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SRT Launches New KIHA Diesel Railcars for Don Mueang-Ayutthaya

SRT Launches New KIHA Diesel Railcars for Don Mueang-Ayutthaya

Matichon•Economy•2d ago

Reader Briefing

The State Railway of Thailand is introducing new KIHA 40/48 diesel railcars on a feeder route between Don Mueang and Ayutthaya, starting with a six-month trial period.

  • •The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is launching trial services for new KIHA 40/48 diesel railcars.
  • •The new feeder service will connect Don Mueang Airport and Bangkok to Ayutthaya province.
  • •The trial period will last for six months, beginning on April 20, 2026, and will feature 6 round trips per day on weekdays.
  • •The aim is to improve connectivity with the Red Line commuter train and Don Mueang Airport, and to offer an alternative travel option.

Overview

  • •On April 11, 2026, the State Railway of Thailand announced the upcoming service.
  • •The SRT is preparing to launch "KIHA 40 and KIHA 48" diesel railcars in a feeder format.
  • •The new service aims to connect Bangkok Metropolitan Area - Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, facilitating travel.
  • •The service will begin a trial run for a period of 6 months, starting on April 20, 2026.
  • •20 KIHA 40 and KIHA 48 diesel railcars were received from East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and have been refurbished.
  • •6 carriages have been fully refurbished and tested, ready for the feeder service.
  • •The trial service will run from April 20, 2026, to October 31, 2026, on weekdays.
  • •The route will include 8 passenger stops and 1 halting point, connecting major locations including Don Mueang Station and Ayutthaya Station.

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Key Quotes

Anant Phonimdaeng
"The Railway has a policy to continuously develop the transportation network and connections with public transport systems, along with increasing service efficiency for the public."
การรถไฟฯ มีนโยบายพัฒนาโครงข่ายการเดินรถและจุดเชื่อมต่อกับระบบขนส่งสาธารณะอย่างต่อเนื่อง ควบคู่กับการเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการให้บริการแก่ประชาชน

Key Entities

Organization

State Railway of Thailand(การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️
The operator of Thailand's railway network, launching a new diesel railcar service.
East Japan Railway Company (JR East)ℹ️
The Japanese company that supplied the KIHA 40/48 diesel railcars to the State Railway of Thailand.

Place

Don Mueang-Ayutthaya(ดอนเมือง-อยุธยา)
The route for the new trial diesel railcar service operated by the State Railway of Thailand.
Don Mueang International Airport(ท่าอากาศยานดอนเมือง)ℹ️
An airport that the new diesel railcar service aims to provide convenient connection to.

Person

Anant Phonimdaeng(นายอนันต์ โพธิ์นิ่มแดง)
Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, who commented on the railway's development policy.