PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s rail transport system handled heavy New Year holiday travel smoothly on the second day of the festive period, with authorities confirming orderly operations, no service disruptions, and no passengers left stranded, according to the Department of Rail Transport (DRT).
Pichet Kunadhamrak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, said rail systems nationwide saw strong passenger demand on December 27, the second day of the Ministry of Transport’s New Year facilitation plan. Overall travel proceeded without rail accidents or service interruptions, reflecting heightened operational readiness across intercity trains and urban rail networks.
Intercity Trains Operate Smoothly
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) intercity services recorded robust usage, particularly on southern, northeastern, and northern routes, with outbound travel exceeding inbound traffic as people returned to their hometowns or headed to holiday destinations. Rail operations at both Hua Lamphong Station and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal were well managed, and officials confirmed there were no stranded passengers.
Southern routes — often used by travelers heading toward resort provinces and coastal connections — remained among the busiest, underscoring continued demand for leisure travel during the year-end holidays.
Urban Rail Lines Reflect Tourism Activity
Bangkok’s urban rail systems also saw strong ridership, particularly on lines serving major event venues, shopping districts, and tourist areas. BTS Green Line, Gold Line, and Pink Line usage exceeded expectations, reflecting the lively atmosphere of New Year celebrations across the capital.
The Gold Line, which connects to the IconSiam area hosting major countdown events, recorded especially strong demand, highlighting the role of rail transport in easing congestion during large-scale festivities.
Pattaya Travelers Advised to Plan Connections Carefully
While Pattaya does not have a direct rail link into the city center, authorities reminded Pattaya-bound travelers using rail services to connect via Bangkok to allow additional travel time, particularly during evening departures and peak holiday periods. Increased passenger volumes on both rail and road networks may affect transfer times between stations, bus terminals, and motorway connections leading to Pattaya.
Travelers heading from Pattaya to other provinces via Bangkok rail hubs are similarly advised to plan connections carefully and arrive early.
Safety Reminder Following Track Incident
Pichet also addressed a rail safety incident reported in the early hours of December 28, in which a train struck a person who was in a restricted rail area in Nakhon Ratchasima province, resulting in a fatality. Train staff followed emergency safety procedures, but the incident could not be avoided due to close proximity.
The Department of Rail Transport expressed condolences and reiterated a strong warning to the public not to enter railway tracks or restricted rail zones under any circumstances, emphasizing that such actions pose serious danger to life and property.
Extra Trains Added, Legal Milestone Announced
To accommodate continued holiday demand, SRT has deployed additional special train services on northern and southern routes to ensure smooth travel and prevent passenger backlogs.
Pichet also noted that the Rail Transport Act and the Common Ticketing Management Act have now been officially published in the Royal Gazette, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s rail development. The new laws aim to modernize rail transport, enhance safety, and improve long-term benefits for passengers nationwide.
