Guide to the Khiri Ratthanikhom Branch Line

The Khiri Ratthanikhom Branch Line is a short spur off Thailand’s Southern Line, branching from Ban Thung Pho Junction in Surat Thani Province and running about 30 kilometres west to Khiri Ratthanikhom Station, its terminus. The branch was constructed in the 1950s with ambitious plans to extend the railway further west to Phang Nga and Phuket, creating a direct link to the Andaman coast. Those plans were never realised, leaving Khiri Ratthanikhom as the permanent terminus. The route passes through quiet countryside and small farming communities, giving it the feel of a rural feeder line rather than a main transport corridor.

TRAINS THAT TRAVEL ALONG THIS LINE

Today, the line is very lightly used, with only one daily local train making the trip between Khiri Ratthanikhom and Surat Thani. Local No. 490 heads to Surat Thani in the morning and  Local No. 489 does the return journey in the evening.

STATIONS AND HALTS ALONG THIS BRANCH LINE

Surat Thani→ Ban Thung Pho Junction | Ban Don Rak Halt | Ban Thung Luang Halt | Ban Khanai Halt | Ban Don Riap Halt | Khlong Yan Halt | Khao Lung Halt | Ban Yang Halt | Khiri Ratthanikhom Station

TIPS FOR DOING THIS BRANCH LINE

This is not the easiest of branch lines to do as there is only one train per day. The train stays over night in Khiri Ratthanikhom. It leaves there at 6:05 a.m. in the morning. It then returns in the late afternoon at 4:55 p.m. I have done this line twice so far. The first time I arranged for a minivan to pick me up from Khiri Ratthanikhom for 1,000 baht. For my second attempt, I booked an early morning taxi from in front of Surat Thani station. They took me to Khiri Ratthanikhom for 800 baht so I could take the train back in the early morning. Despite the very early pre-sunrise departure from my hotel, I preferred going this direction as the early morning light on the train was excellent. I did scout out the village around the station and I did find a motel about a 15 minute walk away. See map here. There’s no lobby but there is a sign that says you have to call 095-3455742. No English is spoken. So not that easy. But cheaper than booking a private transfer. I will do this the next time I go.

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