The Eastern Bus Terminal.

Last weekend I also visited the Eastern Bus Terminal. This bus terminal is located on Sukhumvit road opposite Soi 63. It can be accessed via the BTS station at Ekkamai. Or by Bus Routes 511, 508, 40, 2, 23, 72, 48, 25, 38, 501. This bus terminal is sometimes called Ekkamai Bus Terminal.

A little background on the Eastern Bus Terminal.

This bus terminal is the smallest of Bangkok’s intercity bus terminals. It is also the only bus terminal in Bangkok with direct BTS access. It is located on prime development land in a very congested part of inner city Bangkok.

The layout of the eastern bus terminal is rather simple when compared to other Bangkok bus terminals. Basically it consists of a small ticketing hall at the front and a large island bus platform behind the ticket office with space for about 25 buses. The right hand side of the Island platform is for 1st class buses and the left hand side of the Island platform is for 2nd class buses.

Outside of the bus platform there is a bus refueling point provided by PTT and a bus wash and holding areas for the buses. But it is of limited capacity and many buses are stored off site. They are normally stored at Bangna where some commuter services to Chonburi/Pattaya depart in addition to the normal services from the Eastern bus terminal.

This lack of bus terminal holding space for buses does lead to delays on departing buses at peak times due to extremely heavy traffic on Sukhumvit road. During off peak times buses seem to be able to depart close to the correct time.

The Eastern Bus Terminal services the following intercity destinations:

Pattaya, Rayong, Sattahip, Sriracha, Chonburi, Bangkala, Chachoengsao, Trat, Chanthaburi, Banphe, Kleang and Sakaew. Plus a few other minor locations.

For Pattaya buses depart every 15 mins from 05.00 to 23.00. (3 hours)
For Sriracha buses depart every 25 mins from 05.30 to 21.00. (2 hours)
For Chachoengsao buses depart every 30 mins from 05.00 to 21.00. (1 hour)
For Chonburi bus depart every 20 mins from 05.00 to 21.30. (90 mins)

Other intercity destinations are once every 60 to 120mins.

If you are traveling to any of these listed destinations directly after arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Please travel to the main bus terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport and check if there is a bus travelling to these eastern seaboard destinations before traveling into Bangkok to use the eastern bus terminal. If there is a bus to Pattaya at a suitable time it will save you over 2 hours travelling by boarding the intercity bus at Suvarnabhumi Airport instead of Eastern bus terminal.

For the above destinations additional buses depart regularly from Mochit 2 and New Southern Bus terminal. So if you are traveling via these bus terminals check for a Pattaya service before travelling to Eastern bus terminal.

1. This is a general view of the building at the front of the Eastern bus terminal. The ticket offices are located on the ground floor of this building.



2. This is a shot of the “transport company’s” ticket counter at the front of the Eastern bus terminal. This is the largest and one of the best run bus companies at this terminal.



3. This is a general view of the ticketing hall at the front of the Eastern bus terminal. Each destination and class of service has its own ticket counter.




4. This is a shot of the timetable for the 2nd class bus services that depart from the Eastern bus terminal. It appears some routes now operate at a higher frequency than listed on this timetable board.



5. This is a shot of the timetable for the 1st class bus services that depart from the Eastern bus terminal. It appears some routes now operate at a higher frequency than listed on this timetable board.



6. This is a shot of the electronic bus timetable board inside the ticketing hall at Eastern bus terminal. This seems to list a higher frequency for some bus routes than the other timetables.



7. This is a shot of a large number of 2nd class intercity buses waiting to depart from the Bus platforms inside the Eastern bus terminal. This side of the bus island platform seems to handle second class buses.



8. This is a general view of the bus departure island platform inside the Eastern bus terminal. Like most Thai mass transport terminals food and drinks are sold on the platforms.



9. This is a shot of a number of 1st class intercity buses waiting to depart from the bus platforms inside the eastern bus terminal. This side of the bus island platform seems to handle first class buses.



10. This is a short movie of a walk though the Eastern bus terminal. Note the different kinds of intercity buses and the layout of the ticketing hall. This was filmed as a walk from the bus platforms into the ticketing hall to give people an idea of the layout of the Eastern bus terminal.



Now its time for some shots of the buses that operate from the eastern bus terminal.

11. This is an image of a 2nd class intercity bus waiting to depart from eastern bus terminal on its trip to Chachoengsao. Bus type Golden Dragon (intercity). Bus number 2nd class intercity 53 – 1.



12. This is a shot of a 1st class intercity bus loading passenger luggage as it waits to depart on its trip to Chanthaburi. Bus type unknown. Bus number unknown.



13. This is a shot of a 2nd class intercity bus being repaired in the bus departure platform. This bus runs on CNG which has been retrofitted into the luggage area. Bus type Merc intercity.



14. This is a general view of a number of 1st class intercity buses waiting in the bus holding area at the back of the Eastern bus terminal.



15. This is a shot of two fairly new 1st class intercity buses waiting in the bus holding area. Both buses are used on the Bangkok – Pattaya bus services. Bus numbers 155 and 156. Bus type Scania (intercity).



16. This is another angle on the bus holding area looking to the north. This time a mixture of 1st and 2nd class intercity buses can be seen.



17. This is a shot of a large number of 2nd class intercity buses waiting to depart from Eastern bus terminal. Bus number 35 – 2 is operated by NCA Thailand’s best bus company.



18. This is a shot of the bus refueling point located at the end of the passenger platforms. The fuel service is provided by PTT a major semi govt oil company. There is no NGV fuel service at this terminal.



19. This is an image of a great line up of mostly 1st class intercity buses waiting to depart from Eastern bus terminal. A Pattaya bus can be seen arriving.



20. This is a shot of a 2nd class Route 916: Bangkok – Laem Mae Phim bus. Bus number 2nd class 916 – 5. Bus type unknown. Taken as it was waiting to depart from the terminal.



21. This is a close up shot of a Bangkok – Pattaya bus as it had just arrived at Eastern bus terminal. Bus number unknown. Bus type Merc intercity.



22. This is a shot of a Bangkok – Sriracha Bus as it was arriving at Eastern bus terminal. Bus type unknown. Bus number unknown.



23. This is an image of a Bangkok – Pattaya bus as it was unloading passengers off an inbound trip at Eastern bus terminal. Bus number 151. Bus type Scania (Intercity).



24. This is another angle on the Pattaya bus. Taken as it was pulling into the departure platforms at Eastern bus terminal. This bus route seems to have 2 separate numbers for its buses 151 and 1st class 48 – 8. The reason for this is not known.



25. This is a general view of a number of 1st class intercity buses waiting at Eastern bus terminal. Taken looking toward the back of the terminal.



26. This is a shot of a 1st class Route 915: Bangkok – Banphe bus. Bus number 915 – 13. Bus type Unknown. Taken as it was powering out of the Eastern bus terminal.



27. This is a shot of a 2nd class Route 53: Bangkok - Chachoengsao bus. Bus number 53 – 1. Bus type Golden Dragon (intercity). Taken as it was leaving Eastern bus terminal.



28. This is an image of a 2nd class Route 48: Bangkok – Laemchabang - Pattaya bus. Bus number 2nd class 48 – 18. Taken as it was arriving at Eastern bus terminal. Bus type Merc intercity.



29. This is an image of a 2nd class Route 46: Bangkok – Rayong bus. Bus number 2nd class 46 – 27. Taken as it was arriving at Eastern bus terminal. Bus type Merc intercity.



30. This is an image of a 1st class Route 48: Bangkok – Pattaya bus. Bus number 1st class 48 – 33. Taken on approach to Eastern bus terminal. Bus type Merc intercity.



31. This is a shot of a 2nd class Route 35: Bangkok – Rayong bus. Bus number 2nd class 35 – 4. Bus type Merc semi double deck intercity. Taken as it was departing Eastern bus terminal. As normal the bus door is still open well after departure.



32. This is a shot of a 1st class Route 37: Bangkok – Sriracha bus. Bus number 1st class 37 – 5. Taken as it was departing Eastern bus terminal. Bus type unknown.



Now for something extra.

33. This is an image of a Route 40: Rama 9 – Southern Bus Terminal bus. Bus number 40 – 6. Bus type unknown. Taken as it was passing Eastern bus terminal.



34. This is an action shot of a Route 72: Thewet – Khlong Toei Port bus. Bus number BMTA 4 – 40529. Taken as it was turning on to Sukhumvit road from Soi 63.



35. This is a shot of a Route 508: Paknam – Ratchaworadit Pier bus. Bus number BMTA 3 – 66355. Bus type Merc O405. Taken as it was passing Eastern bus terminal. In the foreground a motorbike with a dog on it was overtaking the bus.



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 Mega Victory Monument Metro Bus Terminal.

Last weekend I was passing though Victory Monument as I often do for various reasons and I realized that I had never really taken a proper set of bus transport images at this terminal before. So I decided to spend a couple of hours taking bus photos at Victory Monument and give it a much deserved place on my website.

A Little Background on the Victory Monument bus terminal.

Victory Monument was never designed as a bus terminal when first built but was actually a large traffic circle with a major war memorial in the centre. Today it is only one of a handful of remaining traffic circles in Bangkok. Most of them are traffic light controlled and do not operate like a western style roundabout.

Due to its large open area and close proximity to the inner city it was the perfect place for large numbers of urban bus routes to start at or pass though. Since WW2 Victory Monument has been at the heart of the Bangkok mass transport bus system. There are over 100 different bus routes operating though Victory monument, most on a high frequency basis. In more recent times the BTS provides a north south link though the Victory monument bus terminal making it even more important. At times around 40 – 50 buses a minute pass though this bus terminal.

However it is a rather poorly laid out bus terminal with very little information for passengers as to where the buses depart from within the terminal. Also the buses tend to stop in random locations resulting in traffic delays and making it harder to know where to wait for the bus. There can be rows of buses 4 deep in parts of the terminal forcing passengers to walk around the other buses to find their bus.

Another big problem with Victory Monument bus terminal is that it’s not a bus only area. This means that the terminal also has to deal with large volumes of through mixed traffic on 2 major roads. This often results in long delays entering and exiting the terminals and at peak times total gridlock within the terminal. This is something that will have to be fixed up in future years if the terminal is to cope with ever increasing numbers of passengers. The vast majority of bus passengers transfer to other buses at Victory Monument.

The bus terminal at Victory Monument it broken up into 4 sections these sections are based on the general direction of travel upon leaving the terminal and not the final destination of the buses.

Buses that head north along Phahon Yothin Road depart from the North – West side of the terminal.

Buses that head south along Phaya Thai Road depart from the South – East side of the terminal.

Buses that head west along Ratchawithi Road depart from the South – West side of the terminal.
Buses that head east along Ratchawithi Road depart from the North – East side of the terminal.
Also bus Route 551 to Suvarnabhumi Airport departs from this section of the terminal.

Located under the expressway to the north of Victory Monument is a very small but crowded expressway van terminal with high frequency van services to a wide range of outer suburban locations such as Pak Kret, Rama 2, Rangsit. Unlike the much larger bus terminal the services are well marked albeit in Thai language and each route has a queuing area. Most of these privately operated van service operate on a continuous shuttle basis from around 6am to 11pm 7 days a week. Also lower frequency intercity Van services depart from this terminal but the passengers wait inside the Van instead of queuing up outside.

1. This is an image of the expressway van from Rama 2 just after it had arrived at Victory monument. BMTA Van number 71/1 - 21. These vans hold 15 passengers maximum.

2. This is a general view of the Van terminal looking east towards the passenger waiting area. The empty space on the right is the stop for the Rama 2 expressway Van service.

3. This is another general view of the Van terminal looking south to the left is the loading area for the outer suburban Expressway Van services. In the middle of the image is a newer 15 seat Toyota expressway Van.

4. This is a shot of the signs indicting the various intercity locations that are available from this terminal. The vans for intercity locations normally depart from next to this expressway support.

5. This is a general view of the passenger waiting are looking north. Like most thai mass transport terminals there are endless street food stalls and drinks stands. The white boards are used to control which van will run what trip.

6. This is a shot of the Rama 2 van stop at Victory monument. This service costs 30 baht per trip and takes about 45 mins to complete the route. This service is about 30 mins faster than the expressway bus service operated by BMTA.

Victory Monument Bus Terminal North West Section.

The buses that depart from this section are the following:

8, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 54, 59, 63, 74, 77, 97, 108, 159, 204, 157, 177, 502, 503, 509, 510, 522, 166.

All of these routes exit the bus terminal to the north either via expressway or Phahon Yothin Road.

7. This is a general view of the North Western section of Victory Monument looking to the south west. This section is the best laid out of all the terminal sections with 3 separate roads for buses.

8. This is a shot of a Route 8: Happy Land Market – Memorial Bridge bus. Bus number 35 – 102. Bus type unknown.

9. This is a shot of a Route 97: Victory Monument – Nonthaburi bus. Bus number BMTA 7 – 55086. Bus type Isuzu. Note: the door was closing at the time I took the shot. This service is a 24 hour route.

10. This is a shot of a Route 69: Tha It – Victory Monument bus. Taken as it approached the North East section of the terminal. Bus number 69 – 3. Bus type unknown.

11. This is a general view of the North West section taken from the footbridge at Victory monument.

12. This is a shot of a Route 8 bus as it was departing the bus terminal with a new Chinese made Route 29 bus following. Bus number 39 – 121. Bus type old merc. This route seems to have borrowed buses from other routes hence the non matching bus numbers.

13. This is a shot of a Route 29: Hualamphong – Thammasat Rangsit bus. Bus number 29 – 22. Bus type Golden Dragon. Taken from footbridge at Victory monument. Note: this bus is very new as its still on red temporary number plates.

14. This is an image of a Route 26: Victory Monument – Minburi bus. Bus number BMTA 2 – 4073. Bus type Hino. This service is a 24 hour service. An expressway version of this route operates between 4pm and 6pm weekdays.

15. This is a general view of the North West section of the Victory Monument bus terminal. This time with a typical line up of buses waiting to unload and load passengers. Also in this image there are two route 26 buses.

16. This is a general view of Phahon Yothin road. This is main northern approach road to Victory Monument. It is common to see jams of traffic here mostly made up of hundreds of buses. This also shows the problem of Mixed traffic at this bus terminal. At peak there can be traffic jams stretching back for over 10 km just to enter the Victory Monument area.

17. This is another general view of the North West section of Victory Monument. Taken from the footbridge looking west. This again shows a great line up of buses waiting in the terminal. Note this image was taken only a few minutes after the earlier line up of buses.

18. This is a shot of a Route 515: Victory Monument – Ban Aue Arthon (Salaya) bus. Taken from the footbridge looking south. Bus number BMTA 6 – 56121. Bus type Isuzu.

19. This is an image of a Route 18: Victory Monument – Tha It Bus. Taken as it passed though Victory Monument. Bus number BMTA 7 – 50534. Bus type Hino.

20. This is a shot of a Route 12: Huai Khwang – Setthakan bus. Taken as it was entering the north east section of the terminal. Bus number unknown. Bus type old Merc mini bus.

21. This is a shot of a Route 539: Victory Monument – Om Yai bus. Taken on its final approached into Victory Monument. Bus number 539 – 19. Bus type Golden Dragon.

22. This is a picture of a Route 536: Mochit 2 – Paknam expressway bus. Taken as it approached the south east section of Victory Monument. Bus number BMTA 3 – 6717. Bus type Merc O305.

23. This is a shot of a Route 14: Sri Yan – Chong Nonsi bus. Taken as it approached the south east section of Victory Monument. Bus number unknown. Bus type unknown.

24. This is a short movie of various buses arriving at Victory Monument. Note how a Route 92 bus is blocking off access to the terminal forcing the other buses to push past. Also some of the buses operate with there doors wide open with passengers onboard. Also count how many buses went past in under 2 mins on a Saturday afternoon.

Alternative Travel arrangements for Bangkok Airport Passengers.

Due to the total shut down of all airports in Bangkok by the PAD group. No flights to and from Bangkok are operating until further notice.

Airline Passengers are advised to seek alternative transport out of Thailand and make onward flights from Singapore or Penang or KL airports.

SRT: Alternative rail services to and from Malaysia Via Hat Yai Junction.

All SRT trains start from Hualamphong station Rama 4 Road near chinatown. These listed trains from Bangkok will make stops at Bang Sue Junction and Salaya.

SRT train tickets can be booked at Bang Sue and Hualamphong upto 60 days in advance.

Rapid 171: Bangkok (Hualamphong) - Sungai Golok (Malaysian Border East Coast)
Depart Bangkok 13:00 Arrive Sungai Golok 10:45

Special Express 35: Bangkok (Hualamphong) - Butterworth (Mainland Penang)
Depart Bangkok 14.45 Arrive Butterworth 11:55

Special Express 37: Bangkok (Hualamphong) - Sungai Golok (Malaysian Border East Coast)
Depart Bangkok 15:10 Arrive Sungai Golok 11:25

Special Express 41 DMU: Bangkok (Hualamphong) - Hat Yai Junction (Transfer for Malaysia)
Depart Bangkok 22:50 Arrive Hat Yai 12:27

KTMB 953: Hat Yai Junction - KL Malaysia (KLIA airport)
Depart Hat Yai 14:50 - Arrive KL 06:10

Transport Company: Alternative Bus services To Malaysia/Southern Thailand.

Buses Depart form the New Southern Bus terminal on the western (Thonburi side) of Bangkok

Access to this terminal is via Bus routes 511, 40, 507, 515, 539. Or take a taxi for a couple of hundred Baht.

Bus services to Hat Yai. Ticket Prices: VIP 24 = 1151 VIP 32 = 863 2nd class 610 baht.

Bus departure times to Hat Yai (Transport Company buses)
VIP 24 seats depart Bangkok at 17.00 18.00 19.00 20.00.
VIP 32 seats depart Bangkok at 17.30.
2nd class 47 seats depart Bangkok at 05:30, 07:00 17.00 21.45.

Bus services to Sungai Kolok. Ticket Prices: VIP 24 = 1473 1st class = 947 2nd class 759 baht.

Bus departure times to Sungai Kolok (Transport Company buses)
VIP 24 seats depart Bangkok at 17.15.
1st class 40 seats depart Bangkok at 18.00.
2nd class 47 seats depart Bangkok at 21.00.

Bus departure times to Krabi. Prices start from 494 Baht.
VIP 24 seats depart Bangkok at 19:30, 19:00.
1st class 40 seats depart Bangkok at 18:30.
2nd class 47 seats depart Bangkok at 17.00, 20.00.

Bus departure times to Phuket. Prices start from 539 Baht.
VIP 24 seats depart Bangkok at 07:30, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00.
VIP 32 seats depart Bangkok at 19:45.
1st class 40 seats depart Bangkok at 18:30.
2nd class 47 seats depart Bangkok at 06.00,15.00, 18.00, 05.00, 07.00, 09.30, 14.00,16.00,17.00, 20.00,21.30.

Please note all of these listed buses depart from New Southern Bus terminal in Thonburi.

Additional non “Transport Company” buses also service these routes at similar of higher frequency.

VIP buses (most comfortable) 1st class Buses (Ok comfort) 2nd class (not so good) are available to Hat Yai from Bangkok.

Bus Tickets are purchases from the main ticketing hall at SAI TAI MAI (southern bus terminal). The ticketing hall is located on the 2nd floor inside the main terminal building.

Onward connections at Sungai Kolok.

Passengers are advised to take a truck - bus to the immigration checkpoint 2 km south of the station and cross into Malaysia and take a local Bus or Share Taxi to Wakaf Bharu Station where a train to Singapore Departs at 20:28 arriving next day at 10:55 in Singapore's KMTB station.

Also departing from Wakaf Bharu Station is a train to KL leaves at 18:45 and Arrives in KL at 07:10.

Onward connections at Butterworth Station.

Passenegers have the option of taking an expressway Bus to KL from the bus terminal outside the station at Butterworth. Buses depart every 30 to 60 mins all day. Taking around 5 hours to reach KL.

OR

Passengers can wait for a KTMB train to depart from Butterworth station at 21:13 and arriving in KL at 06:10. Note the Bangkok train arrives at Butterworth at about 12:55 Malaysian time.

Onward Connections at Hat Yai Junction.

Passengers may take the KTMB train departing Hat yai at 14:50 thai time and arriving in KL at 06:10 Malaysian time.

OR

Take a bus to Malaysia from near the shopping centre within Hat Yai city about 500 meters walk from the SRT station. Travelling time is about 10 hours all up to KL bus departures subject to Passenger demand.

I hope this should take out some of the worry about travelling from Bangkok to Malaysia or Singapore to take flights.

For the duration of the airport closure I will be posting seat availability updates as regularly as possible to help with bookings for passengers.

SRT: Hin Lap Station and Curve + Dong Phraya Yen Pass.

After spending 3 hours at Kaeng Khoi Junction and a 30 minute ride on the 05:00 DMU service to Khon Kaen I arrived at Hin Lap station. When I arrived at Hin Lap it was still quite dark with only dull pre dawn light beginning to show to the east of the station. Photography conditions greatly improved over the next 60 minutes as the sun rose.

A little background on Hin Lap Station and curve.

Hin Lap station is located about half way up the Dong Phraya Yen Pass. On the busy Ubon Ratchathani Main line that links up some of the most densely populated parts of the Issan region home to close to 30 million people.

Hin Lap station doesn’t have any connecting transport services, the road outside the station is just made of dirt and mud. Hin Lap has no shops or food, there is no town water the people at Hin Lap rely on rainwater stored in large drums and ceramic jars for their water supply. This is a location that you must bring everything you need with you from food and water to soap. There is a very small and sparsely populated village close to the station. In the mountains north of the station is a temple with almost inaccessible caves where some monks stay.

The stopping train frequency at Hin Lap station is very low. The train is the only way in and out by mass transport no alternative bus or truck services exist.

From Bangkok departs at: 05:28 (ex Kaeng Khoi), 14.33, 18.51

To Bangkok departs at: 11:08, 17:23, 19:48 (terminates at Kaeng Khoi)

The 1st half of the Dong Phraya Yen Pass is more spectacular and mountainous than the second half due in part to retaining most of its thick forest cover. However it is not a pristine clean environment due to the massive TPI cement mine and cement products factory located just 3km down the line from Hin Lap station. This cement factory often sends thick clouds of orange dust billowing across the Hin Lap area. At times during the day blasts from mining operations can be heard.

Hin Lap station is located on a double curve which was cut into the side of the mountains back in 1898 when this section of the Ubon line was built. In 1965 the TPI cement company opened its mine and factory which also included a 3 km long system of private rail sidings that start right in front of Hin Lap station. The rail access to the TPI sidings is via the loop at Hin Lap station.

TPI cement have their own Chinese built locos which regularly run up and down the 3km long line preparing cement wagons to be shipped out by SRT rail at a later time.

The view from the sidings and kaeng Khoi end of Hin Lap station offers some spectacular views of the mountains and the double curve of the main line. This is where I spent the next 8 and half hours photographing SRT and TPI trains.

Hin Lap Station (144.29 km) at 5.30 am.

1. This is a shot looking east along the platform at Hin Lap. Taken about 5.30am in the pre dawn light.



2. This is a shot of the signal control board inside the station building at Hin Lap station. Note the black lines at the top these represent the TPI private sidings. The red phones are to contact the next signal control box either up or down the line.



3. This is an image of the basic office space inside the Hin Lap Station building. There is no air conditioning in any part of Hin Lap station or village. The staff here are very helpful with letting you know the next train movements.



4. This is a picture of TPI Loco CK5505 shunting some cement wagons up to the top of the TPI sidings opposite Hin Lap station. Taken in the pre dawn light from the platform at Hin Lap.



5. This is a general view looking towards Kaeng Khoi Junction. Note the mountains and the curves of the main line and sidings. Taken just on dawn.



6. This is a dawn shot of a TPI loco shunting up some more cement wagons to the top of the TPI sidings at Hin Lap. Taken from the platform at Hin Lap.



7. This is a shot of the platform timetable at Hin Lap station. There are only 3 return trips a day, of which only 2 return trips operate to Bangkok.



8. This is a general view of the station building at Hin Lap. This building would be over 100 years old and appears to be original from when the railway was built.



9. This is an image of SRT loco 4527 Taken as it has just rounded the Hin Lap curve at the Kaeng Khoi end of the station. SRT loco type newer GE.



10. This is another angle of SRT loco 4527 taken as it enters the back loop on its way to collect cement wagons.



11. This is another angle on SRT loco 4527 taken as it passes Hin Lap station and is about to entre the TPI rail sidings. Note the main line speed here goes up from 20 kph to 45 kph at Hin Lap Station.



12. This is a shot of TPI loco CK5004 shunting in some cement wagons. Taken from the back of the TPI sidings. This loco appears to be a Chinese import like most of the TPI cement wagons.



13. This is a shot of SRT loco 4527 with the TPI yard staff member hanging out the door ready to jump down to couple the cement wagons.



14. This is a short movie showing the SRT loco 4527 on its way to collect the cement wagons. Also can be seen is TPI loco CK5004. Note how the TPI staff member is hanging out the door.



15. This is a picture of TPI loco CK 5004 on its way back down to the main cement plant 3 km away. Taken looking towards the Hin Lap curve.



16. This is an image of SRT loco 4527 on its way out of the TPI yard with a Bangkok bound cement train.



17. This is a shot of the same cement train as it prepares to shunt on to the main line to re enter the SRT system. Note the TPI staff member hanging off the back of the train.



18. This is a shot of the cement train now ready for its trip down to pass to Bangkok. Taken as it was waiting in the back loop at Hin Lap.



19. This is a short movie of SRT 4527 as it hauls the cement train down the steep grades of the pass and as it passes though the Hin Lap curve.



20. This is a shot of a Bang Sue bound cargo train. Taken as it rounds the Muak Lek end curve at Hin Lap station.



21. This is another angle on the Bang Sue bound cargo train. Taken as it runs though the platform road at Hin Lap. SRT loco number 4023. Loco type older GE.



22. This is an image of the Bang Sue bound cargo train taken as it enters the Hin Lap curve.



23. This is a shot of the Bang Sue bound cargo train taken as it rounds the Hin Lap curve on its way down the pass.



24. This is a shot of the Daewoo DMU as it powers though the Hin Lap curve on a Special Express train to Ubon Ratchathani. This service uses a 3 car DMU.



25. This is close up shot of the Daewoo DMU as it rounds the second curve at Hin Lap station.



26. This is an image of the Daewoo DMU as it rounds the Muak Lek end curve to power up the ever steeping grades.



27. This is a shot of the working timetable board inside the station building at Hin Lap. This board lists every possible train that will pass though Hin Lap each day. However most of the trains were late and a lot of cargo trains did not run.



28. This is a shot of the rapid train to Ubon Ratchathani as it rounds the Hin Lap curve. This train is all non aircon seating.



29. This is another angle on the Rapid train to Ubon Ratchathani. Hauled by SRT loco number 4518 another GE loco. Note the length of this train it was at least 12 carriages long.



30. This is another shot of loco number 4518 as it powers though the platform road on its way to Ubon Ratchathani. Note the cement sidings to the right.



31. The largest crowd that Hin Lap station gets, waiting for the 11.08 Bangkok train. The platform waiting area really comes to life for this train as the people waiting turn the platform into a small vegetable market.



32. This is a shot of the 11.08 Bangkok intercity commuter train as it loads passengers at Hin Lap station. SRT loco number 4153. Loco type Alstrom. Note this train service is free and very busy i.e. crammed to bursting.



33. This is an image of SRT loco number 4153 imitating a steam engine as pulls away from Hin Lap station belching out a massive cloud of black smoke.



34. This is another angle on SRT loco number 4153 and the 11.08am Bangkok train as it rounds the Hin Lap curve still belching out a massive cloud of black smoke.



35. This is a shot of an SRT track workers rail trolley the workers where having a rest at Hin Lap station with lunch they had brought with them from down the line. I suspect they are kept very busy all day long repairing the poor condition main line. The rail trolley is powered by a small petrol engine.



36. This is a picture of TPI loco number CK5005 as it was running around some cement wagons in the TPI sidings. Taken from the TPI sidings looking east.



37. This is a close up shot of the TPI loco number CK 5005 as it rounds a curve in the rail yard on its way back down the mountain. Note the TPI staff member hanging off the front of the loco.



38. This is a shot of the Express Rail Car service to Bangkok as it ripped though the platform road at Hin Lap station on its way down the pass. SRT DMU number 2104. DMU type Hitachi from early 1980s.



39. This is another shot of DMU number 2104 as it rounds the Hin Lap curve on its way down the mountain pass. As it was close to midday the sun is very strong now.



40. This is an image of the Express Rail Car service to Si Sa Ket taken as it rounded the Hin Lap curve on approach to Hin Lap station. Taken from the Kaeng Khoi end of the platform.



41. This is another angle on the Express rail car to Si Sa Ket as it passes though the Hin Lap curve. SRT DMU type Hitachi.



42. This is an image of the Si Sa Ket DMU as it rips though the platform road at Hin Lap station. The temp by this time was around 36 C and very hot in the sun.



43. This is an image of the ordinary intercity train to Lam Chi taken as it rounds the Hin Lap curve. Note the massive clouds of orange cement dust following it up the pass from the TPI cement factory.



44. This is a shot of the Lam Chi ordinary intercity train as it just passed though Hin Lap curves on its approach to Hin Lap station. Note the orange clouds of dust can still be seen. This train is very full and has been traveling for close to 4 hours with a large standing load.



45. This is a shot of the Lam Chi ordinary intercity train as its approaches Hin Lap station being hauled by SRT loco 4147. Loco type Alstrom. This loco was seen at Kaeng Khoi on the 5.05am commuter train to Bangkok. This train is a free service and it’s the next train that I took to the last part of my journey.



46. This is an image of the “free tickets” for the overcrowded Lam Chi train that I took to Muak Lek. Note the zero for the price.



47. This is a short movie taken from the rear of the Lam Chi intercity train as it made its way up the Dong Phraya Yen Pass to Muak Lek. Note the tight curves and steep grades and mountain views. Also note the short rail lengths and crappy wooden sleepers at every track joint.



48. This is a shot inside the overcrowded intercity train to Lam Chi. Most of these people will have to stand for at least another 3 or 4 hours as more people get on than off before Korat. The overcrowding is made even worse by the free tickets.



Muak Lek Station (152.30 km) at 3.15 pm.

49. This is a general view shot of Muak Lek station looking east. Note the train to Lam Chi pulling away in the distance. This station has only one small platform that can only hold 4 carriages but trains up to 14 carriages long stop at this station.



50. This is a shot of the signal control board inside the station building at Muak Lek. This style control system is very common on main line routes in Thailand.



51. This is a general view image of the eastern end of Muak Lek station. Note the small siding next to the loop track this appears to be out of use.



52. This is a shot of the rather crappy Issan food market next to Muak Lek station. This area appears to be a support town for the surrounding mountainous region. Not far from the station are some nice water falls and national parks.



53. This is a shot of the Bangkok bound rapid train running about 80 mins late as it passes though a tunnel of trees on approach to Muak Lek station. Sometimes SRTs delays can work in your favor I was not meant to catch this train but another one 70 mins later however it was late enough that I could change my ticket and get home 2 hours earlier.



54. This is another angle of the Bangkok bound rapid train hauled by SRT loco 4555. Loco type newer GE. This train has 14 carriages but the platform can hold only 4. I was booked in carriage 10 so had to walk down most of the over crowded train to get to my seat.



55. This is an image of the original ticket for the later train to Bangkok. This trip costs 122 baht for 2nd class non aircon seat. This 14 carriage train only has 20 of these 2nd class seats the rest are 3rd class non aircon seats and very full.



So comes to an end 22 hours of rail fan action at the gateway to Issan and the Dong Phraya Yen Pass. I slept for 14 hours straight after I got home from this trip.

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: Kaeng Khoi Junction night shots and movies.

Recently I went on my longest ever rail photographing trip. This trip lasted 22 hours straight and it all started with taking the last train at 23.40 from Hualamphong station in Bangkok. The first stop on the trip was at 02.10 at a major railway junction named Kaeng Khoi. This stop is where I spent 3 hours taking various night shots and movies. Unfortunately the weather was damp and misty making for very difficult night photography conditions.

A little background on Kaeng Khoi Junction.

This junction is located just before the end of the double track line from Bangkok. The junction is the gateway to the Issan region of Thailand. All trains regardless if passenger or cargo must pass though this junction on their way to or from the Issan region.

Next to the passenger station at Kaeng Khoi Junction is a large cargo shunting yard where cargo trains are broken down to reduce weight for the climb to Thanon Chira or to reverse cargo trains to head down to Chachoengsao. This means that there is a lot of light engine movements around the yard and cargo trains arrive and depart at all hours of the day and night.

The main double track line from Bangkok splits into 3 smaller main lines at Kaeng Khoi Junction. These three lines are:

Kaeng Khoi Junction to Bua Yai Junction. (Branch Line to Nong Khai)
Kaeng Khoi Junction to Thanon Chira Junction (Main line to Ubon Ratchathani)
Kaeng Khoi Junction to Klong 19 Junction. (Cargo only line to Chachoengsao)

The line from Bangkok to Kaeng Khoi Junction opened in 1897. The very steeply graded main line to Ubon Ratchathani opened in various short stages from 1898 until fully completed in 1930. This line along with the Bangkok route was built as a 1435mm gauge line which was re gauged to 1000mm in 1922.

The branch line from Kaeng Khoi Junction to Bua Yai was built in stages from 1956 until finally completed in 1967. This line was built as a lighter graded line to bypass the steep 1 in 30 grades and tight curves of the Kaeng Khoi to Thanon Chira line. This route has the only tunnel in the north east region of Thailand.

The cargo only line from Kaeng Khoi Junction to Klong 19 Junction opened in 1995 this line was built as a cargo bypass route for cargo travelling from Issan and the eastern seaboard area of Chonburi. The cargo trains must reverse if coming from the Bangkok direction to access this line.

The Bangkok line and a short section of the Ubon Ratchathani main line to Map Ka Bao was double tracked in 2002 to ease chronic line congestion on the Bangkok side of Kaeng Khoi Junction. However passenger train delays still occur regularly even on the double track section.

1. This is a shot of SRT loco 4307 on the 23.40 train to Ubon Ratchathani. This train is the last outbound train for the day. Taken looking toward platform 9 at Hualamphong Station. Loco type Alstrom.



2. This is another angle on SRT loco 4307. Taken looking south between platforms 9 and 10 and Hualamphong Station.



3. This is a shot of SRT DMU unit number 2515 waiting to depart on the 22:55 Special Express train to Yala in the Deep South. In Typical SRT style this train was 20 mins late leaving Hualamphong Station. DMU type Daewoo. This shot was taken while waiting for the 23:40 train to depart.



4. This is an inside image of the 2nd class non aircon seats on the 23:40 Ubon Ratchathani train. There are only 20 of these seats on this train the other 11 and half carriages are 3rd class non aircon seats. No sleepers are available on this train.



5. This is a shot of the tickets used on the 23:40 train to Ubon Ratchathani. This trip cost 89 baht for 2nd class non aircon seats. The train left on the second and arrived only 6 minutes late at Kaeng Khoi Junction.



Kaeng Khoi Junction (125.10 km) at 2.16 am.

6. This is a shot of the computer controlled signal system at Kaeng Khoi Junction. This junction is one of the busiest in all of Thailand.



7. This is a close up shot of the computer control screen at Kaeng Khoi Junction. The red marks indicate occupied tracks and the green marks are reserved for soon to arrive trains and thin white marks are track that are free for use. Sorry for the poor image quality.



8. This is an image of a newer GE loco running light engine through the cargo sidings at Kaeng Khoi Junction. Taken from Platform 5.



9. This is a picture of a stabled Bangkok commuter train set and loco in the platform road at Kaeng Khoi Junction. This train will form an early morning commuter service to Bangkok at 5.05am.



10. This is a general view of Kaeng Khoi Station. Taken looking towards the ticketing hall from the foot bridge over the cargo sidings. The slight blur to one side of the image is caused by small vibrations in the foot bridge. The columns of steam are from a power station close to the station.



11. This is a shot looking across the crude oil tank cars towards platforms 2 and 3. Taken from the same foot bridge this time without any vibrations.



12. This is a picture of the inbound timetable at Kaeng Khoi Junction. Taken in the ticketing hall of the station.



13. This is a shot looking east along platform 3. Note the foot bridge and oil tank cars in the sidings.



14. This is an image of the stored commuter train set on platform 1 at Kaeng Khoi Junction. Looking east toward the ticketing hall.



15. This is an image of SRT loco 4147 while stabled in platform 1 at Kaeng Khoi. Taken from track level directly in front of the loco. Loco type Alstrom.



16. This is a shot of the platform sign at Kaeng Khoi Junction. Note the 3 different routes and the next stations.



17. This is an inside shot of the 3rd class non aircon commuter carriage stabled in platform one. Note the hard wooden seats this is one of the oldest wooden bodied carriages still in service on commuter trains.



18. This is a picture of the brake van of a NGV gas train that had just arrived in platform road 4 at Kaeng Khoi. Taken from platform level looking west.



19. This is a shot of the SRT office staff hard at work in the control office at Kaeng Khoi Station.



Night Train action movies at Kaeng Khoi Junction.

Due to low light and damp misty conditions most train shots have been taken as short movies instead. The intention was to show more train movement details in trying light and weather conditions.

20. This is a short movie of an Alstrom loco running light engine via the loco inspection shed on the far side of the cargo yard at Kaeng Khoi Junction.



21. This is a short movie of a newer GE loco arriving at Kaeng Khoi Junction hauling a TPI cement train. Note the sound of the loco. Filmed from platform 5.



22. This is a short movie of a newer GE loco arriving at Kaeng Khoi junction with a NGV gas train. Note the sounds of the loco as it passes.



23. This is a short movie of an Alstrom loco arriving at Kaeng Khoi Junction with a night express passenger train on its way to Bangkok. This train will arrive in Bangkok in 3 hours time around 6 am.



24. This is a short movie of an Alstrom loco arriving at Kaeng Khoi with a Bulk Cement train in tow. Note the lit up loco cab and the driver getting ready for a swap over for another driver who is waiting on the platform. The train only stopped for 20 seconds.



25. This is a short movie of the same Alstrom loco departing Kaeng Khoi with a bulk cement train just after a short stop for a driver change. The driver had started the train rolling before even sitting down. Note the sounds of the loco.



26. This is a shot of the train guard’s signs and equipment resting against a pole on the platform at Kaeng Khoi. The large wooden signs are for the side of the carriages to give information about the train’s destination.



27. This is a shot of the very old Hitachi 2 car DMU sitting at Platform 2 waiting for the 05:00 rural commuter service to Khon Kaen. On the right hand side is the loco hauled Bangkok commuter train waiting to depart. Taken from track level looking west. SRT DMU unit number 45.



28. This is an odd angle shot from the open door at the front of the 2 Car DMU. Looking down the carriage from floor level. Taken from outside the train.



29. This is an inside shot of the passenger seating area of the Hitachi DMU. Note the condition of the carriage. This train is over 40 years old according to the train driver.



30. This is an image of the drivers cab on the DMU. Note the condition of the controls. There appears to be no dead mans device on these DMUs.



31. This is a short movie of the Hitachi 2 car DMU on its way from the carriage sidings at Kaeng Khoi to the platform to form the 05:00 rural commuter train to Khon Kaen. Note the engine sounds.



32. This is a movie of the Hitachi DMU number 45 as it approaches platform 2 at Kaeng Khoi Station. Note the engine sounds on the DMU. The rear car on this DMU had some engine problems and would not stop over revving until it got underway.



This next section is the night cab ride from Kaeng Khoi Junction up the steeply graded Dong Phraya Yen Pass (Korat Pass) to Hin Lap Station. Note the videos in this section will be quite dark as the route is mostly monsoon rainforest.

33. This is a movie of the night departure from Kaeng Khoi Junction on the 05:00 Khon Kaen train. Filmed from the drivers cab on the DMU. Note the point work plus signals and how the drivers shut off there headlights when approaching each other.



34. This is a movie of passing though the points for the Bua Yai line east of Kaeng Khoi Junction. Note how useless the headlights are on this DMU. The track after the junction is rated as 110kph for DMU and 90 kph for loco hauled. This section of track is double track.



35. This is a movie of departing from Map Ka Bao station and starting the steep winding climb up the Dong Phraya Yen Pass. The line is all single track with short 600 meter loops from this station onwards. The track is in poor condition with a max speed of 20 kph for all trains. An attempt at concrete re sleepering has left the track in worse condition than all timber.



36. This is a movie of passing though the densely forested sections of the Dong Phraya Yen Pass. The curves are so tight here that the train’s headlights are often points to the side of the track rather than following the track. Also the line is made up of 5 and 10 meter rail sections not welded and at each join are weak wooden sleepers which make the train jolt downwards at every single track joint.



Approaching Hin Lap Station (144.29 km) at 5.30am.

37. This is a movie of the final approach to Hin Lap station. Note to the right of the train is the private sidings of the TPI cement mine and factory. The main line here is steeply graded and with a 20kph limit. Hin Lap station is my next destination on this trip I arrived there at 5.30am



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.