Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is preparing to reintroduce a cross-border train service between Butterworth, Malaysia, and Hat Yai, Thailand, with plans to officially launch by the third quarter of this year.
Following a successful trial run in December last year that received positive feedback from passengers, KTMB is now awaiting final approval from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) before resuming regular operations.
Photo via KTMB
The service, known as the MySawasdee train, promises travellers a picturesque journey with stops at several major stations including Bukit Mertajam, Sungai Petani, Alor Setar, Arau, Padang Besar, and finally, Hat Yai.
“For now, the train will only run during long weekends, festive periods, and school holidays, as these are peak travel times,” said KTMB Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin in an interview with New Straits Times.
Looking further ahead, KTMB has ambitions to extend its reach beyond Hat Yai, potentially connecting to more destinations within the Thai railway network.
In partnership with SRT, KTMB is also working on introducing a return ticket system by 2026 to simplify the booking process for round-trip travellers.
In addition to its international plans, KTMB is set to roll out a new Super App by Q3 this year. The all-in-one platform will allow users to book tickets, view real-time train schedules, and organise their travel plans with greater ease.
Electric Train Service (ETS) passengers will enjoy even more features, including the option to select seats and pre-order meals for their journey. The app will also include a loyalty programme, enabling users to earn points for every transaction.
“We’re working closely with merchants to offer a points redemption system so that passengers can collect and use their points with various partners,” Rani added.
This move reflects KTMB’s ongoing efforts to modernise its services and enhance the travel experience for both local and international passengers.
