Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed after discussions with Mr. Siriphong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the Rail System Technology Research and Development Institute, and Minor International group.Minor International.to proceed with plans to develop luxury tourist trains, aiming to create sustainable revenue for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). He said the project aligns with the newly effective Rail Transport Act B.E. 2569 (2026), which opens opportunities for private investment and participation in various train service operations. This project not only maximizes the use of rail infrastructure but also serves as a key to attracting high-spending tourists while distributing income to local communities at every station the train passes through.
The Ministry of Transport plans to integrate cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to jointly develop train routes that combine tourism in both main and secondary provinces, making the journeys more appealing and engaging for tourists.
Mr. William E. Heinecke, Chairman of Minor International Group, stated that he has discussed plans for developing tourist trains and clearly expressed the intention to help realize this concept.this idea.He plans to consider preparing a Letter of Intent (LOI) to confirm participation in the project. Furthermore, Minor International is ready to support Thai craftsmen in assembling train carriages and is willing to act as a bridge to bring advanced technology and knowledge of train carriage development from European partners to support production in Thailand. This effort aims to elevate Thai trains to become among the best tourist trains in the world.
This collaboration marks a new dimension of public-private partnership, combining Minor International’s world-class service expertise (through leading brands like Anantara) with the readiness of SRT, which is advancing the renovation project under the name.“Siamese Train.”This project is a joint research and development effort with the Rail System Technology Research and Development Institute (a public organization).
Driving the luxury tourist train initiative is a crucial step that aligns with the government’s policy to promote high-income tourism. It will transform the Thai rail system into a powerful new engine for economic growth, job creation, livelihoods, and national pride for all Thai people.
Read more news " Government Policy " here.