Thailand to Receive 13 Additional Used KiHa 100 Trains from Japan
The State Railway of Thailand is set to acquire 13 more second-hand KiHa 100 diesel railcars from Japan, clarifying that these units are not intended to replace domestic manufacturing plans.
According to a report by Matichon Online, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to receive 13 additional second-hand KiHa 100 diesel railcars from Japan. This acquisition follows previous imports of similar rolling stock, which have been integrated into the national rail network to support regional services.
In response to public discourse regarding the reliance on imported equipment, the SRT has explicitly stated that these second-hand units are not intended to replace or undermine the country's long-term plans for domestic train manufacturing. The agency maintains that the procurement is a supplementary measure to address immediate capacity needs while local production capabilities continue to develop.
For residents and travelers, this development suggests a continued effort by the SRT to maintain and expand service frequency on secondary lines using refurbished Japanese equipment. While these trains are known for their reliability, they are older models, and their deployment is part of a broader strategy to manage fleet availability. Details regarding the specific routes these trains will serve, the timeline for their refurbishment, and their official entry into service remain to be confirmed by the SRT. Passengers should look for future announcements from the railway authority regarding potential schedule adjustments or route expansions as these units are integrated into the existing fleet.
