Siripong has ordered the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to urgently study and research a signaling system to install at railway crossings to reduce accidents. The goal is to have 22 such points within Bangkok and its metropolitan area operational within this year. Additionally, research is underway to convert hot trains into air-conditioned ones and to rapidly produce the prototype hybrid train "Ngao". There is also an effort to refurbish 50-year-old trains into tourist trains to generate revenue.
Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that current policy directs the Institute of Rail Technology Research and Development (SRT) to study and research ways to apply technology to improve safety for road users at railway crossings in Bangkok and its vicinity. This year, improvements should be seen at over 20 crossings within Bangkok, possibly through signaling systems, signs, and warning devices to alert and caution road users. Funding will be requested from the Road Safety Fund (RSF) to install and produce all safety equipment.
Furthermore, the SRT is tasked to urgently refurbish over 50-year-old trains acquired from Japan's JR West to develop luxury tourist trains that promote tourism. The refurbishment of five carriages is expected to be completed and tested by year-end, with a total budget of 65 million baht. Additionally, one hot train carriage will be converted into an air-conditioned carriage with a budget of 12 million baht to serve as a development prototype for the State Railway of Thailand. New carriages would cost about 50 million baht each. This project also supports the use of Thai-made materials and equipment.
Siripong added that development is underway for a Thai electric train under the concept "Ngao," a modern prototype train designed for younger generations. It uses a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, generating electricity from diesel engines and using electric power for movement, with future support for additional charging. The project is currently in the prototype development and engineering design phase, expected to take about one year before prototype construction begins the following year. A complete prototype is anticipated in about two years, funded by the SRT's research budget.
"The project is currently in the study and design phase, with an estimated initial cost of about 100 million baht per carriage. The train set will feature locomotives operable in both directions to support round trips and include approximately four passenger carriages, bringing the total value of the train set to around 400 million baht."
." Government policy ." Additional