Yotsanan presided over the handover of the prototype passenger carriage "Made by Thai Railways" between the Ministry of Higher Education and KMITL, elevating the rail industry with Thai craftsmanship to international standards, and praised the transformation of laboratory knowledge into practical innovation.
3 Jul 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, presided over the handover ceremony of the prototype passenger carriage "Made by Thai Railways" between King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Present were Mr. Anan Phonnimdaeng, Governor of the SRT; Mr. Danuporn Punnakanta, Assistant Minister at MHESI; Dr. Sriyada Parimapun, Advisor to the Minister of MHESI; Mr. Chatrin Janhom, Secretary to the Minister of MHESI; Special Professor Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, President of the KMITL Council; and executives from MHESI, SRT, KMITL, and related agencies at Bangkok Station (Hua Lamphong).
Yotsanan said he was committed to promoting research for tangible benefits by establishing support systems from basic to advanced research and encouraging joint investment with the private sector (Matching Fund) to accelerate the commercialization and industrial application of research outcomes. He said the KMITL "Made by Thai Railways" project exemplifies successful transformation of laboratory knowledge into practical innovations. Valuable research must address the country’s needs. The demand for passenger carriages by the SRT offers a vital opportunity to upgrade Thailand’s rail industry. Domestic production would reduce imports, add value for Thai businesses, and strengthen the national industrial supply chain.
"Made by Thai Railways" results from integrating expertise across engineering, materials science, air conditioning systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance maintenance efficiency and service quality. This project serves as a prototype for Thailand’s rail industry and can be expanded to other industries. Allowing Thai innovations to be used practically is a key driver for continuous technology development and enhancing national competitiveness.
After the handover ceremony, Yotsanan and his delegation traveled by special train from Bangkok Station (Hua Lamphong) to the Phra Chom Klao stop to visit King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and preside over the opening of the K-Engineering World Tour and Competency Challenge 2026 event.
The Governor of the State Railway of Thailand revealed that the SRT has signed a memorandum of understanding with KMITL under the "Made by Thai Railways" research project to jointly develop rail transport technology, including locomotives and bogies, and advance electrification systems. The project promotes domestic material use, reduces fuel consumption, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with government and Ministry of Transport policies to promote "electric vehicle innovation" and next-generation automotive industries in transportation to reduce pollution and combat global warming while enhancing the competitiveness of the rail transport industry.
Special Professor Dr. Kittipong said "Made by Thai Railways" is Thailand’s first prototype passenger train developed under a research project funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation through the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) and in collaboration with SinoGen-Pinpetch Co., Ltd., a private company participating in the project. The research agency is the Rail Systems and Infrastructure Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, KMITL. The carriage is made with 44% domestic materials and costs 30% less than imported units. It is Thailand’s first prototype carriage developed through collaboration among government, private sector, and Thai researchers. Upon completion, the prototype will be delivered to the SRT for operational use, aiming to develop a self-reliant rail transport manufacturing industry.
The carriage structure uses modular shaped steel that is 22% lighter, supports speeds up to 120 km/h, and features low noise, smooth running and braking, balanced performance, meeting European standards. The interior is designed as a luxury class with 25 seats: 8 Super Luxury and 17 Luxury seats. Amenities include electric massage systems for relaxation, USB ports, touch screen infotainment systems with YouTube connectivity, overhead luggage storage, and restrooms accessible for persons with disabilities.
Governor Anan added that the SRT has tested the carriage’s operational performance by attaching it to trains on northern and southern routes, covering over 10,000 kilometers. The tests were successful, and the prototype is ready to be developed for actual service, especially for tourist routes of 200 to 500 kilometers. This service model has high value and supports national tourism promotion. The SRT will collaborate with KMITL and partners to evaluate and improve the "Made by Thai Railways" train to ensure safe and quality service for the public.
Meanwhile, the SRT has developed tourism promotion plans to allow government and private agencies to rent the carriages for special or chartered tourist trains, either day trips or overnight stays on short routes such as Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi, Ratchaburi, Saraburi, as well as long-distance trains to meet passenger demand. Interested parties can follow updates and travel programs through the customer service center at 1690 or the official Facebook page of the State Railway of Thailand PR team.
