Last month, we wrote about how we are finally going to get some new express trains. Now we can report that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has received the first 39 of its new train cars, which will start service next month.

You can get a first glimpse in the pictures below. Some cool features of the new cars are not pictured, though, like seat-mounted TV monitors  and USB ports for all first-class passengers, aircraft-style vacuum toilets, and upgraded safety mechanisms (CCTV, anti-lock braking system and no-gap connection between cars). First-class passengers will also be able to order food and beverages via a communications system at their seats. 

They are also using a Power Car system, which saves energy and reduces noise, along with digital display boards for time and station names. Cars for the elderly and people with disabilities, equipped with lifts and wheelchairs, are available in the new trains, too.

The SRT is spending B176 billion on 115 new cars from CNR (China CNR Corporation Limited). This number includes nine first-class sleeping cars, 88 second-class sleeping cars (nine of which include handicap-friendly sleeping berths, toilets and showers), nine dining cars and nine electric power cars. All cars are expected to arrive by the end of September. 

The first lucky route to use these new cars is the express Bangkok-Chiang Mai train, starting in August. On top of the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, the new cars will be used for three other major express routes: Bangkok-Ubonratchathani, Nong Kai, and Hat Yai by September next year. Fares will remain the same.

As we previously reported, officials are confident the new trains can also help cut journey times substantially.

What do you think, do these cars herald a new era for train travel in Thailand or do they look, well, kind of the same but cleaner? Leave your comment on our Facebook.