Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is advancing plans to upgrade the country’s railway and tourism sectors by developing world-class luxury train services, leveraging newly enacted railway legislation to attract private investment and stimulate local economic growth.
As reported by the Bangkok PostThai Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, accompanied by Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat, State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Anan Phonimdaeng, Department of Rail Transport deputy director-general Athiphu Chit-anukroh, and Piang-or Laohavilai, director of the Rail Technology Research and Development Institute, met executives from Minor International, one of the largest hospitality, restaurant, and lifestyle companies in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss plans for a luxury tourist train project.
The meeting focused on creating a premium rail tourism experience aimed at generating sustainable revenue for the SRT while stimulating grassroots economic activity across the country.
A crowd of tourists passing train at Mae Klong Railway Market in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo by AP |
Phiphat said the initiative aligns with the recently enacted Rail Transport Act, which opens the sector to greater private-sector participation in rail investment and operations.
He said the project would maximize the use of Thailand’s rail infrastructure, attract high-spending international travelers, and channel tourism revenue to local communities along railway routes.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry also plans to coordinate with the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to develop attractive rail tourism routes linking both major and secondary destinations, incorporating local stories and cultural experiences to enhance visitor appeal.
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