China has supplied Thailand with a fleet of new trains. The new carriages will go into service on long-distance routes and bring a level of luxury to the rail network as yet unseen in the country. 

The train now arriving marks the beginning of a new era for rail travel in Thailand.

Thailand’s rail network has been long-neglected. Existing trains are basic and noisy with few comforts. The service runs at a loss, struggling to attract passengers.

But the state railway company hopes to change that, with a 140 million US-dollar investment.

It’s purchased 115 new carriages from China, now undergoing final testing. Each is air-conditioned, with cushioned seating for long journeys. 

First-class sleepers include a shower, personal TVs and wifi. Carriages have power sockets, vacuum toilets, wheelchair access and security cameras for passenger safety.

"There are so many improvements but number one is passenger comfort, the second is much-improved safety. I’m proud that we can create a new image for Thailand’s railway system," said Thana Phuphuakrat, design engineer of state railway of Thailand.

Chinese train-makers are amongst the industry’s leaders. 

These cars were built by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, the largest train carriage manufacturer in the world.

The new trains are a big step forward from anything currently in service. They’re bright, clean, comfortable and have many facilities not seen before. The rail authorities hope they’ll attract up to a million new passengers a year to the network.

And that’s proving to be the case.

Advance tickets for the new trains are in big demand - with all seats on a number of future services already sold out.