Study says SRT faces five structural challenges

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is grappling with major structural challenges, including workforce shortages, ageing locomotives, mounting debt, management issues and the transition to a modern rail system, say study findings presented at a recent seminar.

The seminar, titled "Solving Problems and Developing the Railway Sector Sustainably," was organised by the State Railway Workers' Union of Thailand (SRUT), the State Enterprises Workers' Relations Confederation and the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions.

Participants included Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, acting SRT governor Anan Phonimdaeng, transport experts, labour representatives, academics and civil society.

The event followed a research project conducted between May and July last year by SRUT and the College of Leadership and Social Innovation at Rangsit University. The study gathered data and opinions from railway employees, specialists and stakeholders nationwide to assess the long-term sustainability of Thailand's railway system.

The findings identified five critical crises facing the SRT: workforce and operational safety shortages, shortages of locomotives and rolling stock, debt burdens linked to public service obligations, management and investment challenges and the transition to a new-generation rail system. Mr Phiphat said the government recognises the structural problems confronting the SRT.

More than 70% of Thailand's rail network remains single-track, while many locomotives and passenger cars have exceeded their intended service lives, he said.

At the same time, the railway workforce has shrunk dramatically from more than 20,000 employees to about 8,000 despite the network extending over 4,100 kilometres, he added.

The shortage has increased workloads for staff and raised concerns about operational efficiency and safety.

To address the issue, the Transport Ministry plans to seek cabinet approval for 2,850 additional positions at the SRT, focusing on urgently needed roles such as train drivers, mechanics, station masters, engineers and maintenance personnel.

The ministry is also reviewing workforce management restrictions that have hindered SRT operations.

Mr Phiphat acknowledged the SRT's accumulated debt, now exceeding 300 billion baht, stems partly from its public service mandate to provide transportation at fares below operating costs.

While the average operating cost is more than 3 baht per passenger-kilometre, average fares remain only 0.24 baht per passenger-kilometre, showing the railway's role in supporting affordable travel.

To ramp up the railway's financial position, the government is planning to increase revenue from commercial development of SRT land and assets.