Thailand: New Bangkok to Pattaya rail service launched

Event

A special tourist train service from Bangkok to Pattaya and Sattahip was launched on March 17. Trips in air-conditioned carriages to Pattaya station and Ban Phlu Ta Luang station in Sattahip will be offered every Saturday and Sunday until September 30, 2018. The train will leave Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok every Saturday and Sunday at 06:45 (local time), arriving in Pattaya at 09:13, and reaching Ban Phlu Ta Luang at 09:50. The return trip leaves Ban Phlu Ta Luang at 15:50, reaching Pattaya at 16:26, and Bangkok at 18:25. 

Context

The new service has been launched with the intention of spurring tourism in the east of the country.

Advice

As a reminder, there have been a number of train derailments in Thailand in the past, some of which have resulted in deaths and injuries (e.g. March 2015, when two passenger trains collided in Phachi District, injuring over 40). Seek local advice if you are in doubt about the safety of the rail services offered.