Thailand and Malaysia have jointly decided to revive the direct train link between Bangkok and Butterworth. This plan includes a trial run of the service, which is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for travelers.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Malaysian railway company KTMB recently reached an agreement in principle to test this service for a six-month trial period. This service was originally canceled in 2016, requiring passengers traveling to Butterworth from Bangkok to change at Padang Besar, the border crossing between Thailand and Malaysia.
In addition to the plans to restart the direct train connection, the two railway companies also intend to expand the route of the Malaysian holiday train “My Sawasdee”. This service, which currently runs between Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai, will be extended to Surat Thani in the future. Surat Thani is a province in the south of Thailand, which is famous for its beautiful resort islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The exact start date for this extension has yet to be determined.
The initiative, which was agreed at a meeting in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, aims to improve tourism and connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia. Located in the Malaysian state of Penang, Butterworth plays a crucial role as a gateway to the popular tourist island of Penang. The restart of this direct train connection will further increase its appeal for travelers who want to visit this destination.
Through this collaboration, both countries hope to make train travel more attractive, not only for tourists, but also for locals who regularly travel between Thailand and Malaysia. This offers a sustainable alternative to other means of transport and strengthens economic ties between the two countries.
About this blogger
-
Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
Read the latest articles here
EconomyJanuary 11 2025Thailand strengthens economy with ambitious trade policy
Money and financeJanuary 11 2025SCB Financial Markets publishes outlook for financial markets in 2025
Flight ticketsJanuary 11 2025Major disruptions expected at Brussels Airport due to national protest action on Monday
Food and drinkJanuary 11 2025Kaeng panang (curry) also a surprise from Thai cuisine
I wonder when this 6-month trial period will start. And also whether it is so successful that I will become a “keeper”.
I am looking into a stay in Penang in Malaysia and then traveling to Bangkok, with a possible stopover of a few days somewhere along this route.
I have already made the trip in the opposite direction in the early 90s. Then also with one train connection, so without transferring at the border. I still remember that there was a stop at the border for at least an hour to check all passports. You did not have to (or were allowed) to leave the train until all passports out of Thailand and into Malaysia had been stamped.
After the train departed, you were in Butterworth a short time later, from where you could take the ferry to Penang.
It would be great if I could take the train from Malaysia to Bangkok this time, without changing at the border.
I wonder if it will be the same as when my family and I made this crossing. We all had to leave the train with our luggage and enter the train again through two offices (1 for passport control and 1 for baggage control). Very funny.