Bangkok’s bustling Airport Rail Link, a lifeline for commuters to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, is gearing up for a major overhaul after 14 years in operation.

 

After a recent inspection flagged critical issues, the Department of Rail Transport issued a stark warning: Neglecting maintenance could spell disaster for passengers, Director-General Pichet Kunadhamraks revealed yesterday.

 

“Skipping this important step could jeopardise the safety of commuters.”

 

To avert potential crises, Asia Era One, the current operator, has roped in seasoned players like Siemens Mobility to keep a close eye on the rail’s electrical and signalling systems.

 

Following a meticulous review, Asia Era One, a subsidiary of Thailand’s CP Group, has ramped up efforts to ensure the rail’s safety, hiring reputable firms to conduct daily, weekly, and monthly checks on vital systems, Kunadhamraks explained.

 

“This is a crucial step to maintain the integrity of the system and ensure passenger safety.”

 

With the Airport Rail Link’s extensive reach, stretching further since its last overhaul in 2018, the stakes are higher than ever. Without timely intervention, Kunadhamraks warned of potential breakdowns and delays plaguing commuters.

 

Moreover, as passenger numbers soar, the system could buckle under pressure, leaving travellers stranded. To address this, CP Group has pledged hefty investments to enhance services and expand capacity, promising a smoother ride for all, reported The Nation.

 

However, amidst assurances of progress, questions linger about the system’s readiness for the future.

 

In related news, plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination.

 

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, on Monday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si Chum and tambon Baan Tham in Dok Kham Tai district.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Caption: Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-22

 

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4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

“Skipping this important step could jeopardize the safety of commuters.”

Better safe than sorry....

Wen Express Line?

“Skipping this important step could jeopardise the safety of commuters.”

 

really? who'd have guessed, thanks for telling me that...

It's had major issues for a couple of months already now. About time they started looking into it. 

There is no translation for "maintenance" in the THAI language.

9 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Bangkok’s bustling Airport Rail Link, a lifeline for commuters to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, is gearing up for a major overhaul after 14 years in operation.

 

After a recent inspection flagged critical issues, the Department of Rail Transport issued a stark warning: Neglecting maintenance could spell disaster for passengers, Director-General Pichet Kunadhamraks revealed yesterday.

 

“Skipping this important step could jeopardise the safety of commuters.”

 

To avert potential crises, Asia Era One, the current operator, has roped in seasoned players like Siemens Mobility to keep a close eye on the rail’s electrical and signalling systems.

 

Following a meticulous review, Asia Era One, a subsidiary of Thailand’s CP Group, has ramped up efforts to ensure the rail’s safety, hiring reputable firms to conduct daily, weekly, and monthly checks on vital systems, Kunadhamraks explained.

 

“This is a crucial step to maintain the integrity of the system and ensure passenger safety.”

 

With the Airport Rail Link’s extensive reach, stretching further since its last overhaul in 2018, the stakes are higher than ever. Without timely intervention, Kunadhamraks warned of potential breakdowns and delays plaguing commuters.

 

Moreover, as passenger numbers soar, the system could buckle under pressure, leaving travellers stranded. To address this, CP Group has pledged hefty investments to enhance services and expand capacity, promising a smoother ride for all, reported The Nation.

 

However, amidst assurances of progress, questions linger about the system’s readiness for the future.

 

In related news, plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination.

 

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, on Monday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si Chum and tambon Baan Tham in Dok Kham Tai district.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Caption: Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-22

 

- Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
 

Meticulous maintenance hmm that's lost on somchai because all he does is get a torch quick looksie and away he goes for a bit of pad kapow!

Many things they build here, maintenance seems not to be a priority.  Look at some of the buildings and condos that were beautiful when opened now, dirty and falling apart.

Hope they take proper care of this system.

Edited March 22, 20242 yr by bkk6060

I thought the Airport Link was operated by SRT which would explain the maintenance issues. I wonder if CP Group took over recently- would have made sense for BTS to have this responsibility. To the best of my knowledge the fares have not increased at all since the line was opened ( still 45b from Phaya Thai to airport) so this must be a losing proposition which is probably subsidized by the government. 

CP. Fingers. Pies

32 minutes ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

There is no translation for "maintenance" in the THAI language.

I've often said the same for the word "logic"

Reading between the lines of the article and it all seems a bit ... opaque. 

 

Maybe what they're really saying is: we're within a hairsbreadth of a disaster on a daily basis and if we don't do take action soon and address a list of major issues as long as our arm we might tarnish Thailand reputation as a destination. But then again, let's do the bare minimum because we don't want to spend the money. 

In Asian culture, a comprehensive maintenance plan typically doesn't rank high on the list of priorities or concerns. 

The prevailing belief often leans towards purchasing new items and replacing them with new again when they fail, rather than investing in maintenance or repairs.

 

 

 

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

After a recent inspection flagged critical issues, the Department of Rail Transport issued a stark warning: Neglecting maintenance could spell disaster for passengers, Director-General Pichet Kunadhamraks revealed yesterday.

But that's the Thai way.... use it and abuse it until it breaks down, then think about what to do.

6 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

Better safe than sorry....

Thailand is good at saying "sorry"

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Following a meticulous review, Asia Era One, a subsidiary of Thailand’s CP Group

 

Does the 7/11 chime tone play when the doors open?

 

 

They (CP Group) were supposed to finance a rail-link between SMK-BKK-UTP. Oops.

 

 

 

EECO denies ultimatum to CP Group over high-speed rail project

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40035229

2 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Many things they build here, maintenance seems not to be a priority.  Look at some of the buildings and condos that were beautiful when opened now, dirty and falling apart.

Hope they take proper care of this system.

or look at all the sidewalks here in Pattaya

Can they do maintenance during the hours they don't run trains ?

15 minutes ago, IAMHERE said:

Can they do maintenance during the hours they don't run trains ?

 

That is one of the specified times for maintenance  !

Its NOT because they shut down the SYSTEM for a break for the lads  !  !

2 hours ago, waders123 said:

In Asian culture, a comprehensive maintenance plan typically doesn't rank high on the list of priorities or concerns. 

The prevailing belief often leans towards purchasing new items and replacing them with new again when they fail, rather than investing in maintenance or repairs.

 

 

 

 

 

Stellios,the boss of easyJet UK said ”If you think Safety/maintenance is expensive try having an accident "...

almost reads as if there was no maintenance contract for the line...

3 hours ago, dundas said:

Reading between the lines of the article and it all seems a bit ... opaque. 

 This is Asean Now...stop using highfalutin words!

Hope the upgrades will include more cars on the trains and more frequent train intervals.  Nice if they added reserved seating and express trains from Makkasan.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

With the Airport Rail Link’s extensive reach, stretching further since its last overhaul in 2018

 

Its "reach" is exactly the same now as it was in 2018 - there have been no extensions to the system since it opened.

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

CP Group has pledged hefty investments to enhance services and expand capacity

 

The ARL has had insufficient rolling stock since the day it opened, which is why the frequencies are so poor. Neither the SRT nor CP have shown any interest in spending money to buy more trains.

 

Meanwhile, the stations are still gloomy and stifling, the guards still blow their whistles in passengers' ears, the seats are still narrow and uncomfortable, and the exteriors of the trains show no signs of ever having been washed.

 

30 minutes ago, newnative said:

Nice if they added reserved seating and express trains from Makkasan.

 

Very unlikely anytime in the foreseeable future. The express trains never made economic sense, and would still run mostly empty if they were brought back. That being the case, CP should finally convert the unused baggage cars on the former express trains to accommodate passengers - it's ridiculous that those trains run with one empty car, even years after the express service was discontinued.

PM is now a airport location scout in a small regional town?

 

Nothing more important to do? 

Edited March 23, 20242 yr by mran66

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Bangkok’s bustling Airport Rail Link, a lifeline for commuters to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, is gearing up for a major overhaul after 14 years in operation.

 

After a recent inspection flagged critical issues, the Department of Rail Transport issued a stark warning: Neglecting maintenance could spell disaster for passengers, Director-General Pichet Kunadhamraks revealed yesterday.

 

“Skipping this important step could jeopardise the safety of commuters.”

 

To avert potential crises, Asia Era One, the current operator, has roped in seasoned players like Siemens Mobility to keep a close eye on the rail’s electrical and signalling systems.

 

Following a meticulous review, Asia Era One, a subsidiary of Thailand’s CP Group, has ramped up efforts to ensure the rail’s safety, hiring reputable firms to conduct daily, weekly, and monthly checks on vital systems, Kunadhamraks explained.

 

“This is a crucial step to maintain the integrity of the system and ensure passenger safety.”

 

With the Airport Rail Link’s extensive reach, stretching further since its last overhaul in 2018, the stakes are higher than ever. Without timely intervention, Kunadhamraks warned of potential breakdowns and delays plaguing commuters.

 

Moreover, as passenger numbers soar, the system could buckle under pressure, leaving travellers stranded. To address this, CP Group has pledged hefty investments to enhance services and expand capacity, promising a smoother ride for all, reported The Nation.

 

However, amidst assurances of progress, questions linger about the system’s readiness for the future.

 

In related news, plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination.

 

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, on Monday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si Chum and tambon Baan Tham in Dok Kham Tai district.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Caption: Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-22

 

- Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
 

 

This is a forewarning about the SRT lines that they have opened on the cheap.  You have to have the funding and a continuous maintenance plan.  

 

The keep prices down and this is new so it will not need work is a fallacy.

 

Consider that with Condos, we have condo fees, and a portion is set aside for maintenance and upgrades.

I hope the maintenance program extends to the exterior cleaning of the rail units that have been in a filthy state for the past few years.

As a regular traveller to Malaysia, their airport-to-city express rail link is simply superb. It's a non-stop express service from airport to their rail hub (yes it is a REAL hub). Thailand's 'airport rail link' started with a commuter and express service, the latter which no longer exists. Let me put it this way - even when it was operating, Thailand's express link is nothing compared to what Malaysia has. Where is that face-saving pride (and making things work better) when you need it?

Edited March 23, 20242 yr by outsider

On 3/23/2024 at 10:36 AM, khunjeff said:

That being the case, CP should finally convert the unused baggage cars on the former express trains to accommodate passengers - it's ridiculous that those trains run with one empty car, even years after the express service was discontinued.

 

They did that quite a while back.

Haven't travelled on it for some years. Does it still have that loud bang when it goes over the points at one of the stations - I think the one where the maintenance depot is?

 

I remember thinking something is not quite right with that!