Orange Line Eastern Section Set for Trial Run Late 2027
The eastern section of Bangkok’s Orange Line is set for trial runs in late 2027, with full service expected in January 2028. The western Orange Line and southern Purple Line extension are on track for completion around 2030 and late 2027 respectively. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority is also preparing to absorb other rail lines to create a single operator system.
Kanpachai Udornthamphakdi, governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, disclosed progress on mass transit projects in Bangkok and the surrounding area. For the eastern Orange Line from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri/Rom Klao Intersection, construction is being sped up, with the first train set for delivery in November 2026 and the full fleet expected by May 2027. This will be followed by approximately six months of system testing and joint trial runs, allowing passenger trial services to begin in December 2027 and official fare collection to start in January 2028.
Regarding the western Orange Line (Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre), civil works are ongoing and the line is projected to open within 2030.
On the southern Purple Line extension (Tao Poon to Ratsada Burana), civil works continue according to the original plan, aiming for completion by the end of 2027. Operational planning, including investment models and financial figures, is being reviewed to align with fare policy and transfer arrangements, with a proposal for investment approval expected by late 2026 before submission to the Cabinet and selection of investors, targeting full operation by 2030, possibly with phased trial runs (such as from the Grand Circle to the National Library) before full opening.
The MRTA, under government policy to integrate and manage the rail system as a single operator, is preparing to take over the Green, Gold and Red lines from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the State Railway of Thailand. This will place all electric rail services under one authority to reduce duplication and improve efficiency. The process will begin with inter‑agency cooperation and signing memoranda of understanding to define cooperation frameworks, implementation steps, and legal procedures for project transfer.
Kanpachai Udornthamphakdi said the goal is to link the entire rail network so that travel is seamless, convenient and efficient, covering route connections, train operations, service standards, and integrated ticketing and fares across lines to ease passenger burden and support a unified public transport network. Any transfer will consider assets, contractual obligations, management structures, and agency readiness, carried out in accordance with legal procedures to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting service.
Finally, he noted that other Bangkok‑area rail projects under planning include the Brown, Silver and Grey lines (Phase 1), which are currently having their studies and suitability reviewed.
