Mr. Pichet Kunathamrak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), stated that during the 2026 New Year festival, the DRT closely monitored rail service operations according to the Ministry of Transport’s New Year Festival facilitation plan. Over the first three days (26-28 December 2025 CE), a total of 3,785,096 rail trips were recorded, which was 4.62% below projections. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) managed operations well with no stranded passengers. The Gold and Pink Lines saw ridership surge beyond expectations in response to the countdown events. The cumulative rail travel volume was divided as follows:
• Intercity trains (SRT): 263,764 trips (141,725 outbound, 122,039 inbound), 2.35% below projections, with 629 train services operated (including 6 additional trips).
• Electric train system: 3,521,332 trips, 4.79% below projections, comprising:
o Green Line: 1,797,391 trips
o Blue Line: 1,013,908 trips
o Airport Rail Link (ARL): 181,008 trips
o Pink Line: 153,250 trips, 22.71% above projections
o Purple Line: 144,013 trips
o Yellow Line: 111,481 trips
o Red Line: 86,827 trips
o Gold Line: 33,454 trips, 39.39% above projections
Mr. Pichet added that over the three days, there were two fatal pedestrian train collisions (two deaths) and one other incident involving a vehicle blocking the tracks. The latest occurred on 28 December 2025 CE at 01:44, when Express Train No. 134 (Vientiane-Bangkok Apiwat) grazed an unidentified man between Nong Pluang and Ban Lueam stations, resulting in one death. The driver followed safety protocols by issuing warnings, but the victim was too close. There was one electric train disruption on 26 December on the Blue Line, where a train stopped off-station and doors failed to open, causing a 5-10 minute delay; the issue was resolved. Alcohol breath tests for 388 SRT staff over three days found no detectable alcohol levels.
Mr. Pichet further reported that on 28 December 2025 CE (Sunday), total rail trips numbered 1,019,217, 6.21% below forecasts, detailed as follows:
• Intercity trains (SRT): 87,616 trips, 0.33% below projections, with 209 train services operated. Commercial passengers numbered 36,290 trips, social service passengers 51,326 trips (46,832 outbound, 40,784 inbound). The busiest routes ranked by ridership were:
1. Southern Line: 27,569 trips (14,250 outbound, 13,319 inbound)
2. Northeastern Line: 23,231 trips (13,538 outbound, 9,693 inbound)
3. Northern Line: 17,159 trips (8,988 outbound, 8,171 inbound)
4. Maeklong and Mahachai Line: 9,908 trips (5,131 outbound, 4,777 inbound)
5. Eastern Line: 9,749 trips (4,925 outbound, 4,824 inbound)
Station management at Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) and Bangkok Central Apiwat stations ran smoothly with no stranded passengers.
• Electric train system: 931,601 trips, with the following service details:
o Green Line (BTS): 484,928 trips, 1,102 services (750 Sukhumvit Line, 352 Silom Line)
o Blue Line (MRT): 262,083 trips, 364 services (including 9 additional trips)
o Airport Rail Link (ARL): 52,450 trips, 4.94% above projections, 174 services
o Pink Line: 38,515 trips, 17.93% above projections, 432 services (including 216 extension trips carrying 6,949 passengers)
o Purple Line: 32,323 trips, 232 services
o Yellow Line: 29,495 trips, 216 services
o Red Line: 21,552 trips, 294 services (178 trips on Bangkok Central Apiwat–Rangsit route and 116 trips on Taling Chan route)
o Gold Line: 10,255 trips, 46.50% above projections, 229 services to support the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 event at Iconsiam.
There were no electric train disruptions today.
For facilitation on 29 December 2025 CE, SRT arranged two additional special trains for passengers: Northern Line Train No. 6 (Chiang Mai - Bangkok Apiwat) departing at 19:35 and Southern Line Train No. 984 (Bangkok Apiwat - Yala) departing at 15:35.
Mr. Pichet concluded by noting that since 29 December is a Monday with some commuters traveling for work and within Bangkok, the DRT has instructed electric train operators to prepare for peak travel demands while also facilitating tourists. He urged the public to plan trips in advance, exercise caution by stopping at least 5 meters before railway crossings, crossing only when safe, and refraining from walking or sitting on railway tracks to prevent accidents. The DRT will continue close coordination with rail service providers to ensure safety and smooth travel for all passengers.
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