Bangkok: The Department of Rail Transport disclosed that on the first day of the Ministry of Transport’s initiative to ensure public travel safety during the New Year festival, there were over 1.61 million rail trips, which was 5.89 percent below the projected estimates. The department is actively coordinating with rail service providers to guarantee sufficient and secure travel for individuals returning to their hometowns as part of the Ministry of Transport’s plan to prevent stranded passengers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichet Kunathamarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, reported that December 26, 2025, marked the commencement of the Ministry of Transport’s plan to facilitate and safeguard public travel during the 11-day New Year festival period. The rail system recorded 1,618,867 passenger-trips on this first day, which was 101,314 trips fewer than anticipated, resulting in a 5.89 percent deviation from the estimated 1,720,181 trips. This included 88,750 trips on intercity trains operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and 1,530,117 trips on Bangkok metropolitan area electric trains and suburban trains.
The breakdown revealed that intercity trains operated by the SRT conducted 211 trips, including two special passenger trains, accommodating an additional 584 trips. The total number of passengers amounted to 88,750 trips, falling short by 3,304 trips or 3.59 percent below the estimate. The Southern route registered the highest number of users with 27,266 trips, followed by the Northeastern route with 23,910 trips. No passengers were stranded at Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) Station or Bangkok Central Station.
The electric train system provided 3,590 trips, including 41 additional trips, totaling 1,530,117 passenger-trips-98,010 trips below the estimate, marking a 6.02 percent decrease. Specific figures included the Airport Rail Link with 72,853 trips, the suburban train Red Line with 39,650 trips, and the BTS Green Line with 762,401 trips, among others.
Mr. Pichet also reported two incidents involving train operations: an accident on the Southern route where a train struck an individual on a railway bridge, and an obstruction incident involving a parked pickup truck. There was also a minor electric train malfunction on the MRT Blue Line, causing a brief delay.
To ensure safety, the Department of Rail Transport has coordinated with the SRT to enforce safety measures, including instructing train staff to caution passengers against unsafe behaviors and conducting alcohol tests on personnel. They are also enhancing security in rail areas and deploying officers to monitor unauthorized crossings.
Mr. Pichet concluded by noting that additional carriages and special return trains have been arranged to accommodate rail users on December 27, 2025.