SRTET prepares to take over Airport Rail Link

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has told its Electrified Train Company (SRTET) to prepare to manage the Airport Rail Link if Asia Era One's operating contract ends on September 30.

SRTET, which already operates Bangkok's Red Line commuter service, says it can run the airport line but needs around one month to recruit, organise and prepare staff. The SRT must settle the proposed operating terms by September 1 if the company is to be ready immediately after the current agreement expires.

Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Chandrasopha, an SRTET board member and acting director, said the company had previously managed the Airport Rail Link and was confident about its ability to operate the service.

"We have no concerns about running the Airport Rail Link operationally, since we've managed this project before," he said. "But we do need time to prepare staffing. The fastest option we're looking at is transferring Asia Era One's existing employees over to SRTET, so we can keep the service running without interruption."

Staffing and maintenance plans

SRTET estimates it would require about 300 staff to run the Airport Rail Link. Under the proposal, the company would operate the service and transfer its revenue directly to the SRT, rather than establish a separate subsidiary.

Kongsak said SRTET is waiting for the SRT to finalise both the contract conditions and the payment rate. Should that not happen within the one-month preparation period, the SRT could extend a short-term arrangement with Asia Era One to give SRTET more time.

"If SRTET takes the trains back, we'll need to keep running services for passengers while also pushing through maintenance work," Kongsak said. He added that Siemens could be brought in to support interim maintenance before a full overhaul, meaning some trains could be undergoing work while others remain in service.

High-speed rail deal remains unresolved

SRTET has said it needs clarity on the project's management arrangements before it can inspect assets and rolling stock, and establish the legal basis for taking over. Once the SRT agrees the terms, its board must approve them before they are reported to the Cabinet.

Asia Era One's rights to operate the Airport Rail Link are linked to the joint investment agreement for the high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports. That agreement is under review, with the SRT considering whether to amend or terminate it.

The Eastern Economic Corridor Office has proposed two routes forward and is awaiting a meeting of the EEC Policy Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Two possible outcomes

One option is to proceed with amendments previously agreed by the committee, based on an amended draft reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General. The Cabinet would then need to approve the draft before both sides signed a revised agreement.

The alternative is to end the contract if the committee decides it cannot be amended. The SRT and its private partner would then need to consider their legal options.

SRT sources said the agency is awaiting the committee's decision. The private consortium submitted a July 6 request to the SRT to negotiate an end to the contract, arguing that the project cannot continue without an amendment.

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23 August 2026

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