Bangkok: “Phiphat” moves forward to resolve the long-standing personnel problems at the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and to establish a management strategy to ensure the SRT is strong, sustainable, and loss-free. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, chaired a discussion meeting with the State Railway of Thailand Labor Union (SRUT). Ms. Mallika Jiraphanwanich, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Anan Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), representatives of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Mr. Sarawut Saranwong, President of the Union, and relevant agencies attended the meeting on November 3, 2025, at the Ministry of Transport conference room.
According to Thai News Agency, this meeting was held to discuss solutions to the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) manpower shortage, a long-standing problem. This is particularly true for safety positions such as locomotive drivers, mechanics, train controllers, and train maintenance personnel, who are currently working nonstop, with no holidays and constant overtime.
Mr. Pipat revealed that he had listened to a proposal from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), which requested the government review the Cabinet resolution of July 28, 1998, which stipulated that the SRT could hire no more than 5 percent more employees than the number of retirees. This is insufficient for current operations, especially now that Phase 1 of the double-track railway project has opened, and Phase 2, including the new double-track line, is scheduled to gradually open around 2029.
Mr. Pipat said, “The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the labor union have been tasked with jointly developing a workforce plan appropriate for the mission. Modern technology will be utilized to enhance staffing, reduce redundant workloads, and ensure compliance with labor laws, ensuring passenger safety and personnel efficiency.”
He also emphasized that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) should consider using overtime pay for additional staff to hire outside personnel to alleviate the workload. He also emphasized that graduates of the Railway Engineering School should be hired every academic year to continuously strengthen the workforce. Regarding resources such as locomotives, trailers, and passenger cars, Mr. Pipat ordered the SRT to expedite the development of an efficient business management plan, envisioning a path to profitability and zero-loss. He also confirmed that the Ministry of Transport is ready to support the procurement of necessary resources without impacting the country’s public debt.
Furthermore, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been urged to consider property rental prices in line with market prices and future trends to increase revenue and reinvest it into continuous business development.
Mr. Pipat reiterated, “We must revitalize the State Railway of Thailand, both in terms of personnel and management, to boost employee morale and ensure the business can move forward with stability and sustainability, without having to rely on government loans anymore.”