Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok Train Service Resumes This Year

The Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok train service is set to resume in 2025, providing travelers with a direct and scenic overland connection between Malaysia and Thailand. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Revival of the Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok Train Service

Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to reinstate the direct Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok train service by the end of 2025. This initiative leverages existing railway infrastructure, including routes through Padang Besar and Butterworth, eliminating the need for new construction.

Don’t miss…Fundraiser Launched for Steam Locomotive Restoration Efforts

The collaboration between Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) aims to offer a seamless travel experience without requiring passengers to change trains at the border.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that both governments have approved the plan, with operations expected to commence later this year.

The service will enhance tourism and trade between the two nations, providing a comfortable alternative to air travel. Currently, travelers must transfer at Padang Besar due to the discontinuation of the direct Bangkok-Butterworth service in 2016.

Expanding Connectivity and Economic Opportunities

Beyond passenger services, Malaysia plans to launch a direct rail cargo link between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to boost bilateral and regional trade. This freight service is expected to improve connectivity to other Asian countries, including China, Laos, and Central Asia. The initiative reflects a broader vision to enhance regional logistics and economic integration.

Additionally, Thai authorities have proposed extending rail services from Sungai Golok to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas in Malaysia.

While this extension could support local economies, the revival may face delays due to the non-operational status of long-dormant railway lines in both regions.

The return of the Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok train service marks a significant step in revitalizing Southeast Asia’s transportation landscape.

By harnessing existing networks and fostering bilateral collaboration, both countries aim to reshape mobility and unlock new economic opportunities across the region.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: