Chongqing - Chongqing began trialing Thai-language announcements at Chaotianmen, Xiaoshizi, and Liziba stations on its urban rail network on Sept. 29.

For now, the Thai announcements are played only on station platforms, not inside trains. According to Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT), the announcements cover basic passenger information, including the current station and the next stop.

The Thai announcements use human-recorded audio rather than synthesized speech. Native Thai speakers also took part in reviewing the wording and pronunciation.

A Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 train travels along an elevated track. Liziba Station on Line 2 is one of three stations currently trialing Thai-language announcements. (Photo: Chongqing Rail Transit)

The choice of Thai language reflects Chongqing's inbound visitor mix. According to the Chongqing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport recorded more than 610,000 entries and exits by foreign nationals in the first half of 2026, up 86% year on year. Thailand was the top source country for foreign visitors to Chongqing, followed by Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

The three stations were selected in part because they see high numbers of international visitors and strong demand for services for overseas passengers. Liziba is known for the sight of Line 2 trains passing through a building, an attraction that draws visitors from China and abroad. Chaotianmen and Xiaoshizi are close to major shopping areas and riverside attractions and connect with multiple transport routes.

The rollout has also prompted discussion on Chinese social media. One Xiaohongshu user whose displayed IP location was Thailand said they had noticed more Thai friends traveling to Chongqing over the past two years. The user saw the new Thai-language service as a response to that trend and a way to make travel more convenient for Thai visitors.

Chinese and English announcements are already available across Chongqing's urban rail network. Frontline staff also receive regular training in service etiquette and bilingual communication as part of efforts to improve services for international passengers.

CRT said it will monitor the trial and use the results to guide further improvements to services for international passengers.