BANGKOK, Thailand – The private operator of Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link will continue running the service for another four months until Jan. 31, 2027, before a subsidiary of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) takes over. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Sept. 14 that the arrangement had been agreed following discussions with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior SRT officials.
Phiphat clarified that the extension will run for four months, rather than one year, from the expiry of the current arrangement on Sept. 30. The private operator will continue services through Jan. 31, 2027. He also rejected reports that the company would receive an operating fee of 60 million baht a month during the extension.
Instead, the operator will keep the actual fare revenue collected from passengers during the four-month period. Phiphat said the company would receive only what it earns from operating the service, meaning the financial risk remains with the private operator if revenue does not cover its costs.
Earlier reports had referred to a proposal for 60 million baht a month to cover operating management and utility costs. The figure would have amounted to 240 million baht over four months. The extension is intended to prevent an interruption to Airport Rail Link services while preparations are made for the SRT to resume direct control.
After Jan. 31, the SRT’s subsidiary, SRT Electrified Train Company Ltd., is expected to take over operations. The company previously operated the Airport Rail Link before the service was transferred to the private sector. Before the handover, the SRT will inspect the railway tracks, trains and other equipment to ensure everything is in proper condition for continued passenger service.
The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport with central Bangkok, serving stations including Makkasan and Phaya Thai. The line opened in 2010 and has been operated by the private sector since 2021 in preparation for its integration with the planned high-speed rail link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports. The future of that three-airport high-speed rail project remains unresolved.
Phiphat said the conditions surrounding termination of the existing contract must be considered by the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) committee, chaired by the prime minister. Issues that remain disputed with the private sector may also require consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The prime minister may further seek advice from the Council of State before the matter is submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.
Phiphat said a clearer direction on the three-airport high-speed rail project would follow the EEC’s consideration, with Anutin expected to provide the final political response. The latest Airport Rail Link arrangement follows discussions aimed at ensuring uninterrupted service after the current operating agreement expires. SRT officials had previously said preparations were needed to avoid disruption to passengers during the transition. (TNA)
