Moving almost half of all long-haul train services from Hua Lamphong Station to Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal will help the country realise its goal of turning the terminal into the biggest rail hub in Southeast Asia, according to deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.
The relocation will allow the station to cater for more passenger rail traffic at the terminal, formerly known as the Bang Sue Grand Station, which speaks of its readiness to be the region's rail hub, she added.
The government also hopes that moving the long-distance passenger trains to the terminal will cut back on trains passing level crossings and solve some traffic problems in Bangkok and neighbouring areas, Ms Rachada said.
Starting from tomorrow, 52 special express, express, and rapid services will depart from Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal instead of Hua Lamphong.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will open at least 18 ticket booths located at the Central Terminal's MRT-connected pathways and exit door No.4 on the ground floor.
It has reserved 12 platforms for departures and arrivals of 'commercial' long-haul trains to the North, Northeast and the South. At the terminal, four other platforms are designated for the SRT's Red Line electric trains bound either for Rangsit or Taling Chan.
Passengers of the commercial trains disembarking at the terminal can use their long-haul tickets to get on Red Line trains free of charge. The validity is up to a year.
For the time being, 62 "public service" trains, including excursion trains and subsidised long-distance services, will continue to depart from Hua Lamphong Station.