Bangkok’s Orange Line reaches milestone as first train heads to Thailand in November

Bangkok's long-awaited MRT Orange Line has achieved a significant milestone with the announcement that the first train will depart for Thailand in November. Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM), the operator of the project, reported its highest quarterly profit in a decade for the second quarter of 2026, posting a net profit of 1,012 million baht, a 19 million baht increase from the same period in the previous year.

The 32 three-car trains, manufactured in a Turkish factory, are currently undergoing trials in Germany to ensure quality and safety before their shipment to Thailand. The first train will arrive in Thailand at the end of November, with the second train due to arrive shortly after. Once operational, the eastern section of the line, which runs from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Yaek Rom Klao, is expected to accommodate around 100,000 passengers daily, increasing to 300,000 once the entire route is completed in 2030.

The full 35.9-kilometer Orange Line, valued at approximately 140 billion baht, aims to connect the western and eastern sides of Bangkok, linking with the MRT Blue Line at key interchange stations. Despite years of legal disputes and delays, the project's progress marks a major step forward for commuters in the Min Buri and Ramkhamhaeng areas.