Thailand introduces Muslim prayer carriages on southern trains

Thailand's State Railway will introduce dedicated prayer carriages on southern train routes from 22 May to accommodate Muslim passengers travelling during the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to modify train carriages into "prayer cars" to support Muslim passengers returning to their hometowns for the holiday, which falls on 28 May this year.

The move is aimed at allowing Muslim passengers to perform religious practices comfortably and in accordance with Islamic principles while travelling.

Acting SRT governor Anan Phonimdang said the railway has converted third-class passenger carriages into dedicated prayer areas with four partitioned rooms, separated for men and women. Ablution areas have also been installed to allow worshippers to perform ritual cleansing before prayers.

The prayer carriages will operate on Rapid Train No. 171/172 between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Sungai Kolok, as well as Rapid Train No. 169/170 between Krung Thep Aphiwat and Yala.

Authorities also stressed security measures ahead of the holiday travel period, including stricter inspections of trains and equipment, CCTV monitoring at stations and onboard trains, and coordination with railway police.

The SRT said the initiative reflects efforts to accommodate passengers of all faiths equally, noting that reserved seating for Buddhist monks has also long been available on third-class trains.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice", is one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar and is widely observed by Muslims around the world.