A prototype passenger train, developed under the “Thai-built Train” initiative by King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), has been officially handed over to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) after two and a half years of development and testing. The handover marks a key milestone in Thailand’s efforts to locally manufacture railway technology to reduce import dependency.
The train, named Beyond Horizon, was delivered along with a maintenance manual to be incorporated into the SRT’s fleet. Before delivery, the research team and SRT’s mechanical engineering division collaborated to fine-tune the braking system, enabling compatibility with existing train formations. The prototype underwent comprehensive testing, including static and dynamic brake assessments, as well as a long-distance trial route covering over 5,000 kilometers from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
An official launch is expected soon through cooperation between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The first public demonstration is planned on a short route, such as Bangkok to Ayutthaya. However, decisions regarding the commencement of public service, ticket pricing, and designated routes are still under review by the SRT.
Preliminary discussions are underway between the SRT and the KMITL research team to scale the project further. The SRT aims to use the current design to develop additional passenger cars and form new train sets similar to the newer CNR fleet. These would be compatible with existing locomotives in the SRT’s inventory. Researchers indicated that the existing prototype could serve as a blueprint for further production without the need for a complete redesign—requiring only interior modifications.
The research team asserts that local production is cost-effective, potentially 30% cheaper than imports, and supports domestic industries through the supply of components and manufacturing. The SRT intends to mandate that at least 40% of the components come from within Thailand, aligning with the Ministry of Transport’s local content policy aimed at bolstering national industry and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
The Beyond Horizon prototype achieved 70% local content in its passenger car components, excluding the bogie. Funding for the project was provided by the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) in cooperation with Sino-Thai Pinnpetch Joint Venture Co., Ltd. The total budget for research, bogie development, and system integration was approximately 32 million baht, with the market price of the prototype estimated at 50 million baht. The development timeline included six months for design, one year for parts production and assembly, and one year for testing. If mass production proceeds, each unit is expected to take one to two years to complete.
The train is the first prototype under Thailand’s “Thai First” policy, emphasizing domestic development and use of locally produced technology. Registered under model code TMT-PC-BH001, the coach was designed with inspiration from business and first-class seating in high-speed trains and aircraft. Measuring 24 meters in length and 2.8 meters in width, the coach accommodates 25 seats—eight in the “Super Luxury” section and 17 in the “Luxury” section. Amenities include personal entertainment screens, robot-assisted food service, vacuum toilets, and accessible boarding features for passengers with disabilities.
Several officials and representatives from the research team, SRT, and government ministries were present during the handover and continue to be involved in further discussions about the project’s expansion.
