
The DRT also has plans to leverage the upgraded rail network to alleviate pressure on road transport. By offering an efficient alternative for goods transportation from Khlong Toei Port, the initiative aims to reduce congestion in and around Bangkok.
The delegation then proceeded to Tha Muang Railway Station to inspect the existing container yard (CY) and gather feedback from stakeholders. While the site, currently operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) in partnership with private transport companies, shows promise, it faces challenges in accommodating the surging demand.
"We've heard clear concerns about capacity," Mr. Mangkorndechakul stated. "The current infrastructure at Tha Muang, with its limited train frequency and carriage capacity, needs significant upgrades to meet the private sector's growing needs."
The SRT is actively reviewing these challenges and exploring solutions to maximize the potential of both Wang Yen and Tha Muang stations, ensuring Thailand's rail network is ready to support the region's burgeoning trade.
Loy Krathong Festival Sees Record Number of Passengers on Bangkok's Blue Line
Daily News, November 16, 2024, 2:21 PM
Bangkok's MRT Blue Line saw a record-breaking 558,165 passenger trips on Loy Krathong, the highest number since its opening. This surpasses the previous record of 555,976 trips on September 6, 2024. Overall, public transportation ridership across Bangkok reached 1,979,601 trips on November 15th, a 4.15% increase compared to Loy Krathong in 2023.
Mr. Pichet Kunadhammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), reported the following breakdown of ridership:
* State Railway of Thailand (SRT) intercity trains: 209 trains with 81,946 passenger trips.
* Bangkok and metropolitan area electric trains: 1,897,655 passenger trips. This includes:
* Airport Rail Link: 215 train runs (including 10 extra runs) with 81,748 passenger trips.
* Red Line: 294 train runs with 45,067 passenger trips.
* Purple Line: 321 train runs (including 3 extra runs) with 86,279 passenger trips.
* Blue Line: 494 train runs (including 28 extra runs) with 558,165 passenger trips.
* BTS Green Line (Sukhumvit and Silom Lines): 1,240 train runs with 971,068 passenger trips.
* BTS Gold Line: 219 train runs with 22,153 passenger trips.
* MRT Yellow Line: 276 train runs with 54,050 passenger trips.
* MRT Pink Line: 276 train runs with 79,125 passenger trips.
Mr. Pichet also confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, remains committed to the 20 baht flat fare policy for all train lines. This initiative aims to reduce the cost of living for commuters and is expected to be implemented by September 2025. Currently, the drafting of the Integrated Ticket Management Act is underway.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum