From snowy Akita to steamy Ayutthaya
Thailand’s railway network is about to get a nostalgic upgrade. Starting in December, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will roll out a fleet of refurbished Japanese Kiha 40/48 trains on the busy route between Don Mueang and Ayutthaya.
The 20 trains, originally designed for Japan’s frozen Akita winters, were donated by JR East. But their journey to the tropics was far from simple. To survive Thailand’s sweltering climate, engineers stripped them down and rebuilt their cooling systems.
“The air conditioning was the biggest challenge,” admitted SRT governor Veerith Amrapal. “We redesigned vents, upgraded compressors, and installed entirely new cooling units. These trains are now ready for Thai heat.”
Prototypes on track by autumn
The excitement among rail fans is mounting. The first prototype will be completed in September, with another following in October. By December, four of the modernised trains are scheduled to run regularly between Don Mueang and Ayutthaya.
Two versions will be available: nine Kiha 40 units with double cabins for 65 passengers and two toilets, and eleven Kiha 48s with single cabins for up to 82 travellers. Some offer longitudinal seating, others transverse—ensuring a mix of practicality and comfort.
Boost for commuters and tourism
The project is more than a nod to railway nostalgia. Officials see the revamped Japanese trains as a way to ease commuter congestion while also boosting tourism to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former royal capital and UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Ayutthaya is a cultural treasure,” Veerith said. “With these upgraded trains, we’re making travel more comfortable and attractive.”
Extensive safety tests—brakes, acceleration, vibration—have already been carried out. The new connection is also designed to give travellers a cooler, smoother ride than cramped buses or traffic-clogged cars.
By linking Don Mueang, Thailand’s second-largest airport, directly with historic Ayutthaya, the SRT hopes the Japan-to-Thailand train makeover will spark fresh enthusiasm for the country’s ongoing rail modernisation plan.