SRT Announces Extra Trains to Meet Record Passenger Demand for New Year

Published on December 28, 2025

With the start of Thailand’s New Year celebrations, there has been a huge surge in the number of people using the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), with train travel reaching beyond 1.14 million on Saturday, December 27, 2025. In response to this surge in travel, the State Railway of Thailand decided to operate special supplementary trains on both the Northern and Southern lines to ensure smooth travel for all passengers.

Massive Surge in Urban Mass Transit Ridership

A key contributor to the overwhelming demand is the uptick in urban mass transit usage. A total of 1,059,614 trips were recorded on Bangkok’s mass transit systems, which is significantly higher than expected. This increase in ridership can be attributed to the festive spirit surrounding the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 at ICONSIAM, a major event held in Bangkok. The Gold Line, for instance, saw a remarkable 40.16% increase in passengers, registering 12,614 trips above the forecast.

As the festive season draws more people into the city, rail operators are finding it difficult to keep up with the volume of people flocking to shopping malls, entertainment hubs, and major tourist spots. The Gold Line in particular, which links key cultural landmarks and commercial areas, was impacted by tourists who flocked to the countdown celebrations.

In addition to the Gold Line, other transit systems also experienced significant surges. The Pink Line exceeded forecasts by 12.98%, transporting 44,876 passengers, while the Green Line (BTS) saw a 9.14% increase, with over half a million trips recorded.

Long-Distance Rail Travel Booms During the Holiday Period

In addition to urban travel, intercity rail travel has also seen a significant surge, particularly on the Southern and Northeastern lines, which lead the demand for long-distance journeys. These routes are critical for both domestic tourism and travel between cities, as many individuals return to their hometowns or visit family during the New Year period.

The busiest routes for long-distance travel were the Southern Line, with 28,247 trips, and the Northeastern Line, with 24,317 trips. The Northern Line, which connects the capital to Chiang Mai, reported 17,449 trips, underscoring the importance of these rail routes for both local commuters and tourists looking to explore the scenic northern regions of Thailand.

SRT’s Efforts to Ensure Smooth Travel: Special Trains Added

Given the overwhelming number of passengers, the SRT has added special supplementary trains to accommodate additional demand and ensure a smooth travel experience. These include two special trains operating on the Northern and Southern lines:

• Northern Line: Special Train No. 5, departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bangkok) to Chiang Mai at 19:05.
• Southern Line: Special Train No. 983, departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Yala at 19:30.

These additional trains are designed to alleviate overcrowding, ensuring that travelers can comfortably reach their destinations without delays.

The Thriving Tourism Industry: A Boon for Domestic Travel

Thailand’s domestic tourism industry is witnessing a significant boost, with rail travel playing an integral role. The New Year’s festivities have not only spurred an increase in travel between urban centers, but they’ve also drawn a larger number of tourists to less-visited areas. With many people traveling to northern and southern Thailand, the demand for travel to tourist hubs like Chiang Mai and Yala has seen substantial increases.

The surge in domestic travel is set to generate significant revenue, as Thailand’s tourism industry braces for a prosperous New Year. The travel boom aligns with Thailand’s broader effort to promote local tourism, which is expected to help offset any slowdowns in foreign tourism. As the year draws to a close, the festive atmosphere in Thailand is giving both locals and international tourists plenty of reasons to explore the country’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.

Safety Remains a Top Priority During the Holiday Rush

Although the rail system has been running smoothly overall, there has been a tragic incident during the holiday period. In the early hours of Sunday, December 28, a Rapid Train No. 134 struck and killed an individual between Nong Phluang and Ban Lueam stations. Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of restricted railway zones and never sit on the tracks.

Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, emphasized that safety is a top priority, particularly during such a busy period. He further urged people to remain vigilant and follow all safety guidelines to prevent further accidents.

New Rail and Ticketing Legislation Strengthens Thailand’s Rail System

In a major development for Thailand’s rail industry, the Rail Transport Act 2025 and the Common Ticketing System Management Act 2025 have officially been published in the Royal Gazette. These new laws aim to modernize Thailand’s rail services, improve safety standards, and introduce a unified ticketing system that will streamline travel for passengers.

The introduction of these legal frameworks is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and accessibility of Thailand’s rail network, providing passengers with a more seamless travel experience.

Looking Ahead: A Year of Record Travel and Growth

Therefore, it goes without saying that, once the New Year ushers Thailand into yet another busy calendar year, rail transport will be quite pivotal in the tourism and commuting climate of the country. On the back of rising passenger numbers and improved infrastructure, it is expected that the rail network could very well remain one of the drivers of economic and tourism growth of Thailand in 2026 and beyond.