Thailand Looks to Japan for New Railway Tourism Strategy

Thailand plans to adapt parts of Japan’s community-focused railway tourism model to create more appealing train journeys and generate income for regional businesses. The proposal was discussed during a Thailand-Japan railway workshop attended by representatives from the Department of Rail Transport and a Japanese transport research organisation. Officials are considering selling regional meals, locally produced goods and OTOP items aboard tourism trains, drawing inspiration from Japan’s popular railway lunch boxes. The strategy is also intended to encourage more weekday journeys, reduce weekend crowding and provide steadier revenue for operators and communities along the routes. Thailand has already expanded its tourism services using refurbished Japanese carriages, including the Royal Blossom and KIHA183 trains.