Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport is taking significant strides to establish rail as the cornerstone of Thailand's transportation network, focusing on fair fares, safety enhancement, and economic growth. Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, recently visited the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) to provide policy guidance. He was assigned this responsibility by Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong highlighted the government's commitment, under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, to modernizing the transportation system to offer convenience, safety, and environmental benefits while fostering industrial and economic growth. He emphasized the urgent implementation of the Rail Transport Act B.E. 2568 (2025) by the State Rail Transport Authority (SRT) to deliver tangible outcomes. The outlined policies include reducing living costs, enhancing public safety, stimulating the economy through key rail projects, promoting clean energy, and laying the foundation for sustainable infrastructure.

Key policy initiatives involve regulating fare rates to align with energy prices, expanding the 40-baht all-day flat-rate policy for electric trains, and upgrading safety standards in both construction and operation phases. The Ministry aims to expedite major rail projects, enhance rail freight transport efficiency, and promote clean energy to address air pollution and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Mr. Pichet Kunathamarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, affirmed the department's commitment to implementing these policies. The focus will be on upgrading safety standards, fairly regulating fares, developing infrastructure, and promoting clean energy, alongside digital advancements for service efficiency. The goal is to ensure rail remains the primary transport system, enhancing the quality of life and supporting sustainable economic growth.