HUA HIN, June 15, 2024: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to introduce its newest tourism train, the SRT Royal Blossom, in mid-August after a successful test run from Bangkok to the north part of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The trial journey from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok to Hua Hin station was attended by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (เศรษฐา ทวีสิน), who thoroughly inspected the train upon its arrival.
The SRT Royal Blossom train has been upgraded from 10 second-hand air-conditioned Hamanasu passenger cars, initially acquired from Japan’s Hokkaido Railway Company in 2018. According to Ekarat Sriarayanphong (เอกรัตน์ ศรีอารยาพงษ์), SRT’s public relations chief, five of these cars have been converted into tourism vehicles set to operate on the Bangkok–Kanchanaburi route starting in August, in an effort to promote tourism in lesser-known provinces.
The remaining five cars are scheduled to undergo similar modifications and are expected to be ready by the end of the year. Originally manufactured in 1988, these Hamanasu passenger cars were used for the Hamanasu Express train service, which connected Hokkaido Island to Honshu Island, with the last service running on March 21, 2016. “Hamanasu” refers to the Japanese rose, Hokkaido’s flower symbol.
Work on refurbishing five of the cars began in 2020, with the first test run from Bangkok to Lampang province occurring in March this year. Ekarat explained that the goal of refurbishing the first batch of Hamanasu passenger cars was to create an aesthetically pleasing tourist train. Unlike existing SRT tourist trains, which lack certain amenities, this new train includes recreational spaces, café rooms, and a design intended to offer passengers a relaxing travel experience. All refurbishment work has been carried out by Thai professionals.
The name “SRT Royal Blossom” was inspired by the Yellow Star, the official flower of King Rama X, symbolizing the “Golden Age of Railways.” The green velvet seats stand out against the train’s bright red exterior, while the cedar interiors enhance the natural look. Each car is equipped with wheelchair ramps, air purifiers, and top-notch safety equipment.
Author: TriCove.Asia
TriCove.Asia Administrator.