Bangkok: Airport Rail Link service is currently undergoing repairs due to a malfunction and is anticipated to be operational by this evening. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, led a team from the Department of Rail Transport, SRT (State Railway of Thailand), and Asia Era One Co., Ltd. to the Khlong Tan electric train maintenance depot to expedite the repairs.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat visited the depot to monitor the situation and convened a meeting with relevant agencies to follow up on the progress of resolving the Airport Rail Link (ARL) system malfunction. The issue arose following a train derailment at a switch within the maintenance depot, affecting train operations. Mr. Anan Pothinimdaeng, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, reported that at 00:47 AM, a train consisting of four carriages derailed, obstructing the Airport Rail Link's access and exit routes, disrupting service between Phaya Thai and Suvarnabhumi stations.
In response, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) coordinated with relevant agencies to implement measures for public transportation support. Additional special trains were dispatched along the Lat Krabang-Makkasan-Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) route, and bus services were provided by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to accommodate passengers between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station.
Asia Era One Co., Ltd. stated that the malfunction was discovered at the U-turn point within the depot, requiring time for repair and impacting morning rush hour travel. Communication was issued via Facebook and media outlets, and measures were coordinated with various agencies to mitigate public travel disruption. The temporary service remained operational without affecting passenger safety.
The SRT and Airport Rail Link company expect normal service to resume by evening. If not, additional special trains will be provided to accommodate passenger travel. Staff have been deployed to all stations to facilitate and provide information to passengers.
Passengers are advised to connect their journeys with other public transportation systems, including MRT Yellow Line at Hua Mak Station, MRT Blue Line at Asoke bus stop, and MRT Blue Line at Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) Station. Mr. Anan emphasized that the SRT is working with all agencies to expedite the resolution and minimize public impact.
Mr. Siripong indicated that additional ARL trains are expected to be added by evening to alleviate public transportation impact. Contingency plans, including extra trains and coordination with other agencies, are in place in case repairs are not completed by then.
Passengers can follow updates on the Airport Rail Link services via Facebook, Call Center at 02-091-1595, and station staff. Regular reports on service status and travel options will be provided as progress is made.