Thailand's railway authority is planning to re-launch women-only carriages after a 13-year-old girl was raped and killed in her berth on an overnight train.

The State Railway of Thailand said the special carriages for women and children under 10 will start operating on main routes from August 1.

The women-only carriages were cancelled previously due to profit losses.

The railway authority said the service will ensure safety and convenience for female and children passengers.

The move follows public furore over the assault allegedly carried out by the train's staff. Two employees were arrested, and the national railway governor was sacked by the military government.

The agency said the special coaches will be run by female employees.