SRT board approves its own company to run Airport Rail Link next year

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has chosen its own subsidiary, SRT Electrified Train Co (SRTET), to manage the Airport Rail Link (ARL) starting February 1, 2027, replacing Asia Era One, a subsidiary of CP Group. SRTET is already responsible for Bangkok’s Red Line commuter service and has previously operated the ARL for over a decade prior to its transfer to Asia Era One in 2021.

Kongsak Chantarasopa, a member of the SRTET board and acting chief executive, stated that SRTET and SRT teams will examine operational data and assets this week to create a takeover plan. The review is expected to conclude by October, with findings guiding staffing, budgeting, operations, and maintenance decisions. The new operating agreement will have a shorter term and be renewed annually.

The SRT board also allocated US$17.8 million (594.28 million baht) for SRTET to manage the Red Line for a year. The employees from Asia Era One will be considered for potential transfer to SRTET; however, the transition will be voluntary. If fewer than 354 employees opt to join SRTET, the company will recruit additional staff and offer training.

SRTET intends to retain employees familiar with the system and its operations. Initially, SRTET will maintain the same ARL operations as Asia Era One before assessing the arrangements to ensure they meet safety requirements. The SRT, not SRTET, is considering the purchase of additional trains.