State Railway restores full southern services after flood shutdown
SRT has resumed full train services on the southern line to Su-ngai Kolok and Yala after completing repairs to tracks and signalling systems damaged by severe flooding
Anan Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), acting Governor, said the agency had reopened the southern route once repairs to the line and signalling were safely completed and floodwaters in the South had receded to normal levels.
From 3pm on December 12, 2025, long-distance services from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Su-ngai Kolok and Yala have been operating as normal.
Following the floods between Hat Yai and Su-ngai Kolok/Yala, SRT dispatched teams from the civil engineering and signalling & telecommunications departments to inspect damage along the route as soon as conditions allowed.
The teams focused on checking the stability of embankments at risk points, as well as inspecting electrical signalling and communications systems affected by floodwaters in several sections.
Anan said he ordered staff to:
- reinforce and stabilise rail embankments
- recondition the ballast layer
- inspect and replace damaged signalling equipment where necessary
- and thoroughly test all systems before reopening the line
“Passengers can be confident that the route is fully safe for train operations,” he said. “We are now able to provide a full service again for people in the South — both passenger trains and freight trains — on what is a vital economic lifeline for the region. We expect this will help ease the impact from the temporary suspension caused by the recent floods.”
He added that SRT will continue strict monitoring, inspection and maintenance of the southern line to ensure every train runs safely and in line with international standards, and to maintain public confidence in the rail service.
