First Domestically Built Light Rail Tram Begins Test Runs in Khon Kaen

Thailand's first domestically designed and built light rail tram has begun test runs at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI), Khon Kaen campus, drawing widespread attention online. The prototype tram, developed by Thai researchers, is currently undergoing daily trial operations along a 450-meter track inside the university, running from the main entrance past campus buildings to a maintenance center. Testing began in December, with full service expected within a year. The project has been under research and development for six to seven years, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Paiwan Kerdtruat of the Faculty of Engineering at RMUTI Khon Kaen. The research formally began in 2020 with funding support from the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) over a three-year period. Paiwan said the tram was entirely designed by Thai engineers, who studied rail systems in Germany, Japan and China before developing the prototype. The initiative aims to create a domestically produced light rail system that could eventually be deployed in cities such as Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Khon Kaen has a long-term 26-kilometer light rail project planned, though it has yet to materialize. The three-car tram can carry up to 120 passengers. It features a hybrid system powered by batteries and overhead electric lines, with future plans to develop a hydrogen-powered version. Currently, students and visiting delegations have been allowed to ride the tram during the testing phase. Construction of stations is planned ahead of broader service rollout within about a year, with long-term plans to expand routes around Kaen Nakhon Lake. Paiwan said around 80% of the tram's components were produced in Thailand, with parts sourced from manufacturers in provinces including Ayutthaya, Chonburi and Samut Prakan. Some specialized components were imported and assembled domestically. Since images of the tram were shared online, the project has received positive feedback, with many expressing hope that Thailand can develop and manufacture its own modern rail systems.