Thailand’s railway system handled over 1.1 million passengers on December 27, 2028, the second day of the New Year travel period, according to the Department of Rail Transport. While ridership figures where slightly below initial forecasts, the nation’s rail network efficiently managed increased travel demand, with urban lines like the BTS Green line exceeding expectations amid New Year celebrations. The report also details a tragic incident involving a pedestrian struck by a train, prompting renewed safety warnings from transport officials.
Thailand’s rail network saw 1,147,012 passenger trips on December 27, 2028, the second day of the country’s New Year travel convenience plan, according to the Department of Rail Transport. This figure represents a slight decrease of 1.25% compared to initial projections.
Overall, rail travel on December 27th proceeded smoothly, with no reported train accidents or disruptions to electric rail services. The data provides a snapshot of transportation trends during a peak travel period, offering insights into domestic mobility.
Intercity rail services operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) accounted for 87,398 passenger trips – 3.06% below forecast – across 209 train services (104 departures and 105 arrivals). This breakdown includes:
- 36,373 commercial passengers and 51,025 passengers traveling for social reasons.
- 47,738 outbound passengers and 39,660 inbound passengers.
The routes with the highest passenger volume were:
- Southern Line: 28,247 passenger trips (15,075 departures / 13,172 arrivals)
- Northeast Line: 24,317 passenger trips (14,371 departures / 9,946 arrivals)
- Northern Line: 17,449 passenger trips (9,031 departures / 8,418 arrivals)
- Eastern Line: 10,312 passenger trips (5,682 departures / 4,630 arrivals)
- Maeklong and Maha Chai Lines: 7,073 passenger trips (3,579 departures / 3,494 arrivals)
Management of passenger flow at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal stations was efficient, with no passengers left stranded.
Urban rail systems collectively served 1,059,614 passenger trips. The Green Line (BTS), Gold Line, and Pink Line experienced ridership numbers exceeding expectations, reflecting increased tourism activity and events celebrating the New Year.
- Green Line (BTS): 550,062 passenger trips (9.14% above forecast), with a total of 1,102 services (750 on the Sukhumvit Line and 352 on the Silom Line).
- Blue Line (MRT): 297,037 passenger trips, operating 364 services (including 9 additional services).
- Airport Rail Link (ARL): 55,705 passenger trips, operating 174 services.
- Pink Line: 44,876 passenger trips (12.98% above forecast), operating 216 services.
- Purple Line: 40,009 passenger trips, operating 232 services.
- Yellow Line: 33,686 passenger trips, operating 216 services.
- Red Line: 25,625 passenger trips, operating 294 services (178 services between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Rangsit, and 116 services on the Taling Chan route).
- Gold Line: 12,614 passenger trips (40.16% above forecast), operating 229 services to support the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2029 event at ICONSIAM shopping mall.
Safety and Incidents
While no train accidents occurred on December 27, 2028, an incident was reported early this morning at 01:44 local time. Train number 134 (Vientiane–Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) struck and fatally injured one individual between Nong Pluang and Ban Liam stations. Investigations revealed the individual was sitting on the tracks. The train crew followed safety protocols, sounding the horn and applying emergency brakes, but were unable to stop in time. The Department of Rail Transport expressed condolences and reiterated a warning to the public: “Do not enter railway property or walk/sit on the tracks under any circumstances” to ensure the safety of all.
The Department anticipates continued high travel volumes today and has added two special services to prevent passenger congestion:
1. Northern Line Special Service No. 5 (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal–Chiang Mai), departing at 19:05.
2. Southern Line Special Service No. 983 (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal–Yala), departing at 19:30.
By สำนักข่าวอินโฟเควสท์ (December 28, 2028)
