KTMB launches MySawasdee Penang Edition train to Hat Yai

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is set to introduce a new train service connecting Butterworth to Hat Yai, Thailand, with a trial run scheduled from December 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This initiative, branded the MySawasdee Penang Edition, aims to gauge demand and provide seamless travel for both Malaysian and Thai passengers.

Affordable Travel with Key Stops Along the Route

The MySawasdee Penang Edition offers a convenient one-way fare of RM45 per seat, with no concession or children’s discounts available. Departing from Butterworth at 7.40 am, the train is expected to arrive in Hat Yai by 12.05 pm (local time). The return journey departs Hat Yai at 3 pm, reaching Butterworth at approximately 9.46 pm.

Passengers will benefit from stops at major stations, including Bukit Mertajam, Sungai Petani, Alor Setar, Arau, and Padang Besar. Immigration procedures will take place at Padang Besar, where passengers must disembark for passport checks before continuing their journey. Similarly, for the return trip, customs and immigration inspections will also be conducted at Padang Besar.

Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth

This trial service is expected to boost cross-border tourism between northern Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand. By connecting Butterworth, a gateway to Penang, with Hat Yai, a popular destination for Malaysians seeking short getaways, the route could attract significant domestic and international travelers.

Penang’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and renowned local cuisine may draw Thai tourists, while Malaysians will find Hat Yai an accessible and affordable vacation spot. Additionally, the service has the potential to stimulate local economies, benefiting businesses along the train’s route, including food vendors, retailers, and hospitality providers.

Convenience and Accessibility for Travelers

KTMB encourages passengers to plan their journeys in advance and purchase tickets through its official channels, including the KTMB Mobile Application (KITS), kiosk machines, and website at www.ktmb.com.my. Ticket sales open on December 23 at 10 am, providing travelers ample time to secure their seats.

This special train service is designed to offer a hassle-free experience, eliminating the need for train changes and enhancing cross-border connectivity. KTMB’s MySawasdee Penang Edition reflects the railway operator’s commitment to offering innovative travel solutions while exploring the feasibility of expanding services on the State Railway of Thailand network.

Trial Run to Shape Future Services

The trial period, spanning just over a week, will allow KTMB to assess the popularity and operational efficiency of the route. Depending on the response, the MySawasdee Penang Edition could become a permanent fixture in KTMB’s schedule, offering more Malaysians and Thais the opportunity to explore each other’s regions with ease.

As Malaysia and Thailand strengthen their tourism ties, KTMB’s latest initiative promises to become a valuable link, fostering greater cross-cultural exchange and economic collaboration between the two nations.