SRT: The Mahachai line a trip from Bang Bon to Mahachai.

This is a continuation on from the earlier post on SRT’s Mahachai line. This is the link to the earlier post SRT: Wong Wian Yai to Bang Bon.

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/02/trip-from-wong-wian-yai-to-bang-bon-on.html

On Tuesday afternoon I took a ride to Mahachai city via the Mahachai line to visit the rail yard located behind the station. I took a number of pictures and interesting Cab ride style movies. This is by far one of my favorite railway lines in the world. Mostly due to the way it operated and how it is isolated from the rest of the system.

This railway is 100% isolated from the rest of the rail system. This railway is part of the Maeklong commuter system that operates from Wong Wian Yai to Mahachai and Ban Laem to Maeklong. Takes about 2 hours to complete both lines.

A little background about these lines. The Mahachai line was built by the Thachin railway company about 107 years ago. Then at a later stage taken over by the local government and SRT rail. These lines have a 14 metre wide land reserve that is a lot narrower than the main system. Although buildings have been built right up to the edge the line. It appears today these lines are owned by the city of Mahachai and the city of Maeklong with SRT providing a contract service.

When the line was built it did operate to Klong San station but this was closed in 1963. It’s possibly due to the fact that track from Klong San station to Wong Wian Yai was shared with road traffic on Charoen Rat road. A rail bus (Route 57) provides the link now. If this occurred today the line would not be able to keep its timetable and train versus car accidents would occur often.

Up until 1963 Klong San to Wat Sing was electrified and tram like trains did run. A possible reason for de electrification is due to the removal of the on street running around Klong San. This would have cut off the overhead system from the power substation located at Klong San station. There appears to have been only one substation for the whole line.

Mahachai line train timetable:

Wong Wian Yai to Mahachai

05.30, 06.25, 07.00, 07.40, 08.35, 09.40, 10.40, 12.15, 13.20, 14.25, 15.25, 16.30, 17.05, 17.35, 18.35, 19.10 and 20.10. It takes about 1 hour to reach Mahachai.

Mahachai to Wong Wian Yai

04.30, 05.20, 05.55, 06.25, 07.00, 08.00, 09.35, 10.40, 11.45, 13.15, 14.25, 15.25, 16.00, 16.30, 17.35, 18.10 and 19.00. It takes about 1 hour to reach Wong Wian Yai.

1. This is an image of the station sign at Bang Bon station where I started this journey to Mahachai.

2. This is a short Movie showing what its like to ride on the Mahachai line. Note the track condition and the approach to Kan Kheha station. Taken from the front drivers cab.

3. This is Rang Sakae station. The sign is all that remains of the station. However 2 trains a day stop at this station. Note there is no platform or waiting shelter at this station.

4. This is a picture showing the track quality and the tunnel effect from the trackside trees and bushes. Taken near Rang Pho station.

5. This is an image of the train driver and the speedo showing the speed of the train in the above section. It was about 65kph or about as fast as the trains go on this line.

6. This is a shot of a relatively new rail bridge on the line. Some of the line has had resleepering done on the section down of Kan Kheha. Although the ride is still very rough despite this work.

7. This is a shot of the manually operated points at the up end of Rang Pho loop. Note the flagman he is the one who manually changes the points.

8. This is a picture of Rang Pho Station the halfway point of the line and the 3^rd crossing loop on the line.

9. This is a short movie of a departure from Rang Pho station and passing though the points at the end of Rang Pho loop.

10. This is an image of Sam Yaek Station. This is a suburban station but it feels like countryside. Access to the station is via the bridge and along the track.

11. This is a shot of a section of better quality track and a small humpback bridge.

12. This is a shot of Phrom Daen station. The complex next to the station is Tharn Institute of Technology. It’s basically a technical school. This station is the 1^st station in the “City of Mahachai”.

13. This is an image of the points at the up end of Bang Nam Jued loop. This loop is normally used during peak hours. It is the 4^th loop on the line.

14. This is a shot of Bang Nam Jued station. All stations that have a crossing loop have a similar layout to this.

15. This is a shot of the points and rail bridge at the down end of Bang Nam Jued loop. This is a very typical steel rail bridge. The bridge also provides pedestrian access to the station.

16. This is a short movie of the train going over the points at Bang Nam Jued and the rail bridge. Note how the level crossing gate is broken off and laying in the klong.

17. This is a shot of the road bridges of Rama 2 road. This is not far from Mahachai Mai (new Mahachai city) Under this bridge is a very dangerous unprotected dirt level crossing that only about 3 metres wide. Trains always blast the horn and slow down here.

18. This is a shot of the flagman and the up end points at Khok Khawi loop. This is the 5^th and last crossing loop on the line.

19. This is an image of Khok Khawi station. Note the rusty station sign. The loop here is only used at peak times.

20. This is a shot of the points and level crossing at the down end of Khok Khawi loop. Note the short guy manually operates these level crossing gates.

21. This is a picture of another small humpback steel rail bridge. Note the lovely wavy rail on the down side of the bridge.

22. This is a shot of some lovely track quality even on the concrete sleepers.

23. This is an image of a section of track that often has a lot of annoying monkeys sitting on it they slowly move off the track as the train passes.

24. This is a shot of Ban Khom station. This is one of the suburban stations of Mahachai city. This station is odd in that an up and down platform was provided even though only one is used.

25. This is another image of an unprotected level crossing. Thai unprotected crossings don’t even have signs to let you know there is a crossing there. Note the low overhead cables.

26. This is a picture of Klong Chak station the last station before Mahachai. This is a peak hour only station. Note the great lack of station facilities. The shelter is where you wait for the train.

27. This is a movie of the final approach to Mahachai station and the end of the line. Note the old rail cars and flatcar cargo carriages on the approach to Mahachai station. Also Mahachai station like most major stations on this line have a railway market next to the station.

28. This is a shot of the train I used to travel to Mahachai on and the middle door at the front is where I filmed. Train Number 1203 taken just after it had arrived in platform road.

29. This is an image of the train timetable at Mahachai station. There are 17 trains in each direction on this line. Making this the 2^nd most frequent SRT commuter line.

30. This is a shot of the waiting room at ticket office at Mahachai station the most substantial station on the Mahachai – Wong Wian Yai line.

31. This is a shot of the nice wooden sign above the entrance to Mahachai station. This is a very common shot taken by rail fans that visit the station.

32. This is a shot of the market outside the station at Mahachai. You must walk though this market to continue on to the famous Maeklong line on the other side of the river at Ban Leam (Mahachai West). See this link for details of the Maeklong line

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/02/srt-maeklong-line-and-maeklong-railway.html

Please follow this link to access the pictures and details on the Mahachai rail yard.

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/03/srt-mahachai-rail-yard.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

SRT: The Mahachai Rail Yard.

This is the final topic on the famous Mahachai and Maeklong rail system. This is all about the rail yard and the interesting things I found in the rail yard. Including some rare historical items. The Mahachai rail yard is a very interesting for rail fans partly due to the friendly nature of the workshop and rail yard staff. And also for it’s hidden historical gems.

This kind of rail yard visit in Australia is very much frowned upon. This is mostly due to over the top safety laws and rules and also from too much vandalism that occurs now in western counties that comes from a breakdown in their social structures. If I did the same rail yard visit in Australia as I did in Mahachai id probably end up dealing with the police at some point as no one trusts anyone in Australia now days. The freedom to explore the railways and its infrastructure hassle free is one of the many great things about Thailand and South East Asia.

If you do come to visit the rail yard at Mahachai the people are very friendly and welcoming to rail fans. But please be careful of moving trains and other equipment when in the rail yard. Also be friendly to the staff and don’t take or damage any of the equipment or metal parts or trains. The rail yard staff do speak a little English and will show you around the yard and trains if you ask them.

Here are some details on the trains that have been used on the Mahachai and Maeklong railway lines over the years:

The following DMUs have operated on the Mahachai line.

The first diesel railcars for these lines were the series D3 - D8
Type Bogie + trailer
Teikoku car & MFG. Co. Ltd. Osaka – Japan
In service 1959

Series D9 - D16
Type RTS Bogie + trailer
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation – Japan
In service 1971

Series 1201 – 1264
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit
Maker: Nippon Sharyo Seizo Kaisha Ltd. / Hitachi Ltd. / Juji Heavy Industries Ltd. /
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. / Niigata Engineering Co. Ltd. / Kinki Sharyo Ltd. Japan. In service 1985

Series 2101 – 2112 (Unit number 2101 currently used on Mahacahi line)
Type: Air-conditioning motor unit (without driver cabin)
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation – Japan.
In service 1985

The following DMUs have operated on the Maeklong line.

Series 1001 – 1003
Type: Bogie + Trailer
Maker: Niigata – Japan
In service 1962

Series 1004 – 1010
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit
Maker: Tokyu – Japan
In service 1965

Series 1011 – 1020
Type RH (same as above)
Maker: Hitachi – Japan
In service 1967

Series 1021 – 1048
Type RHN (same as above)
Maker: Hitachi & Nippon – Japan
In service 1971

Series 1101 - 1140
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit (coupled back to back to form a set)
Maximum speed 100 kph.
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation / Hitachi Ltd. / Nippon Charyo Seizo – Japan
In service 1983

Series 1210 and 1213 (Current set used on the Maeklong line.)
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit
Maker: Nippon Sharyo Seizo Kaisha Ltd. / Hitachi Ltd. / Juji Heavy Industries Ltd. /
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. / Niigata Engineering Co. Ltd. / Kinki Sharyo Ltd. Japan. In service 1985

Source: Von Hirschhorn from 2bangkok.com

1. This is a shot of the trains stabled in the yard at the end of the platforms at Mahachai station. SRT unit numbers 1204 and 1212.

2. This is an image of the general view of the rail yard at Mahachai. Taken from between the trains. The train on the left is a current Japanese DMU made by a consortium of 6 Japanese companies in 1985 and the train on the right is an old DMU made by Tokyu Car Corporation in 1971.

3. This is a shot looking back towards the station I entered the rail yard though the gap between the trains. They don’t lock up the trains in this yard or give visitors any problems when photographing the trains.

4. This is an inside picture of the Japanese DMUs currently used on the line. This is the 3^rd class non aircon carriage. This type of carriage makes up most of the carriages used on the Mahachai line.

5. This is an inside shot of the only aircond carriage used on the Mahachai line. It is a 2^nd class car and is used on 4 trains a day in each direction. Costs 25 baht per trip. However I once rode in this carriage the aircon is often broken and it’s better to use the 3^rd class carriages. This carriage was made by Tokyu Car Corporation and entered service in 1985.

6. This is a picture of a bullet hole in one of the inter carriage doors on the currently operating DMUs. The 2^nd class aircon car is in the background. This has been like this for a long and the train is run in service with the broken glass.

7. This is a shot of the older DMUs that used to run on the Mahachai line. SRT unit T25. These are no longer in service due to disrepair.

8. This is an inside shot of the old out of service DMUs. Today they are used as a stock of spare parts for the currently operating DMUs. But in there day they would have been nice as the seats are padded.

9. This is a shot of the train repair workshop at the back of the Mahachai rail yard. Train Unit 1201 is in for repairs.

10. This is another shot showing the equipment used to repair the trains. Some of this equipment is very old and dirty.

11. This is an image of the workbenches in the workshop a staff member is cleaning something in the trough. Everything is oil soaked are rather dirty in this workshop.

12. The under train inspection pit and lifting jacks to allow under train work. The pit is very oily.

13. This is a general view of the rail yard taken from outside the workshop.

14. The is a shot of Train Unit 1215 at the back of the yard. Note someone is inside giving the windows are good clean.

15. This is a shot of train unit 1207 sitting in the yard. Note how the doors are left open. People in Thailand don’t vandalise the trains or try to damage them. Unlike in Australia.

16. This one of the hidden surprises in the rail yard this is an original 4 wheel box car from when the railway opened and operated by the Thachin railway company. It is over 100 years old.

17. This is another rail shed with old DMUs stuffed into it. This is Train unit D14. No longer in service. The small bottles contain engine oil they are everywhere around the rail yard.

18. This is a shot of old oil drums and old train wheels left at the back of the yard in front of train unit D25.

19. This is a shot of some old train parts left in the children’s playground that is next to the rail workshop. The children’s playground is only accessible via the rail yard.

20. This is a shot of the various metal junk and old train parts left at the back of the workshop. Taken from the staff lunch/rest area behind the workshop.

21. This is a shot of the sign on the back of the rail workshop the walk way on the left leads to the children’s playground and the main rail yard.

22. This is another hidden gem at the back of the rail yard. An old railway house. Possibly used to house the stationmaster's or rail yards manager's family. The house I estimate to be around 100 years old. There are not many houses like this left in Bangkok or surrounding areas.

23. This is a shot of the stairs inside the old house it was locked off, as it appears its still used for staff to rest in at times.

24. This is an image of an open but undercover room at the back of the old house. Like the rail yard metal parts are stored everywhere around the house.

25. This is a room that was open in the old house. All there is in the room is an old bed and a table. Its not know what the room is used for today. But it was quite cool inside the old house. It seems these old houses are better suited to the hot climate of Thailand than the modern buildings.

26. This is a shot of the veranda area of the house. The room with the open door is a very old but simple Thai style bathroom. The brown and white wooden doors lead to the room above.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

The Mass Transport Boats of Bangkok (Phra Khanong Klong Boat Service)

The last 3 types of boat service mainly exist for beating the crawling traffic. This Mass transit boat service is quite different in that it provides basic access transport services to the people living in the area along Klong Prawet Buri Rom in the Phra Khanong area on the outer edge of the inner city area of Bangkok. For some people this klong boat service is the only way to access their homes.

This klong service operated from 5am to 11pm 7 days a week. The frequency of this service is every 20 to 30 minutes with extras at peak times. There are only 2 full piers on this klong service. All other stops are on request basis from any location along the klong. The route of this klong is rather twisty leading me to believe it may have been a natural creek at one point before being upgraded to a transport klong hundreds of years ago.

This klong is also used to collect rubbish from the homes and businesses along the klong. Locals along this klong sell food and other goods from time to time from small boats. As far as I know there is no floating market operating on this klong. The people who live in this area are mostly Islamic Thais who moved up from the south of Thailand and Malaysia to Bangkok around 200 years ago.

This Klong boat connects Talat Phra Khanong (Phra Khanong wet market) with Srinagarindra Rd. The trip takes about 30 minutes. However this route may become more popular as a near by road called Onnut road is becoming increasingly congested and is now taking over 40 minutes to travel the same distance. Even though no other mass transport options direct connect at Talat Phra Khanong without taking at least a 5 minute walk. This route may take on a greater fast mass transport role in the future.

1. This is a typical small mass transport klong boat used on Klong Prawet Buri Rom. Taken just before I boarded it at Srinagarindra Rd pier.

2. This is an image of the seating on a Klong Prawet Buri Rom boat at Srinagarindra road pier. The boats are about 1.2 meters wide and hold around 30 people.

3. This is another angle of a Klong Prawet Buri Rom boat taken at Srinagarinda road pier note the engine and prop is shown.

4. This is a shot of the boats stored at the holding area under Srinagarinda road.

5. This is a picture of the other pier on Srinagarinda road. This stop has and 2 piers inbound and outbound even though it’s the end of the line.

6. This is a side on shot of the klong boat at the outbound pier at Srinagarinda road. The boat will do a U turn under the bridge and pick up at the inbound pier.

7. This is a general view of Klong Prawet Buri Rom looking west towards Phra Khanong.

8. This is an image of the klong boat approaching the outbound pier at Srinagarinda road.

9. This is a shot of the boat driver just after departing Srinagarinda rd inbound pier. Note how he is smoking while driving the boat.

10. This is a short movie showing one of the many typical piers on Klong Prawet Buri Rom. The boats stop at any and only take a few seconds to make a stop.

11. This is another movie showing the pick up of a few passengers at a school on Klong Prawet Buri Rom. Note how close to the bridge the boat gets.

12. This is a shot of another typical pier on Klong Prawet Buri Rom.

13. This is an image showing the loading on the boat. There would have been about 20 people on the boat now. Not all passengers go the end of the route a lot use it just along part of the klong.

14. This is a shot of a private school boat loading school kids at the back of a local school.

15. This is a picture of showing how close to the side of the klong the boat gets when taking one of the many curves on the klong.

16. This is a movie showing the tight curves in the klong and the passing of 2 klong boats. A passenger transferred between these two boats. Note how much of a lean the boats get when turning and how close to the side of the klong they get.

17. This is an image of the high density apartments that back onto the klong in places. These apartments often have river and access to a main road via narrow soi.

18. This is another image of high density condos that back onto the klong. These were built by LPN group. Taken from the klong boat.

19. This is a junction in the klong not far from Talat Phra Khanong. If you take the other klong you will reach Klong Tan and Klong Saen Saep. Currently no mass transport boat service operates on that klong.

20. This is a picture showing the approach to Talat Phra Khanong. Note the BTS line in the background this pier is in the middle between 2 stations.

21. This is an image of the Klong boat pier at Talat Phra Khanong. This is the final stop.

22. This is a shot of the boat driver getting up a good lean to turn the boat around at Talat Phra Khanong.

23. This is a close up shot of the engine on the klong boat. It’s basically a truck engine mounted on a pivot with a propeller shaft attached to the gearbox. This is why they are called long tail boats.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

The Mass Transport Boats of Bangkok (Klong Saen Saep Boat service)

This is an isolated inner city to middle suburban klong boat service that is used to provide a very fast service from Bang Kapi to near Democracy Monument via Pratunam and Klong Tan. The klong that this mass transport boat service uses is Klong Saen Saep. This klong is rather dirty in parts and the water does splash you at times when using this boat service.

This is the second busiest mass transport boat service in Bangkok with around 90000 people a day using it. The boats operate from 5.30am to 8.30pm. The boat frequency is around every 3 to 6 minutes all day long. There are 30 stops along the route and the end-to-end time is around 30 minutes.

After 8.30pm and though the night there are on demand night boat services that ply the same route with small numbers of people per boat. These night boats are very dangerous as they race at breakneck speeds though the unlit klong that makes seeing structures in the water more difficult. This is the only klong in Bangkok to offer a 24-hour service.

The time savings by using this klong boat service are huge. For example if you travel from Bang Kapi to Petchaburi road near Pratunam by bus at peak times it will take you over 2 hours and at least 1 hour off peak. By the klong boat its only 25 minutes. Night boats do it in around 15 minutes. This klong offers the fastest and only traffic free way from Bang Kapi to the inner city.

1. This is an image of a typical boat pier on Klong Saen Saep. Taken at Saphan Hua Chang (Near Ratchathewi BTS station). Note the simple signage on the pier.

2. This is an image of a typical klong boat approaching Saphan Hua Chang pier.

3. This is an image of 2 klong boats passing near Saphan Hua Chang. Note the ticket collectors standing on the sides of the boat. The helmets are to protect them from overhead structures such as bridges.

4. This was the boat that I took to Pratunam and onwards to Bang Kapi. Taken as it approached the pier. Note how much the water is churned up by the boats.

5. This is a short movie showing what it is like to ride on the Klong Saen Saep Boat service. Note the curtains on the side this keeps the water splash to a minium as you can see from the film it gets quite a lot of water spray from the rather high speeds the boats travel at.

6. This is an image of a klong boat heading towards Bang Kapi. Taken from Pratunam pier.

7. This a shot of the timetable information at Pratunam pier. The information relates to 1^st and last boats from different locations depending on the day of the week. This timetable may not be correct.

8. This is an image showing the Pier at Pratunam. This pier is the busiest pier on this klong boat service.

9. This is a short movie showing how short a boat stop is and how people enter and leave the boats at a stop.

10. This is a movie of passing the flood control gates at Klong tan just before the junction of Klong Saen Saep and Klong Tan. Also shown is another short stop at one of the major stops of the boat service.

11. This is an image of some typical klong boats stored in the boat holding area at Wat Sriboonreung the end of the line in Bang Kapi.

12. This is a shot of the captain’s seat on a typical klong boat. The hydraulic ram next to the captain’s seat is used to lower the roof of the whole boat so the boat can pass under the bridges during high water periods. This occurs during the rainy season.

13. This is a side on shot of a klong boat turning around at Wat Sriboonreung pier.

14. This is a shot of a klong boat departing the pier at Wat Sriboonreung. Note how tight the turning area is for the boats.

15. This is an image of the above klong boat powering up after it departed Wat Sriboonreung pier. There are normally 2 ticket collectors per boat one on each side.

16. This is a general view of Wat Sriboonreung pier facing towards the west. Note how small the pier is.

17. This is the sign on the pier at Wat Sriboonreung.

18. This is a general view of the area around the boat holding area at Wat Sriboonreung. The large buildings are the NIDA (National Institute of Development Administration) complex.

19. This is a shot of the boat refuelling station at Wat Sriboonreung. The person is a staff member who records the amount of fuel given to each boat.

20. This is a shot of the seating area inside a typical Klong Saen Saep boat. Unlike on the Chao Phraya River it is not possible to walk though the inside of the boats. You have to walk along the outside of the boat.

21. This is a close up shot of a helmet used to protect the ticket staff from head injury from hitting the overhead bridges.

22. This is an image of a cross klong cable ferry. The small platform is pulled across the klong on an overhead cable. There are 3 of these cross klong ferries on Klong Saen Saep.

23. This is a shot showing how well used these klong boats are used. This was taken around lunchtime.

24. This is a picture of a klong boat waiting to depart from Wat Sriboonreung pier.

25. This is a movie showing the boat traffic at Wat Sriboonreung pier and the tight turning area. The boats get very close to each other when turning around.

26. This is an image of the tickets used on the Klong Saen Saep boat service. The large purple tickets are the Klong Saen Saep boat tickets and the yellow tickets are the Chao Phraya express boat tickets.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

The Mass Transport Boats of Bangkok (Dao Khanong Klong Boat)

The Dao Khanong Klong Boat service is one of 2 relatively new mass transport boat services in Bangkok. The other boat service operated by BMA (Bangkok city council) is Memorial Bridge to Phet Kasem 20. Both of the mass transit boat services link Bangkok with inner Thonburi areas. These services were setup by BMA as a way to help commuters beat the crawling traffic during peak periods.

The Dao Khanong Klong Boat service operates from 6.45am to 9am (inbound only) and 5pm to 7pm (outbound only). The route is only 4.5 km long and takes about 20 minutes there is only 1 stop on the route at Wat Dao Khanong. The boats operate every 15 to 20 minutes. The fares are 15 baht per trip payable at the piers. A large number of connecting buses are available at Dao Khanong Pier.

A peak hour trip from Dao Khanong to Sathorn by Bus route 76 takes around 60 minutes. But only 20 minutes by the klong boat service. BTS trains connect with the klong boats at Sathorn Pier.

1. This is an image of the Dao Khanong boat at Sathorn Pier. These boats are a different design to the Chao Phraya riverboats. Boat Number 20.

2. This is a picture of the BMA klong boat holding area on the Thonburi side of the Taksin Bridge. Taken from Sathorn side of the river.

3. This is an inside shot of the passenger area on the Dao Khanong boat. Taken facing towards the front of the boat.

4. This is another inside shot facing towards the back. Note the engine and the small wooden sign that states “Sathorn to Dao Khanong”. The entrance to these boats is quite different as its from the middle of the boat rather than the back.

5. This is a picture of the captain’s seat on the Dao Khanong boat. Note: the captain’s family seems to travel with him on every trip.

6. This is an image of the Rama 3 and Krung Thep Bridges. This is an unusual bridge in that 2 separate bridges were built to serve the same road. Thus increasing the road capacity.

7. This is a close up shot of the lift up section of the older Krung Thep Bridge. The lift up section appears not to be opened very often.

8. This a picture of the flood control barrier at the entrance to Klong Dao Khanong. Note: During the rainy season the large orange gates will be closed and boats have to pass though a lock to enter the klong. The picture was taken during the dry season.

9. This is a short movie of a ride on the Mass transport boat on klong Dao Khanong. Note the passing though the flood control barrier and the rather black bad smelling water.

10. This is a shot of another flood control gate just before the final stop at Dao Khanong. Note the black water. Taken from the boat.

11. This is an image of the final approach to Dao Khanong pier. The piers are of the same style as the piers on the Chao Phaya River.

12. Another angle on the Dao Khanong pier. Showing the signage on the pier.

13. This is a shot of the klong boat used on the Dao Khanong boat service seen at Dao Khanong Pier. The mid boat entrance can be clearly seen.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

The Mass Transport Boats of Bangkok (Chao Phraya Express)

This section covers the boats operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat Company. These boats only operate on the Chao Phraya River. This is the main river that runs though the middle of Bangkok. The river creates the divide between Bangkok and Thonburi which where once separate cities.

The River forms the backbone of all water-based transport in the Bangkok area. Passengers are not the only thing carried on the river and waterways (klongs) of Bangkok. All kinds of cargo are transported cheaply via the river. Some of this cargo includes rice, cement, crude oil, fuel oils, soft drinks and rocks. On the lower reaches of the river containerized cargo is carried to and from Klong Toei port.

Around 400 years ago a network of man made waterways known as klongs started to be built and this continued right up to the 1920s. Around 100 years ago Bangkok was known as the Venice of the east due to the thousands and thousands of miles of klongs around Bangkok. In fact most transport was by these waterways. However in the last 60 years a lot of these klongs have been filled in or covered over to make way for roads and buildings. It’s a surprise to many that Silom, Rama 4 and Sukhumvit roads had klongs running next to them.

In the past all most all passenger transport was by boat. Today it’s a very different story a lot of klongs a gone now. And where they do exist they are often very polluted with bad smelling black water. However these klongs along with the Chao Phraya River do still have regular mass transport boat services on a daily basis.

The Mass transport boat service on the Chao Phraya River operates from Ratburana (S4) to Pak Kret (N33) in the north via Sathorn (CEN) and Nonthaburi (N30). The boats operate every few minutes along the river between Sathorn and Nonthaburi lower frequency to Ratburana and Pak Kret.

There are a number of different classes of boat based on the number of stops it makes and the length of the route. Below is an outline of the different boat services on the Chao Phraya River.

Green and Yellow: Sathorn (CEN) to Pak Kret (N33). This service makes 11 stops. Operates only during peak hours on Monday to Friday.

Blue: Sathorn (CEN) to Nonthaburi (N30). This is the fastest boat service making only 3 stops. Operates only during peak hours on Monday to Friday.

Yellow: Ratburana (S4) to Nonthaburi (N30). This service makes 10 stops. Operates only during peak hours on Monday to Friday.

Orange: Wat Rajsingkorn (S3) to Nonthaburi (N30) This service makes 20 stops and operates 7 days aweek.

White (all stops): Wat Rajsingkorn (S3) to Nonthaburi (N30) This service makes 34 stops and operates Monday to Friday only.

Most of these Boat services start around 5.50am and run until 7.30pm every day. The Chao Phraya River has no night boat service due to a lack of lighting on the piers and boats. The fares range from 15 baht to 30 baht depending on distance and class of boat. And are normally paid to a ticket lady on board the boat. The exception is Sathorn peir where you must buy a ticket from a counter before boarding. This is due to the large numbers of transfer passengers from the BTS rail based mass transport system.

The main reason why the Chao Phraya River still operates an extensive mass transport system is due to the amount of traffic on the roads that often slows down road travel greatly. A trip from Nonthaburi to Sathorn by boat takes around 50 minutes. However by bus at peak time it would take around 2 hours.

Below are a number of pictures and movies taken from a trip that I did using the mass transport boats on the Chao Phraya River.

1. This is an image of a white all stations boat approaching Sathorn pier. Boat number 165.

2. This is boat number 165 waiting at Sathorn pier. Note this pier is located under the Taksin Bridge and is the only pier with direct access to the BTS system.

3. This is an image of an orange express boat approaching Sathorn pier. Boat Number 157.

4. This is an image of the Sathorn to Taksin cross-river ferry service. Taken from under the Taksin Bridge.

5. This is a short movie showing the departure of a yellow express boat from Sathorn pier. Note how quickly they take off from the pier.

6. This is a short movie showing the boarding of an orange express boat at Sathorn Pier and what its like to ride on the boat. Also shown is how short the stops at each pier are.

7. This is an image of the captain’s seat on a Chao Phraya express boat. Note how close the passengers can sit or stand to the boat captain.

8. This is another angle on a Captain’s seat.

9. This is the captain’s seat on another type of Chao Phraya express boat. These boats are much wider and more stable in the water. Note how the captain’s seat is elevated much higher up on this boat.

10. This is a shot of the inside of an orange express boat facing the rear of the boat showing how much loading these boats do get. This was taken around 3.30pm on a weekday.

11. This is a shot of two express boats passing in the choppy river water. Note the larger type of boat in the left. The choppy water is created by the constant boat traffic on the river.

12. This is a shot of the white all stops boat powering though the rough water. Boat number 156. Taken from another boat near Si Phraya pier.

13. This is a picture of a very full orange express boat heading toward Sathorn. Note how close the other riverboats get to the mass transport boats.

14. This is another angle on boat number 156 powering though the waves on the river.

15. This is an image of a boat tied up at pier. The boat will only stop for about 10 seconds or so at each stop.

16. This is a short movie showing a stop at pier from the perspective of being on the boat. Note how short the stop is and how long you get to board the boat.

17. This is a shot of a typical pier on the Chao Phraya River. In this case it is Harbour Department Pier (N4). Each pier has a number depending on if its north or south of Sathorn Pier (CEN)

18. This is another short movie showing the very short stops at each pier and how the boats hit the piers quite hard. Note how the rope man has to jump to get back on the boat.

19. This is a general view of the river showing the different kinds of traffic.

20. This is a shot of an orange express boat approaching Harbour Department Pier This boat was also very full these boats carry around 117 people per trip.

21. Another shot of a pier on the Chao Phraya River. They are all built in this way out of steel on a floating pontoon due large changes in the water levels in the river.

22. This is another angle on the Taksin cross-river ferry service. Waiting to depart Sathorn Pier.

23. This is a picture of the inboard engine typically installed on every express boat. These engines are quite loud when running and get quite hot. But as you can see are well kept.

24. This is a shot of passenger seating on a typical 3.5 metre wide express boat taken south of Sathorn Pier. Looking towards the front.

25. This is another shot of the passenger seating looking toward the back of the boat.

26. This is an image of the larger 5.8 metre wide express boats being held at one of many holding areas along the river.

28. This is an image of the normal 3.5 metre wide express boats at another holding area. Note the green and yellow flags on some boats these are for the Pak Kret service.

29. This is the boat holding area at Wat Rajsingkorn (S3). They tie all the boats to each other when not in use.

30. This is a movie showing the final approach of an orange express boat at Wat Rajsingkorn pier and holding area. Note how they tie the boats to each other and how you must exit via other boats.

31. This is a picture of boarding platforms of other boats at Wat Rajsingkorn. You have to walk along these boats to exit the pier.

32. This is a shot of the seating area of the 5.8 metre wide express boats. Taken from the rear boarding platform. Note how much more standing room there is on these boats.

33. Another shot of the seating area. Again note how much extra capacity these boats have. They can hold around 150 people per trip.

34. This is an image of the seating area facing towards the rear of the boat.

35. This is a shot of the rear of the standard express boats at Wat Rajsingkorn.

36. This is another shot of an orange express boat taken at Wat Rajsingkorn pier.

37. This is another image of the cross-river ferry at Sathorn pier. Note how close it gets to the bridge supports. This is due to traffic on the river forcing it this way.

38. This is a picture of a pair of older style long tail klong boats stored at Sathorn Pier. These are mostly used as water taxis and tour boats on the Chao Phraya River. However they are still used as mass transport boats on some klong services.

39. This is an image of the tickets used on the Chao Phraya express boats. On the left side of the image are the boat tickets and on the right side are similar style BMTA and private bus tickets.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.