Trainspotting: The Past, Present & Future of Rail Travel in Thailand [Season 3, Episode 19]

This week your intrepid hosts discuss all manner of rail
travel in Bangkok and beyond, and the role that the train system
plays in Thai society. For most foreigners rail is a convenient
alternative, but for many Thais (and others throughout the
world), it's the only option, leading to some interesting
financial, logistical, and economic repercussions.


Greg and Ed also trade stories of riding the overnight
train to Chiang Mai and other rail adventures they've had over
the years, and then discuss the meat of the issue - the massive
new train station in Bang Sue, as well as several high speed
train lines emanating from Bangkok to both the north and south.
What's clear is that once the Bang Sue terminal is completed,
rail travel in Thailand will look a hell of a lot different than
it does now. For more info, check out Greg's
super-cool Bangkok rail projection map here, and
also head to Nomadic Notes for a wider look at all
of Asia's proposed rail routes.


But no matter what happens, the boys conclude that as long
as speed is not super important, rail travel in Thailand is both
affordable and enjoyable, and definitely worth checking out by
expats and tourists alike.


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