Relaxed ride to Thailand by rail

More Malaysians are opting to travel to Thailand by train, prompted by affordability, comfort and convenience. Many are choosing the Electric Train Service (ETS), which offers a cost-effective and stress-free alternative to flying or driving.

The latest Transport Ministry statistics from 2023 show that ETS ridership increased by 23.3%, with 4,115,242 passengers travelling to Thailand compared with 3,337,781 the previous year.

Checks by theSun found that a round-trip ETS ticket from KL Sentral to Padang Besar in Perlis, the last stop before the Thai border, costs RM234. From there, travellers can board a train to Hat Yai, the largest city in Thailand’s southern Songkhla province, for 50 Thai Baht (RM6.55).

Norazimah Salim, 43, who travelled with her family of five, said taking the ETS was the most practical option.

“Flight tickets are typically more expensive and that doesn’t include the additional cost of getting to the airport. Driving was never an option due to the high toll and fuel costs. Besides, we live in Rawang, Selangor so the long drive would have been exhausting.”

Although the ETS journey to Padang Besar takes nearly five hours, Norazimah appreciates the opportunity to rest and avoid the stress of driving.