Bangkok, the vibrant capital city of Thailand, is known for its bustling streets, rich cultural heritage, and efficient transportation network.

Among its numerous landmarks, one stands out as a symbol of the city’s progress and connectivity – the impressive Bang Sue Grand Station.

Recently opened to the public, this state-of-the-art railway terminal has already become the centerpiece of Thailand’s modern rail infrastructure.

With its grandeur, strategic location, and cutting-edge facilities, Bang Sue Grand Station is set to redefine the way people travel and experience the heart of the Thai capital.

Introducing Bang Sue Grand Station

As of January 19, 2023, long-distance trains traveling to and from Bangkok have shifted their operations to a new railway station.

Bangkok Hua Lamphong is no longer the main terminal for these services; instead, they are now operating from the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal situated in the Bang Sue district of the Thai capital.

It is essential to take note that Bang Sue Grand Station has been rebranded as Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

Travelers bound for destinations such as Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, or Surat Thani will now embark on their journeys from the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the old station at Bangkok Hua Lamphong will still be operational for certain routes.

What does bang sue mean in Thai?

The term “Bang Sue” translates to ‘community of faithful’ and finds its origin in Sunthorn Phu’s poem titled “Journey to Phrabat,” penned in 1807.

According to folklore known as the “Story of King Uthong,” the name is believed to have emerged when someone inquired about the hidden treasure of King Uthong (distinct from King Uthong of Ayutthaya), and the locals responded with sincerity.

During King Chulalongkorn’s reign, Bang Sue was one of the eight outer districts (amphoes) established in the vicinity of Bangkok.

However, in 1938, an administrative reformation resulted in the downgrade of Bang Sue from an amphoe to a sub-district (tambon), making it a part of Dusit district.

Subsequently, in 1972, as part of the implementation of a special administrative area for Bangkok, tambons were renamed khwaengs, and amphoes were renamed khets.

As a result, Bang Sue was re-designated as Khwaeng Bang Sue, within the jurisdiction of Khet Dusit. Finally, in 1989, Bang Sue attained the status of a full-fledged khet.

What is the largest railway station in South East Asia?

Bang Sue, also known as Bang Sue Grand Station, holds the distinction of being Southeast Asia’s largest railway station.

This grand terminal boasts a four-level building with an impressive setup comprising 12 platforms and 24 tracks. On the underground floor, one can find the Bang Sue MRT Station alongside a spacious parking facility accommodating up to 1,624 vehicles.

The idea to construct Bang Sue Grand Station was formulated in 2010. The government’s primary concern at that time was the impact of having the main terminus, Hua Lamphong Railway Station, located right in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown district, which was exacerbating the city’s traffic congestion issues.

The government believed that the traffic problem stemmed from passengers being dropped off and picked up by cars at Hua Lamphong Railway Station, as well as traffic delays caused by trains passing through the city center to reach the main terminus.

As three out of the four intercity train lines in Thailand already passed through the existing Bang Sue Railway Station, constructing a new train station in Bang Sue seemed like a viable solution to address the perceived negative consequences of having the main railway terminus in the city center.

What is the new name of Bang Sue station?

Originally known as Bang Sue Grand Terminal, the new station received an esteemed royal name in September 2022. Bestowed by the Thai king, the station’s new name is “Krung Thep Aphiwat,” which translates to “Bangkok’s prosperity.”

This regal title adds a touch of prestige to the station, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of prosperity and progress for the city of Bangkok.

Krung Thep Aphiwat operates a “closed platform” service, ensuring that only passengers possessing valid tickets can access the platform area. 

The platform is made accessible 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Travelers can find ample space in the large waiting area, and convenient departure boards, along with bilingual station announcements in Thai and English, will notify passengers when the platform is open for boarding the trains.

How big is Bang Sue Grand Station?

The government allocated a budget of nearly 16 billion baht for the construction of Bang Sue, making it the most substantial investment in the region. 

With an impressive expanse of 274,192 square meters, the station now holds the esteemed title of being Southeast Asia’s largest train station, surpassing the previous record-holder, KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur. 

This significant development showcases the commitment of Thailand to create a world-class transportation hub that will cater to the needs of travelers and commuters in the region.