It took just under a decade to build, a speed record in a country where infrastructure often takes decades to become operational. On 19 January 2023, Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal officially welcomed its first trains..
Initially named Bangkok Bang Sue Central stationThe station was renamed by the King of Thailand, Rama X. For those wondering about the meaning of the name, Krung Thep is the very first part of the name of Bangkok in the Thai language. Abhiwat" means prosperity.
The new station in the north of Bangkok is linked by metro to the city centre, in particular to the old Hua Lamphong central station.. Since 19 January, the station has been used as a departure and arrival point for 52 long-distance trainslinking the capital with the north, north-east and south of the country. The station is also used by the Airport Express for theairport from Don Mueang for low-cost airline flights.
The largest railway station in South-East Asia
The infrastructure is gigantic. Krung Thep Abhiwat is in fact the largest railway station in South-East Asia. It includes 26 platforms is 600 metres long and covers an area of 274,192 m². The total land area is 372 hectares. The project will have cost nearly 490 million euros. It took nine years from the laying of the foundation stone to the opening.
Thailand's future TGV terminus
From 2026, Krung Thep Abhiwat will also serve as the departure and arrival station for the country's first high-speed train line.. This will initially link Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasimathe country's second largest city. Located 260 km to the north-east of Bangkok, it would be just 1 hour 20 minutes away, compared with over 4 hours today. Go to 2028the line will be extended to the border with the Laos. It should then connect to the high-speed line between Laos and China.
However, some sixty trains still serve the historic Hua Lamphong station. Most of these are regional trains or tourist trains such as the Eastern & Oriental Express. In addition to the metro linking the two stations, a shuttle bus service provides a link for travellers. The transfer is also free of charge.
The gigantic station, with its 26 platforms, remains empty for the time being. Most of them are closed, with traffic concentrated on one half a dozen quays. A number of vending machines serving drinks and snacks brighten up the inside lanes. Outside, no nearby hotels, cash dispensers or exchange machines. But when it comes to shops and services, things should improve very quickly, especially given the consumer fever of the Thais!
