The number of long-haul trains departing and arriving at Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok will be slashed starting from Thursday, according to the Department of Rail Transport.

Over 100 long-haul services bound for the North, Northeast and South currently depart from Hua Lamphong Station every day.

However, starting from Thursday, 52 special express, express and rapid services will depart from Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal, formerly Bang Sue Grand Station, instead.

The remaining 62 trips on "public service" trains, including excursion trains and subsidised long-haul services, will continue to depart from Hua Lamphong Station for the time being.

According to the DRT, the reduction in the number of services which start or end at Hua Lamphong Station will help reduce traffic congestion in and around downtown Bangkok, as trains have to pass through a number of level crossings to reach the old rail hub, holding up traffic.

Between Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal and Hua Lamphong station, there are seven major level crossings.

From Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal to Rangsit station, there are three railroad crossings.

The decision to gradually move long-haul services to Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal is in line with the State Railway of Thailand's plan to turn the new station into the country's primary rail hub under the Transport Ministry's 20-year development strategy.