🇯🇵🇹🇭🚂 SRT KIHA 40/48 inaugural ride review
I took the new KIHA 40/48 commuter train on its first day running between Don Mueang and Ayutthaya. The 6:10 am departure meant an early start for me. I left Samut Prakan at 4:00 am, drove to Krung Thep Aphiwat Station, then took the Red Line to Don Mueang.
That connection is one of the main talking points. Starting at Don Mueang adds time and cost for many people. SRT says the service is designed as a feeder from the Red Line, a stopgap before future electrification to Ayutthaya. Still, the train actually ran empty from Hua Lamphong earlier that morning, which raises questions about why it doesn’t start there.
On board this morning, it didn’t feel like a normal commute. Most passengers were railfans, taking photos and exploring the train. I rode the service up and down three times, then took a regular commuter train back for comparison.
The KIHA units are about 40 years old, originally from East Japan Railway Company, and rebuilt locally by the State Railway of Thailand. Inside, they are simple. Fixed seats, mostly in groups of four, no recline. Cushions are softer than standard SRT seats, but back support is limited. Legroom can feel tight, especially with a floor-level conduit running along the wall. I was told by a Japanese railfan these were used for heating.
There are also bench seats at the ends, which are more comfortable if you need space. Toilets have been fully upgraded to a closed system and stayed clean. Air conditioning works well, and the blinds are easy to use. The ride is smooth and noticeably quieter than older SRT trains.
Compared to a regular third class train, the difference is clear. The KIHA is cooler, quieter, and more comfortable. But it comes at a cost. A full trip into the city requires a transfer to the Red Line, bringing the total to around 83 baht. A regular train to Bang Sue costs about 14 baht with no transfer.
Overall, I enjoyed the ride. It’s a good upgrade in comfort and gives passengers another option. Whether it works long term will depend more on the route and connections than the train itself.
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