Tourists who long wished to experience a scenic ride on a train from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok can now begin to pack as a direct railway train service connecting the two capitals is to be reopened by 2025.
Renewal of the long-awaited route reconnects two of Southeast Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities by rail, an efficient and scenic route and a sustainable alternative to air travel. The initiative follows recent high-level discussions between Malaysian Minister for Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, and Thai Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit in Bangkok earlier this month.
Malaysia’s Transport Minister Visits Bangkok to Explore Regional High-Speed Rail Integration
— Thai Train Guide (@ThaiTrainGuide) May 3, 2025
On May 2, 2025, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit led a welcoming delegation from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) for Malaysia’s Minister… pic.twitter.com/sE3K8s90R5
“Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been given three months to carry out initial preparations to begin the Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok train operations,” said Minister Loke Siew Fook following a one-day working visit to Thailand.
Trains will operate to and from Bangkok, Padang Besar, Butterworth and the Malaysian capital. Although some maintenance is required to restore older tracks, it’s not yet necessary to build additional rails, which makes it cheaper and easier to resume the connection. The emphasis will be on joint marketing campaigns, operational coordination, and cooperative ticketing systems between Thailand and Malaysia. The expected travel time and cost of the tickets are still unknown, however, the project promises to reduce the need for multiple transfers, which makes the journey easier and smoother.
🇲🇾 I recently took the train from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur with a change of train in Padang Besar. This is a review of my train in Malaysia.
— Thai Train Guide (@ThaiTrainGuide) December 29, 2023
I caught the ETS Platinum EP 9277 train from Padang Besar at 1:40pm Malaysian time. It arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 7:24pm, five hours and 34… pic.twitter.com/ZhLxfBaxyj
Thai officials also suggested continuing the rail link from Su-ngai Kolok over to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas in Malaysia, yet another move toward enhancing cross-border integration. This fits into a larger trend of Thai rail expansion, as a new high-speed link between Bangkok and Nong Khai is due to be finished by 2030, with further intention to connect Thailand with Laos and eventually integrate into China’s extensive Belt and Road network.
Enhancing connectivity: a new transport with a view
Passengers can look forward to an experience-filled, though slower-than-flight journey, to cross lush rural landscapes, quaint towns, and riverside hamlets. The reopened railway line is going to be a game-changer for holidaymakers who want to get to and from the two capitals in a more relaxed, scenic, and eco-friendly way.
The rebirth of the train, officials go on, is not just about convenience but also about closer ties between Malaysia and Thailand, enhancing tourism, easing cross-border trade, and increasing mobility and connectivity in Southeast Asia. The improved transport links support economic growth and facilitate cultural exchange in the region.
