TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Travelers looking to journey between Bangkok, Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will soon have a more convenient option. A direct train service connecting these two major Southeast Asian capitals is scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2025. This new Thailand-Malaysia rail connection will utilize an existing railway line that runs through Bangkok, Padang Besar, Butterworth, and Kuala Lumpur.
The initiative was recently discussed during a meeting between Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, and Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport.
"Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have three months to finalize preparations. The initiative requires joint planning, marketing coordination, and integrated ticketing systems, not new tracks," Minister Siew Fook said following a one-day working visit to Thailand in early May, as reported by Railway Supply.
He further clarified that this train route does not require new track construction but close coordination, joint marketing efforts, and cooperative ticket sales between the two nations.
The revived route will allow travelers to seamlessly journey between the two countries without the need for multiple transfers. The estimated travel time and ticket prices for this service are yet to be announced.
Boosting Tourism
The direct train service between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok is expected to significantly impact the travel industry, enhancing connectivity across Southeast Asia. Rail travel has increasingly become an appealing alternative to air and road transportation for travelers in both Malaysia and Thailand.
From a tourism perspective, the improved rail network could substantially boost cross-border travel, encouraging visitors to explore more countries during their trips. Travel agents and tour operators are well-positioned to capitalize on this enhanced route by offering combined Malaysia-Thailand travel packages that leverage the convenience and scenic advantages of train travel.
Connecting to China
The Thai government has also proposed extending its rail network from Su-ngai Kolok on the Thai border to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas in Malaysia. However, in its initial stages, this extension will require considerable maintenance to restore old tracks and ensure they meet current operational standards.
Thailand is aggressively pursuing expanded access to its country to attract more tourists. A high-speed rail line connecting Bangkok with Nong Khai, a northeastern province bordering Laos, is slated for completion by 2030. This line is planned for further extension into China, forming a crucial part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure project.
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