Thai railway stations to be developed

[george]

Stations to be developed, firms to lease shops to boost revenue

45 spots found with commercial potential

The State Railway of Thailand plans to develop the compounds of 45 railway stations nationwide through private sector investments, to pull in extra revenue.

The private sector would be invited to invest in shops at stations.

A source at the SRT's Property Management & Development Bureau said the state agency would develop areas around railway stations by allowing the private sector to invest and collect rental fees from shops under a Station Trading Project.

Studies had found that only 45 of the 435 railway stations in Thailand had the potential to earn more revenue for the SRT through such ventures, he said.

The plan would first be implemented in Makkasan, Samsen, Don Muang, Laksi, Bang Khen, Phahon Yothin, Rangsit, Huamark, Khlong Tan, Bang Sue 1 and 2 and the Bang Bamru stations this year and Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Phitsanulok and Chachoengsao stations next year.

Others with development potential are Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Bang Pa-in, Lop Buri, Baan Phachi and the Tha Rua stations on the northern route, and Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram and Thanon Jira on the northeastern route were also listed.

Lat Krabang, Hua Takheh, Khlong Luang Phaeng and Prachin Buri railway stations on the eastern route and Thon Buri, Taling Chan, Salaya, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phangnga and Sungai Kolok stations on the southern route.

The SRT's railway-station store leasing panel had proposed four more stations _ Baan Thab Chang, Saraburi, Kaeng Khoi and Bang Son _ for the project.

SRT general manager Jitsanti Thanasophon said the agency would push hard for their development since it needed to supplement revenue sources to cut its losses.

The plan also includes construction of restrooms, parking lots and shops at which high quality merchandise would be sold at reasonable prices.

--Bangkok Post 2003-10-24

[ovenman]

One has to wonder about the financial motivations driving this.  A few years back, the SRT renovated a bunch of stations in the Bangkok area such as Samsen and Don Muang, adding shops, toilet facilities and... well, pretty much what is described in this article from today's Post.  This prettying-up was such a success at that time that plans were announced to extend the renovations to big railway stations around the country like Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Surat, Khorat, etc.  Nothing ever came of this proposed redevelopment and over time, some of the renovations at stations such as Samsen have fallen into disuse (many shops are empty).  Now this is a hot idea again and if one takes this article as gospel, Samsen, Don Muang and the like will be re-renovated merely a few years after having been fixed up.

[ovenman]

And to follow-up on this story, construction of shops and such does appear to underway at the Chiang Mai railway station.

[george]

First-class train service likened to hotel

The State Railway of Thailand says it will offer a first-class service comparable to luxury hotels.

Under governor Chitsanti Dhanasobhon's plan, the first-class carriage will look like a room at a five-star hotel. Passengers can choose a single or double room.

Any first-class passenger travelling alone is required to stay in a two-passenger compartment if it is fully booked. In exchange for better service and more choices, first-class customers will have to pay more. Second-class cars will get air-conditioning. The third-class service will be improved gradually with more air-conditioned carriages put on.

``The improvements will not be costly but the service will be better. It will help us compete with domestic airlines,'' he said. ``What I most emphasise is the cleanliness of toilets.''

--Bangkok Post 2003-11-03

[ovenman]

``The improvements will not be costly but the service will be better. It will help us compete with domestic airlines,'' he said. ``What I most emphasise is the cleanliness of toilets.''

If the proposed low-cost no-frills airline ever gets off the ground, the State Railway of Thailand will find themselves with a problem holding onto their first and second class passengers.  A budget air fare should be similar to the current first or second class sleeper fares on the train.  The SRT will need to improve services if they expect the majority of these passengers to keep traveling by train.