The State Railway of Thailand has reintroduced onboard catering services on select express services to the North, Northeast, and South, after a two-year suspension prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ekkarat Sriarayanpong, the SRT's public relations chief, said between Sept 27 and Oct 17, SRT sought bids from private firms to operate restaurant cars on four express services on the North, Northeast, and Southern lines.
Three firms expressed interest, but only two companies, Bogie FB Co Ltd and Advanced Marketing Services Co Ltd, submitted offers.
The contract was awarded to Advanced Marketing Services, which will reintroduce the restaurant cars on selected services starting from today. The contract will expire on Dec 5, 2025.
Passengers on the Uttarawithi Express (Bangkok-Chiang Mai), Taksinarath Express (Bangkok-Hat Yai), Isan Wattana (Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani) and Isan Mankha (Bangkok-Nong Khai) will now be able to purchase ready meals as well as hot and cold drinks onboard. Passengers can also browse One Tambon One Product (Otop) goods on these trains.
Next month, SRT will start to accept bids to reintroduce restaurant cars on other express services between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Sungai Kolok, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat, according to Mr Ekkarat.