China and Thailand have been working closely in the railway sector. There are now hundreds of trains made by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, or CRRC, running in Thailand. And one type has become famous among passionate Thai fans, who have given it the nickname "Ultraman". Our reporter You Yang travels to Thailand to meet the fans, and learn more about their love for trains made in China.
We meet Paul Piasak during Thailand's rainy season, but spending a day with him shows that when one has a deep passion for something, every day can be great.
You Yang CGTN reporter: "What are you doing here?"
Paul Thai Rail Fan: "I'm playing Ultraman!"
You Yang CGTN reporter: "Why?"
Paul Thai Rail Fan: "Because I like it!"
You Yang: "This one?"
Paul: "No, that one!"
Paul is referring to a locomotive made by Chinese company CRRC.
With its unique red and silvery paint, the vehicle has earned the nickname "Ultraman," inspired by the Japanese superhero.
But it's also regarded as a superhero on Thailand's railways, reaching speeds of up to 120-kilometers per hour and connecting distant destinations like Chiang Mai in the north, Nong Khai in the northeast, and Sungai Kolok in the south.
That's why Paul insists we take the ride, and experience the speed of "Ultraman."
Paul: "Here, you're going to have a good trip!"
You Yang: "Am I?"
Paul: "Yes!"
The busy carriages tell a story, as trains play a very important role in the daily lives of Thai people, providing a comfortable, safe, affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
"I believe the power of the old trains are unable to meet the needs of passengers today. They may need multiple repairs due to aging equipment. The new trains are completely different. The speed of the new trains are faster, so they can arrive at their destination earlier."
"This is my first time taking a train. My boyfriend and I are going on a trip to Hua Hin. The train is actually quite convenient and the tickets aren't expensive."
There are currently a total of fifty so-called Ultramen speeding on the railways of Thailand.
They carry both cargo and passengers on long-distance routes.
On the train, we also meet one of the representatives of its manufacturer, Mister Chen Zhijie, Deputy Manager of the Locomotive Manufacturing Center at CRRC Qishuyan Company.
YOU YANG CGTN Reporter "From which station did we board this train?"
CHEN ZHIJIE Deputy Manager, Locomotive Manufacturing Center, CRRC Qishuyan Company "We got on this train from Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok. It's the largest train station in Southeast Asia. The station has multiple functions: the lowest level is the subway and for the ordinary trains. On the top level, there are stations reserved for the high-speed railways of the future."
YOU YANG CGTN Reporter "How are railway lines in Thailand designed? And which railway lines do CRRC's trains operate on?"
CHEN ZHIJIE Deputy Manager, Locomotive Manufacturing Center, CRRC Qishuyan Company "As far as I'm concerned, there are a total of four main rail lines in Thailand. It ranges from the easternmost east line, the northeast line, the north line to the south line heading to Malaysia. The total length of the entire Thai railway line is around 5,000 kilometers."
YOU YANG CGTN Reporter "Which railway lines do trains made by CRRC operate on?"
CHEN ZHIJIE Deputy Manager, Locomotive Manufacturing Center, CRRC Qishuyan Company "I can say that the locomotives and trains made by CRRC are running throughout the whole of Thailand."
A wide range of uses brings a great deal of popularity.
In Thailand, the locomotives and trains made by CRRC have attracted their own fans.
Napat Kuhapunya is one of them. At this year's Asia Pacific Rail 2023 held in Bangkok, Napat said he hopes to turn the trains from a means of transportation for the general public, into a cultural element that can gradually penetrate into people's lives.
YOU YANG CGTN Reporter "How did you become a fan of trains?"
NAPAT KUHAPUNYA Thai Railway Fan "I loved the train when I was young and when I grew up, I hear the sound of locomotives, there are different sounds of different trains."
YOU YANG CGTN Reporter "And I even see you have some tickets with you. What are these tickets?"
NAPAT KUHAPUNYA Thai Railway Fan "This is the old ticket, it's very rare. "
YOU YANG CGTN Reporter "The old ticket. How old is this one?"
NAPAT KUHAPUNYA Thai Railway Fan "More than 30 years old."
YOU YANG CGTN Reporter "Is this the ticket for the first train in Thailand?"
NAPAT KUHAPUNYA Thai Railway Fan "Not the first one. But they are very rare. I would like to give it to you."
YOU YANG CGTN Reporter "Thank you!"
Napat says that in addition to "Ultraman," fans have affectionately nicknamed many Chinese-made trains in Thailand. There's "Da Xiongmao" or "Giant Panda," referring to trains made by Chinese companies, and "Xiao Huangya" or "Little Yellow Duck," named after their colors. Behind every name, you get a sense of the strong passion for trains among these enthusiasts.
And beyond local fans, the State Railway of Thailand also speaks highly of its cooperation with CRRC.
WATCHARACHAN SIRISUWANNATASH Deputy Governor, State Railway of Thailand "Actually it's been more than ten years when we had the first freight car made by CRRC. I remember at that time we had 112 freight car of CRRC and other freight cars. In together we had 150 passengers cars from CRRC Changchun, maybe 7 or 8 years ago. Last year we have received 20 units of locomotives from CRRC, that's the cars with the highest power in Thailand."
In addition to electric-diesel trains, at the beginning of this year the first battery-powered locomotive manufactured by CRRC was also launched in Bangkok, to aid Thailand's efforts to improve its railway services while cutting carbon emissions.
China and Thailand have been cooperating in various areas of railway development.
The ongoing construction of a high-speed rail network is Thailand's biggest scheme under the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting countries across Asia and beyond.
Local experts say once Thailand's first high-speed railway is completed, it will not only inject vitality into the economic development of regions along the line, but also boost regional connectivity.
And after spending a day immersed in the world of locomotives made by Chinese enterprises, we've gained a deeper understanding into how such trains are transforming the lives of local people and why they've garnered such immense affection from Thai fans.
Paul: "Did you have a good trip?"
You Yang: "Yes, definitely."
Paul: "I want to give this to you."
You Yang: "Why? Isn't this your favorite toy?"
Paul: "Yes, but I don't need it anymore. I want to make my own Ultraman (referring to CRRC''s train) together with our Chinese friends."
This vision represents the future for the development of Thai Railway, built on cooperation and shared passion.
You Yang, CGTN, in Bangkok, Thailand.
