Direct KL-Bangkok Train Service To Return By Year-End

Malaysia and Thailand plan to bring back the direct train line from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok by the end of 2025. This is a big move to  boost regional links, encourage tourism, and promote economic development for both nations.

The direct rail link previously connected the two capitals, offering a convenient travel option that has since been discontinued.


According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the train service will utilize existing railway infrastructure linking Bangkok, Padang Besar, Butterworth, and Kuala Lumpur. This approach minimizes the requirement for new track development. “There’s no need to build anything new. What we need now is proper coordination between both countries, strong marketing and a joint ticketing system”, Loke says, following his official visit to Bangkok on 2nd May.

In addition to the Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok line, the Thai government has proposed expanding rail service from Sungai Golok over the border to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas in Kelantan.



Loke welcomed the proposal, recognizing its potential to boost border towns and encourage regional development. However, he noted that the Sungai Golok expansion would require more time due to the need for significant maintenance on Malaysia's long-unused railway lines.