Thailand’s MRT Orange Line expected to enter trial service in 2027
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand reports that civil works on the eastern Orange Line are complete, while rail systems work has reached 71.58%.
- Trial service for the Orange Line's eastern section (Thailand Cultural Centre–Min Buri) is expected to commence in late 2027, with full service planned for early 2028.
- Construction on the eastern section is significantly advanced, with civil works 100% complete and rail systems over 71% installed.
- The first train for the new line has completed factory testing and is scheduled to arrive in Thailand in late November after undergoing further trials.
- The western section of the line (Bang Khun Non–Thailand Cultural Centre) is in an earlier construction phase, with a target opening date of 2030.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has reported progress on the Orange Line, which remains under construction, with figures current as of August 2026.
MRT Orange Line: Thailand Cultural Centre–Min Buri (Suwinthawong) section
- Civil works: 100% complete
- Rail systems work: 71.58% complete
MRT Orange Line: Bang Khun Non–Thailand Cultural Centre section
- Civil works: 39.13%
- Rail systems work: 7.87%
- Overall progress: 35.52%
Meanwhile, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) released a timeline for preparations to operate the Orange Line.
On the eastern section, between Thailand Cultural Centre Station and Yaek Rom Klao Station, the first train has completed production and factory testing in Turkey and is being sent to Germany for trial runs to confirm its quality and safety.
It will then be shipped to Thailand.
The second train is undergoing testing in Turkey.
The first train to complete the testing process is expected to arrive in Thailand in late November.
Further trains are being produced as scheduled.
BEM estimates that trial service on the eastern section could begin in late 2027, with full service beginning as planned in early 2028.
Once the eastern section opens, it is expected to handle up to 100,000 passenger trips per day, with the figure projected to rise to 300,000 passenger trips per day.
Meanwhile, civil works on the western Bang Khun Non–Thailand Cultural Centre section are 39% complete.
The target is to complete the work in time for services to begin in 2030.
