The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to introduce 20 second-hand KiHa diesel trains from Japan to enhance suburban passenger services. A system test is scheduled for June, after which the KiHa 40 and KiHa 48 models will undergo refurbishment. Six of these trains are expected to be operational within the year.
The diesel trains were donated by JR East, marking the first time SRT has received rolling stock from this Japanese railway company. Previously, train carriages had been donated by JR West and JR Hokkaido on five occasions since 1997.
To adapt the trains for use in Thailand, their undercarriages will be modified to fit the country’s one-metre standard gauge tracks. Once this adjustment is complete, the trains will be transferred to Laem Chabang station for cab installation. The next phase of refurbishment will take place at Makkasan, where all mechanical components—including the undercarriage, power and transmission systems, and braking system—will be inspected. Engine maintenance and final performance tests, including evaluations of acceleration, braking efficiency, mechanical stability, and air conditioning, will be conducted before the trains receive fresh exterior paint and restroom renovations.
These trains will be deployed as part of the suburban feeder rail network, improving connectivity between Bangkok and surrounding provinces. The fleet includes nine KiHa 40 models, which feature double-cab driver compartments and a 65-seat capacity, along with 11 KiHa 48 models, which have a single-cab configuration and an 82-seat capacity.
Officials, including SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala, were present to oversee the train modifications and discuss the implementation timeline.
