BANGKOK, Thailand – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to sign a new memorandum of understanding with Asia Era One (AERA 1), part of the CP Group, on September 28 to keep the Airport Rail Link (ARL) operating for another four months. SRT Governor Anan Photnimdaeng said the new MOU will extend the current arrangement from October 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, following negotiations between the SRT and AERA 1 after the existing MOU expires on September 30.
AERA 1 has already returned the relevant documents to the SRT, while the railway has prepared a framework for cooperation that will largely retain the existing principles and conditions.
After the temporary arrangement ends, SRT Electrified Train Co. Ltd. (SRTET), the SRT’s subsidiary, will take over operation of the Airport Rail Link from February 1, 2027. The SRT board was asked on September 25 to approve the principle for SRTET to prepare to take over both train operations and maintenance. The railway is also carrying out inspections of trains and related systems to ensure a smooth transition without affecting passengers.
Anan said the Airport Rail Link currently generates about 50 million baht in monthly fare revenue, while personnel costs are estimated at about 19 million baht per month for around 300 employees.
Existing AERA 1 staff operating the Airport Rail Link could continue working under SRTET, subject to SRT employment regulations, he said. The new MOU concerns support for Airport Rail Link operations and follows a resolution allowing private-sector involvement in operating the service, subject to a 533 million baht security guarantee.
