HATYAI: The shuttle train service between Padang Besar in Perlis, Malaysia, and Hatyai, Thailand, is back in operation today after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A survey at the State Railway Of Thailand (SRT) ticket counter at the Padang Besar Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) station saw several people queuing from as early as 8am to get tickets to Hatyai.
According to KTM Bhd's website, the train service offers two trips daily between Padang Besar and Hatyai.
For the Padang Besar-Hatyai route, the trips are at 9.55am and 4.40pm (Malaysian time) and for the Hatyai-Padang Besar route, the trips are at 7.30am and 2pm (Thai time).
One of the passengers, Boon Kee Ho, 44, from Gurun, Kedah, said the reopening of the train service facilitated travel between the two border towns as it was faster and cheaper to take the train than to drive.
"I boarded the KTM train at 7.12am from Gurun and arrived at Padang Besar KTM station at 8.15am. I then went straight to the SRT ticket counter, which opens at 8.30am, to get a ticket to Hatyai. It is easy and fast," said the father of two children.
Boon said he was going to Hatyai today to meet a friend and to enjoy Thai food.
"It's been two years since I visited Thailand. Today, it's just a day trip and I will be returning to Malaysia this evening. The next trip will be with my family," he added.
Taking the opportunity to go to Thailand today is Mohd Yunus Zunun, 39, from Butterworth, Penang.
"This is my first train ride to Thailand," he said, adding that he boarded the KTM train from Butterworth at 6.25am and arrived at Padang Besar at 8.15am.
Previously, Yunus would drive to Hatyai.
"The train ride is more fun and relaxing, also more convenient. The travelling time is almost the same, which is about an hour, but I don't feel as tired as I would if I were to drive here," he added.
The first day of the reopening of the shuttle train service to Thailand received coverage from both the Malaysian and Thai media. – Bernama