Malaysia and Thailand are taking steps to reinstate a direct train service linking Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok this year, according to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The move aims to enhance connectivity and tourism between the two capitals by leveraging the existing rail infrastructure.

Speaking after a one-day working visit to Thailand, Loke confirmed that the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been tasked with making initial preparations within three months to relaunch the service.

“This does not require new tracks but depends on coordination, marketing, and joint ticketing between the two countries,” Loke told Bernama. The route would operate along the existing Bangkok–Padang Besar–Butterworth–Kuala Lumpur rail line, which is already in place.

During the visit, Loke also held discussions with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, and visited the Bang Sue Central Terminal Station, where he was briefed on Thailand’s high-speed rail initiatives.

In a separate development, Loke noted that Thai authorities proposed extending rail services from Sungai Golok into Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas — areas along the Malaysia–Thailand border. The plan is seen as a potential economic driver for local communities.

However, reviving this cross-border section will require restoration and conservation work, as the railway tracks in Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok have been inactive for an extended period.

The revival of both the Kuala Lumpur–Bangkok direct train and the Rantau Panjang extension marks a renewed commitment by both governments to boost regional rail connectivity, promote bilateral tourism, and stimulate economic activity in border areas.