Thailand's first domestically designed and built light rail tram has begun its test runs at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI) in Khon Kaen. The prototype tram is undergoing daily trials along a 450-meter track on campus, drawing significant online attention. Testing started in December, with the goal of full operational service within a year.

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Over six to seven years of research led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Paiwan Kerdtruat has culminated in this milestone. Funded by the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), the project officially launched in 2020. Designed by Thai engineers with inspiration from German, Japanese, and Chinese rail systems, the tram aims to establish a domestic light rail industry.

The tram, capable of carrying 120 passengers, features a hybrid power system using batteries and overhead lines, with plans for a hydrogen-powered model in the future. While currently allowing students and delegations to ride during testing, full services with new stations are envisioned within a year and expansion is planned around Kaen Nakhon Lake.

Approximately 80% of the tram's components are manufactured in Thailand, with parts from Ayutthaya, Chonburi, and Samut Prakan, complemented by some imported specialized components. The tram's online reception has been positive, with many hopeful about Thailand's capabilities in rail technology development.

Looking ahead, the tram project aims to serve major cities like Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, though the broader 26-kilometer light rail plan for Khon Kaen remains pending. Continued trials and preparations for a larger rollout are ongoing, as stakeholders anticipate a leap in local transportation solutions, reported Khaosod.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand's first locally designed light rail tram is in testing.

• The project aims for full operations within a year.

• Most components are domestically produced, supporting local industry.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 20 Feb 2026

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Great news Thailand! Hope this works out well.

Great news. What a super story. Local project with much potential to solve serious problems. Kudos!

Strikes me as a lot more serious than Pattaya monorails. Imagine this rolled out nationwide over the next ten years. The boost that could give the economy and quality of life as well.

If it runs at street level it should have a "cow catcher" on the front to move traffic out of the way. Remember this is a country where motorists refuse to give way to ambulances, trams no contest.

I value my life.....I am not riding it...

2 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

I value my life.....I am not riding it...

What a sad, miserable and pathetic comment. You must have a terrible life.

There's always one nasty bitter old man to vomit his negativity on a positive news story. Well done, must make you proud to be that guy.

Some more pictures of it here. It's not the best looking tram I have ever seen but it looks functional and will no doubt evolve over time - after all this is a prototype.

16 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Some more pictures of it here. It's not the best looking tram I have ever seen but it looks functional and will no doubt evolve over time - after all this is a prototype.

How long till the first accident?

22 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

What a sad, miserable and pathetic comment. You must have a terrible life.

There's always one nasty bitter old man to vomit his negativity on a positive news story. Well done, must make you proud to be that guy.

To be fair, this is just another 'hub' article. Nothing new or exciting, just another case of taking standard items off the shelf and sticking a 'made in' label on it.

I'd be much more impressed with the local rocket scientists finding a way to build......and maintain.....usable sidewalks.

1 minute ago, redwood1 said:

How long till the first accident?

On 2/20/2026 at 5:37 PM, snoop1130 said:

undergoing daily trials along a 450-meter track on campus

There's a pedestrian crossing at the 500-meter point.............

On 2/22/2026 at 6:42 AM, josephbloggs said:

Some more pictures of it here. It's not the best looking tram I have ever seen but it looks functional and will no doubt evolve over time - after all this is a prototype.

Narrow. It'll run down Soi 6 easily ...