Thailand and Malaysia to revive Bangkok-Butterworth rail link this year to boost tourism
Thailand and Malaysia will restore the Bangkok-Butterworth rail service this year, enhancing cross-border travel and regional tourism connectivity.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Malaysia’s Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) held a joint conference last week to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple aspects of railway development.
Key areas of discussion included:
- Cross-border train operations
- The revival of the Bangkok–Butterworth service
- Development of double-track rail routes
- Integration of ticketing systems
- Inspection and certification of cross-border carriages
- Promoting rail tourism and joint marketing campaigns
- Establishing joint standard operating procedures (SOPs) for emergencies
SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala said the meeting was held under the theme “Railnaissance”, or the revival of the railway system, following earlier discussions between the Thai and Malaysian transport ministries. He described the talks as a major step in laying a firm foundation for long-term cooperation, reinforcing the strategic role of rail in ASEAN, and working towards seamless regional connectivity.
A central outcome of the meeting was the agreement to restore the Bangkok-Butterworth rail service. The line had previously been in operation but was suspended after Malaysia upgraded its railway system, forcing Thailand to stop ticket sales to Butterworth station from 1 September 2016.
Both sides have now agreed to relaunch the cross-border service linking Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok with Padang Besar and onwards to Butterworth in Penang. Preparations are under way, with the first train expected to run within this year, improving passenger convenience and boosting tourism between the two countries.
At present, passengers travelling from Thailand to Penang by rail can buy tickets from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal on Train No. 45, which runs to Padang Besar.
After clearing immigration procedures at Padang Besar, passengers must transfer to KTM Komuter trains running to Butterworth throughout the day. From Butterworth station, travellers walk to the Penang Sentral complex and take a ferry to George Town on Penang Island.
Once the Bangkok-Butterworth service is reinstated, passengers will no longer need to change trains at Padang Besar. They will undergo immigration checks there but continue their journey on the same train to Butterworth, similar to the existing Bangkok-Vientiane service.
