BANGKOK – Transport authorities in Thailand welcomed the first two trains for the country’s new Purple Line on Monday, after they arrived at the port of Laem Chabang from Yokohama.
The two trains, manufactured and co-designed by Japanese manufacturer J-TREC, will be used for the country’s Purple Line rail project, which connects Tao Poon in Bangkok, to Bang Yai in Nonthaburi province, to the north of the capital.
The rest of the 21 trains for the line will be arriving in stages at the port from next month until early February.
The Purple Line is the first urban train system to connect Bangkok to its neighboring province, and is being constructed with the aim of “reducing cost and time for commuting, enhancing the country’s economy, and creating confidence for investors,” according to Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
“It could be said that the trains mark our cooperation with the Japanese government,” the minister said, adding that Japanese people were thrilled as it is the first time they have exported trains to Thailand for use on an urban rapid transport system.
Construction began on the Purple Line in 2010, and it is thought it will be ready for public service next August.
