Thailand, September 2026 — Thailand’s Transport Ministry has assured passengers that the Airport Rail Link will continue operating from October 1, even as the current operating arrangement with Asia Era One Co Ltd, a CP Group-affiliated company, is scheduled to end on September 30.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has instructed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to negotiate with the existing operator for a temporary extension of two to four months. The additional period would allow the SRT to prepare for a longer-term transition to an SRT subsidiary, while retaining experienced personnel from the existing operator where necessary.
The transition is also taking place amid rolling-stock availability issues. Inspections found wheel-wear problems that had reduced the number of trains available for daily service to four, compared with nine required for normal operations. Authorities are accelerating repairs, with the operational fleet targeted to increase to five or six trains before returning additional units to service.
The financial implications of the transition are another concern for the SRT. The Airport Rail Link is expected to incur losses of around 30 million baht per month, prompting plans to generate additional revenue by opening unused station areas for commercial activities. The ministry has indicated that it will support the SRT in addressing the operating costs during the transition.
Maintaining uninterrupted Airport Rail Link service is important for Bangkok’s airport connectivity, particularly as responsibility shifts between private and state-linked operators. The transition highlights the operational, financial and asset-management challenges that can arise when major urban rail services move between concession arrangements and public-sector management.
Source: The Star
Thailand Moves To Ensure Airport Rail Link Service Continuity
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Thailand is taking steps to prevent disruption to Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link as its current operating arrangement approaches expiry. The Transport Ministry has instructed the State Railway of Thailand to secure a transition plan, with services guaranteed to continue from October 1 despite potential additional operating costs.
