SRT seeks solution to Airport Rail Link contract dispute

Bangkok, September 11, 2026 - The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing contingency plans to maintain Airport Rail Link services following the expiration of its private operator's contract on September 30, 2026. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn held a meeting with SRT board chairman Piyapong Jiwongkulpaisarn and SRT governor Anan Phon-nimdaeng to discuss the matter at Government House.

The private operator has proposed four conditions for continuing the service. The SRT is also negotiating with the private operator, who has agreed to continue operating the Airport Rail Link under the existing terms until January 31, 2027. The SRT board chairman clarified that the 60 million baht monthly cost being discussed is a separate arrangement for a potential one-year operating contract.

The high-speed rail project linking the three airports - Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao - will also be discussed by a supervisory committee following the private operator's request to terminate the contract. The SRT is working to ensure any actions taken comply with laws and regulations, and do not negatively impact the state or the railway.

Authorities are also addressing delays in related infrastructure projects, including the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway and the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed railway, to prevent further delays from affecting the broader rail network.