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Thailand's SRT to Launch Refurbished Japanese Kiha Trains

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japan-kiha1.jpg

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch refurbished Kiha 40/48 trains from Japan on the Don Mueang-Ayutthaya route this December. Key upgrades include a revamped air conditioning system and enhanced engineering standards to better suit Thailand's climate. This initiative aims to boost public transport and promote tourism in Ayutthaya.

 

The refurbishment of these Japanese diesel railcars is crucial to improving service quality. The first prototype is expected by September, with another following in October. These trains, initially designed for Japan’s colder Akita region, require significant modifications to perform efficiently in Thailand’s tropical weather.

 

SRT Governor Veerith Amrapal highlighted that the upgrades focus on technical systems and operational functions, notably the air conditioning. Improvements encompass redesigned air outlets, upgraded compressors, and new cooling systems, all enhancing passenger comfort. Comprehensive tests for braking, acceleration, and vibration ensure compliance with safety and technical standards.

 

By December 2025, four refurbished Kiha railcars are expected to operate, connecting Don Mueang and Ayutthaya. This route is intended to accommodate commuter demand and encourage cultural tourism in the historic province. The SRT views this project as pivotal in modernizing Thailand's rail transport sustainably, while enhancing safety and comfort for passengers.

 

Thailand received 20 Kiha railcars as a donation from Japan’s JR East. This included nine Kiha 40s with double cabins, each seating 65 passengers and featuring two toilets. Two coaches have longitudinal seats, while seven offer transverse seating. The eleven Kiha 48s have single cabins, accommodating 82 passengers with longitudinal seats and a toilet.

 

Key Takeaways

  • SRT plans to launch upgraded Japanese Kiha trains by December 2025.
  • Refurbishments include climate-adapted air conditioning systems.
  • Project aims to improve transit and promote Ayutthaya tourism.

 

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image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-09-17

 

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  • Popular Post

Given the precision by which Japan's railroad system is run, acquiring 2nd hand Japanese Railcars is hopefully akin to buying a used Honda or Toyota: well built and well maintained.  Smart move.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The refurbishment of these Japanese diesel railcars is crucial to improving service quality.

When buying second-hand and then refurbish to improve standards you know you're in a bad situation.

Japanese trains.

I can only think of one thing : chikan.

It would be both refreshing and encouraging to see Thailand using modern rolling train stock, now that they've improved some of the tracks to a dual rail. The next logical step would be to improve the trains. I guess they don't have enough of a budget to create modern cars, so using older Japanese train cars is the next best thing, let's hope. 

 

It does get to a point after while where being 70 years behind the curve is just a little bit embarrassing. 

16 hours ago, dddave said:

Given the precision by which Japan's railroad system is run, acquiring 2nd hand Japanese Railcars is hopefully akin to buying a used Honda or Toyota: well built and well maintained.  Smart move.

Before the introduction of the new rolling stock in 2016 some long distance routes had ex Japanese first class carriages. They were well appointed and made for a very comfortable journey. They only had one bunk and getting 2 adjoining was almost like an apartment.

25 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

 

It does get to a point after while where being 70 years behind the curve is just a little bit embarrassing. 

Indeed,  for decades the rail infrastructure was ignored with bus being the preferred mode of transport. Difficult to blame the population for preferring transport that will  pull up in the back of beyond and let you off. A bit frustrating for those that want to get from A to B as quickly as possible.

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

connecting Don Mueang and Ayutthaya

 

Interesting, not to the other two Bangkok termini.

Looks like Ayutthaya will get its own airport link!

2 hours ago, sandyf said:

Indeed,  for decades the rail infrastructure was ignored with bus being the preferred mode of transport. Difficult to blame the population for preferring transport that will  pull up in the back of beyond and let you off. A bit frustrating for those that want to get from A to B as quickly as possible.

Where I live in rural Kamphaeng Phet the nearest bus station is 5km away. (but there is no public transport to get you there).

 

The nearest railway station is 140 km away in Nakhon Sawan. and 3 changes of bus away.

 

The next nearest train station is at Phitsanulok 180 km away. However to get there I need to get into the village, take a baht bus to Kamphaeng Phet bus station ( a 1 hour trip on a good day), catch another bus to Phitsanulok, and then another bus to the railway station,

 

Pardon me if I am not exactly ecstatic about the SRT old, refurbished on new trains, though perhaps some people may be.

 

 

   Not a moment too soon.  Hope they will eventually replace the unairconditioned horror trains that go by on that surface track near the Airport Rail Link.  

Thanfully, the maximum speed will be sedate as dictated by the lack of streamlining. The lateral seating will appeal to tourists uninterested in their surroundings and glued to their mobile phones. No mention of the provision of WiFi and multiple charging points.

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

better suit Thailand's climate

Was there any used train cars available from Malaysia or Indonesia that might better accommodate Thailand weather? 

For example, Malaysia uses refurbished train cars for some of its services, with examples including the KTM Class 83 for the Komuter service, which received interior overhauls and specific refurbishments for the KTM Skypark Link.

8 hours ago, FlorC said:

Japanese trains.

I can only think of one thing : chikan.

Shikansen do you meaning?

58 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

Shikansen do you meaning?

No , look it up if you don't know.

From the 1950s to the 1970s in one great leap! Wow!

 

Thailand on the move. Soon it'll be a new hub for moving.

5 hours ago, newnative said:

   Not a moment too soon.  Hope they will eventually replace the unairconditioned horror trains that go by on that surface track near the Airport Rail Link.  

I kinda like them

On 9/18/2025 at 1:02 PM, billd766 said:

Where I live in rural Kamphaeng Phet the nearest bus station is 5km away. (but there is no public transport to get you there).

 

The nearest railway station is 140 km away in Nakhon Sawan. and 3 changes of bus away.

 

The next nearest train station is at Phitsanulok 180 km away. However to get there I need to get into the village, take a baht bus to Kamphaeng Phet bus station ( a 1 hour trip on a good day), catch another bus to Phitsanulok, and then another bus to the railway station,

 

Pardon me if I am not exactly ecstatic about the SRT old, refurbished on new trains, though perhaps some people may be.

 

 

Not quite sure of your point Bill. They have had Japanese trains in the past and nothing wrong with them, better they buy second hand rolling stock than nothing at all. But it is all too little too late.

I live right next to the Eastern Line, it wasn't that long ago it became dual track. Only one 3rd class  passenger train a day Mon - Fri, that takes forever. About 4 hours from Bangkok just to Pattaya, but very cheap and free  to Thais.

I took it once to catch the train north. Left Chonburi about 3pm and by the time we got to Bangkok it had gone dark. Being 3rd class what fans there were didn't work and all the windows were wide open. The carriage became home to all the flying wildlife known to man, very uncomfortable. Found the Northern and Southern line a completely different experience.

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