Bangkok to Pattaya going up-market
In March, Bangkokians and tourists in the city will have one more option for getting to Pattaya: a weekend train aimed at vacationers.
What has been proposed is a three carriage, aircon train that will only run on weekend and depart Bangkok at 6:30am on Saturday and Sunday and drop passengers in Pattaya at 9am. It will return both days at 3:50pm to reach Bangkok at 6:50pm, reported Pattaya News.
No word on why the return journey takes three hours while the trip to the resort town takes only two and a half. The train will also be a semi-express, with just six stops between the two cities: Si Racha, North Pattaya, Four Regions Floating Market, Nong Nooch Garden, Wat Yansangwararam, and Phlu Ta Luang.
The trial run of the service will last six months, while officials of the State Railway of Thailand gauge interest in the service. They have not yet announced the fare except to say it would be economical.
For those of you thinking there must already be a train service to Pattaya, you’re right. However, the non aircon train takes three and a half hours and only runs during the week. All of these factors make it highly unattractive to tourists and urban professionals getting away for the weekend.
Source: Coconuts
