Used JR Hokkaido train cars arrive in Thailand

By Hidetaka Yamamura / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

December 13, 2021

BANGKOK — The State Railway of Thailand unveiled 17 used train cars acquired from Hokkaido Railway Co. (JR Hokkaido) at Laem Chabang Port in Thailand on Monday.

The Kiha 183 type diesel cars, which JR Hokkaido used for limited express services, will be refurbished before going into service in Thailand.

Used trains manufactured in Japan are popular in Southeast Asian countries. However, the acquisition of the 30-year-old diesel cars has caused some controversy in Thailand, with some people asking whether it was worth the transportation cost.