In real terms the price hike will add around THB100 to the cost of travelling in second class seats and sleeping berths and THB200 to first class. The swish Chinese-built trains were introduced late last year and have been deployed on routes from Bangkok to Hat Yai in the south and Chiang Mai, Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani.
12GO ASIA’s reservations clerks say not every train is a new one. For example, Train Numbers 9 and 10 between Bangkok and Chiang Mai utilise the new carriages. Between Bangkok and Hat Yai, Trains 31 and 32 feature the premium quality carriages.
SRT deputy-governor Pongprasert told reporters the new trains had cost more because they were fitted with comfort enhancing features such as upholstered seats, LCD screens and modern bathrooms. He finished off by claiming the trial period was now over and it was time to incorporate the extra costs into fares.
VIP rail travel in Thailand to cost more from Monday
News in Asia
Travelling in the State Railway of Thailand’s recently introduced VIP train carriages is going to cost more next week. The SRT’s deputy-governor, Thanongsak Pongprasert, said fares for travel in the state-of-the-art carriages would rise by up to 20 per cent effective on Monday 21 August.