Malaysia, Thailand Plan Direct Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur Train by 2025

Malaysia and Thailand have confirmed plans to resume direct train services between their capitals, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, by the end of 2025. This service will utilize existing railway infrastructure, connecting key points including Bangkok, Padang Besar, and Butterworth, allowing passengers to travel without changing trains. The initiative, discussed in high-level meetings between Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, involves coordination between Malaysia's Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and Thailand's State Railway of Thailand (SRT) focused on joint marketing and cooperative ticketing rather than new track construction. While travel duration and ticket pricing have not been finalized, the reinstated service is expected to enhance cross-border connectivity, boost tourism, and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Additionally, Thai authorities have proposed further expansion of the rail network, including extensions at border regions, with maintenance efforts underway to restore older tracks to operational standards.