Great Vlog Pat. Queen Victoria sent King Rama IV a working steam train model set (apparently still present at the National Museum) that inspired not only the King but the future King Rama V that trains were the future of travel. It was the King Rama V who ascended the throne at the age of 15 launched a major program to modernise Thailand in 1891, to include City planning, transportation, electricity, telegram, postal service, modern medication, new education system, a new Court system and most importantly to end slavery in Thailand. Source: Michael Portillo Great Asian Railway Journeys.
I’ve never been on a long distance train in Thailand, but I’m guessing the squat toilets, on a train rattling over the speed limit, after a cheeky few beers and a large green curry, might be … a trying experience! Nice piece, mate. I think you’re right, Hua Lamphong needs to be restored and long term, revered for its legacy of modernising Thailand.
I love the architecture of Hua Lamphong Station. It reminds me of two storied basketball arenas, the Palestra in Philadelphia and Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
I love that Thailand has upgraded so many of its trains and rail infrastructure. I hope to see the same over in Saigon, another city I spend a lot of time in. Hua Lamphong is a beautiful work of art and its location is perfect, much better than Bang Sue. Its got a lot of character and soul.
Simply wonderful Pat. I can’t get enough of Hua Lamphong. Like the old Wembley Stadium with atmosphere and history in every sweaty pore compared to Bang Sue’s sterile but clinical new version. I hope it survives until my full time whistle. There’s not many more wonderful ways of enjoying proper Thailand on a budget than a day return to Chachoengsao with a meal and walk by the Bang Pakong.
Good little trip there Rob, did it a few years back. Bang Sue will develop in the coming years, big plans for the land around it as in my video on that station.
yes definately appreciaate the rail video of Thailand,,, if you are not in a hurry an amazing way to see this beautiful country.... note: bring a jumper as the AC is freezing in some of the cabins
@@Farang_Lifestyles Haha, yeah. That happened to us on a southward journey to Surat Thani. Sleeper car about 16 degrees. Desperate, we located where they stored the extra blankets and "borrowed" a few. Just for the night. ;-)
@@MisterPhat yeah same south route as me,,, I was heading to Ban Krut,,,, who would think that you would get chilled in Thailand.... good times though... had to put on 3 t-shirts and a raincoat to stay warm,,,, could not find the blanket stash.... cheers
Hey Pat - well poised shots of the interior of the grand station - you capture the stillness and scale , well done , you love krung thep and She loves you right back - you're a fine heritage advocate , BP .
Great video. Watching the worker throw the signs on to the moving train was really impressive. I have no reason to go to Bang Su and haven't been to Hua Lamphong in a couple of years. I am wondering are the destitute and downtrodden still hanging around or did they get moved to Bang Su? If I were in charge, Hua Lamphong ( The tracks ) would be biggest weekend/ night market in all of SE Asia. The space(s) under the roof, convention center/ concert venue/ boxing stadium. Win-win-win-win.
@@BangkokPat There is an old travel video I did and it starts with a shot in the station. Such a great place where everybody starts with a new adventure! Thanks Pat ! ua-cam.com/video/39XOJ0RncmY/v-deo.html
6:27 Nice one 🤣🤣🤣 I'm looking forward to seeing Hua Lomphong station again. Fingers crossed you make that connection and video of the trip to Chiang Mai as it sounds amazing! ~ Mandy 😀😁
So much nostalgia Pat. I have happy memories of using the station to travel to Hua Hin. I love the building and hope that whatever happens to it in the future they at least retain the iconic front and roof. Thanks for another super video. 👍
I've always loved that train station. It's pretty cool to be inside when there is a thunderous monsoon rain storm going on. It does get loud! Of course I like travelling on the trains and have done so all over Thailand is all different types of classes.
Yeah! , good news to hear this , hope this station tranformed to be the open air locomotive vihicle museum and still run the train service in stead of closing down..(your information about Thai train is so eye opening , huge thanks for sharing)..
Brilliant Pat, that's such good news. Certainly looks like the old girl could do with a bit of a touch up, that said, the history, the architecture, the food vendors, waiting for a train under that hot tin roof, or just having a casual walk along the platforms in the open air, gave it an atmosphere and presence you simply can't replicate by replacing 'old' with 'new'. And if there's still use given its proximately....... Thoroughly enjoyable vlog. Cheers. 🙏
Interesting video Pat, thanks. I too have fond memories of the Frankfurt train station, was my opening to the world as a young soldier stationed in rural Germany. Will have to check this one out next time I'm in Bangkok.
7:25 If you manage to make a full journey from Hua Lamphong to Chiang Mai and get it recorded as a cab view video, please also post it in real time - maybe cut into 3 or 4 parts. I love watching cab view videos from all over the world. A few years ago someone had posted a cab view from Hua Lamphong to Nam Tok - it was spectacular, sady the poster deleted the video from youtube a few months later.
Great video Pat.... good to hear it's staying open. I'm over in Bangkok in March 2023, let's hope they won't have moved a lot of trains to Bang Sue by then! There sre some British Rail built class 158 Sprinter trains out there, some are laid up at that old railway works you showed us on a previous trip but a few are still running. A pity you cut your vid just as the old, rusty Shovel Nose loco was propelling the stock back...... I think they will be the first locos to go when the shiny new ones enter service......
It will eventually be closed for a renovation and new Red Line Construction in near future. Since all tracks between Sam Sen to Yot Se are to be removed to dig tunnel and dry-canal for the construction. During that time eastern line will be start at Makkasan. All others will leave from Bang Sue (Grand or Old) Station. After completed I guess It still re-open as terminal for tourist train. Commuter will be replaced by Red Lines which run below ground. Only 1 single track ground level track will laid between Hua Lumphong to Bang Sue and Mae Nam.
Go on, do the driver's eye view video and use it to help fund an Orient Express video! 😀 Will be making a diversion as I pass through Bangkok next week to visit this grand old lady, just in case someone takes a wrecking ball to her in the future. Thoroughly enjoy your work, Pat. Thank you.
Brilliant video Pat, packed full of history and facts. Beautiful classical station, that will hopefully never be demolished. Must visit the museum on my next trip. Love those new locos.....any idea of the manufacturer? Possibly Chinese as they don't look Japanese. Cheers.
The new locos are reconditioned Chinese, and there are also some Japanese locos too, for special routes. Good website with info: www.thaitrainguide.com/
Coming from Indonesia, when i first saw Hua Lamphong Station on the Intermet it reminded me of how Tanjung Priok Station closed for passenger usage for sometime until 2009 when a few passenger trains began to come back, only commuter trains and locals however but the local service got cut from Tanjung Priok in 2020/2021 When i saw the title of the video i don't want a station as grand like this to go through something similar or worse. Good thing it's gonna stay open :)
Looking forward to the upload of your 12 hour journey to Chiang Mai mixed with some great music. Hopefully they can save the station and put it to use somehow, too many buildings like this are being lost.
@@MisterPhat you can start up the go fund me page and I 'll put in the first $10 to cover his expenses. It will be a pretty good 12 hour party watching that trip.
@@MisterPhat There is no point of going in the loco at the moment as these new engines only run on night trains. His best bet would be the Hat Yai Junction train 31 which is daylight to almost Hua Hin.
I enjoyed that, Another really interesting video, thanks. Any idea what is happening with Vimanmek Villa? Was one of my favorite places in Bangkok.Also I would love to see your interpretation of Bang Pa In Palace, I know it’s not 1960’s but it’s pretty interesting too 😀.
I like that, not fake news but 'downright shoddy reporting' 6 years to process, got to love red tape. Finaly the speed up train journey sounds like a good video
Beautiful building, and some of those plans incorporating the old structure into the modern looked great. So the tracks to Chiang Mai have been improved? That was a trip.
Just went to the station a few days ago. It is a very classic old railway station, has a very pleasant feel to it. It reminds me of Helsinki railway station a little bit, only feels even older. I am tempted to take any train from it, just to have a feel of the travel as it was for many for over a century (tho I don't need to go anywhere from BKK as I prefer it here).
Hey Pat, perhaps you could give your informed view on Bangkok railway station vs Hua Lamphong. It does say Bangkok on the sign at the train tracks but also has signs outside saying hua lamphong.
Hua Lamphong is the name of the immediate local area and intersection, it's actually called Bangkok Railway Station. All announcements at train stations call it this.
Another good informative video. Question; At 11:03 their is a notice board saying NO photos etc. Seems everywhere you can take videos, photos but not at that location. Do you know the reason?
A lot of people stand in that particular spot taking photos. I doubt its enforced though. Every other part of the station is fine to shoot and it's your fault if anything happens!
Mate I really hope you get to do that Bangkok to Chiang Mai trip. I'd love to watch a driver's eye video of that. Fingers crossed someone can get you in 🤞👍
I have a business idea that requires little modification and whatever is added can be undone easily. And maintains a degree of nostalgia. Do we need another retail outlet? Chiang Mai lost 2 old large malls / centrals. I wonder how to go about making it happen when they reduce the rail traffic. Probably could coexist as a rail station along with my idea.
Old has its charm. This colonial structure to me is majestic and has a special meaning and a special reason in my heart. Glad it will not be demolish for now
When I first seen the front of Hua Lamphong station I was very impressed by its architecture. But I had a feeling that someone had copied it from somewhere else and reduced it by 25%. Certainly grand but not at the same time. The stupid round-about at the front always seems to have road work going on around it made the whole area a bloody mess. Thanks for another great video Pat.
A great video Pat and good news for me being a railway enthusiast and living in Thailand. Whats the score with the no photograph sign? Never seen that before.Thanks again.
@@MisterPhat Not exactly helpful. I have been taking pics there for 13 years and remember an idiot you tuber from the USA spoiling it for all. That was my reason for asking.
@@kennethbell54 Sorry, just mean to add some levity. No offense meant. Or lack of due seriousness. It sounds like you have an interesting story to tell.
It is unfortunate that they let the station go for so long without maintenance (like paint). I hope they decide to at least keep the front end of the station as a historic building.
Hopefully soon best of both - ultra modern Bang Sue & Red Line extension for efficient air-conditioned commuter travel, and a less busy heritage Hua Lamphong more for special / tourist / vintage / steam services...
Great Stuff, Went there in 1985 and 1995,, trains to Surat Thani and Hua Hin. Classic Old Style. In '85 we had to buy the ticket the day before, nightmare on My first Trip. Thanks Pat, Save Up for the Oriental Express, Once in a Lifetime Experience, Maybe when You are Older.. I would like to experience it once, even for a couple of stops, Cheers Pat, Love the Vids, Be there in a few Days.
In 1998 I remember going to a train station to buy a ticket for the night train to Chiang Mai but going to another station to get on the train. My memory is fading.
Don't let this become the Penn Station of New York, which was torn down in the 1960's to make way for an ugly, boring modern building!! Penn Station was so grand and awe-inspiring, with neoclassical structures and gorgeous marbles. It was gone, just like that. Thank God that Grand Central remained after much resistance from the art preservation society, otherwise the greedy politicians and developers would've torn it down in a second. Again, another inspiring video from Pat. Great job!!
I just viewed a youtube video last night, the first few minutes of the movie "Seconds" (with Rock Hudson, by John Frankenheimer) but you get some great footage of a guy walking through and then getting onto a train at Grand Central. You feel like you are there, and this was early 60s.
In Hua L, there is an interesting sign in the luggage storage area near the front about not leaving food in your bag as the rats will chew holes in your bag. Seems like a fair warning and it seems very Thai Zen.
Great idea to run from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the train cab. Please record it in at least 4k 60 frames per second or more so one can slow down sequences to really indulge into them. If you would sell the full length 12 h ride video, I would buy it. Be aware, this would be about 24 GB per h of data. Have enough storage cards with you and enough cameras to give the sensors time to cool down again.
I hope they change the typeface on the Bang Sue Grand Station sign. It is lifeless and cold and is not something that is proud, iconic, and historic like Hua Lampong.
Have u done a video of the train to Pattaya 😎 I see it regularly as I live on the DARKSIDE of the tracks , It's a slow heap of a wreck and apparently takes over 4 hours to do the 135 I'm to BKK 👍👍☘️👍☘️👍😎👍😎👍🍀
Honestly if they did I’d want it to be a Rival Market to Chatuchak but better/different! Dining in Trains shopping in Trains! Museum but elevated! Its nice but doesn’t give that WOW factor as it once did in the past! Bangsue Metal Facade and boring interior isn’t a sight to marvel either! Kind of Sad for a country that has the Artists / Architecture Citizens to make it feel ehh like Suwanaphum! 😊
The Unions are very strong in the SRT. The system is antiquated, it is highly 'overstaffed' and inefficient. Track maintenance is poor, just about nobody gets 'fired'. Overall its an economic mess! Tickets are amazingly cheap as the Government subsidizes pretty much all travel. So it remains a 'lumbering entity' that rarely changes! Good post Pat.
Yes it is antiquated as it didn't have any investment for decades. The whole SRT network was not upgraded & was completely run down for the last 40-50 years. Lines had low ave speeds, used old rolling stock & had numerous derailments. New plans were formed in the mid to late 00s to modernise the network with new rolling stock, network duplication, new lines, build the Bkk Red lines & the HSR plans. Also, a new Bkk intercity terminal. Finally, most of these plans are being belatedly implemented in the last few yrs given political delays after the 2011 election & subsequent 2014 coup. Its going to take the next 25-30 yrs to fully implement all these plans. Successive govts did not allow fares to increase for some 30 years even though the SRT constantly applied for ticket increases to stem losses.
why does it need to stay open.......the area around Hua Lamphong is one of the most live able and enjoyable parts of Bangkok and if you are hungry you are close to Yaowarat....I am looking for a place to stay near Hua Lamphong
Thank you for another interesting video 🙏🏽 Looking forward to your Bangkok-Chiang Mai video. Here’s a link to a train ride from Bergen to Oslo in Norway, 7 hrs 14 mins, normal speed 😅: ua-cam.com/video/udF0IXB2FZA/v-deo.html
Another cracker Pat, im interested in going on a tour or buying you a few beers, in Bangkok from Dec 02 for 5n, how do I contact you, I haven’t got Facebook, will be returning for New Year’s Eve as well with my son and a few mates as well👍
The architecture of the building is stunning and it was built to last . Hopefully it stays as is in future plans as once it’s gone there is another piece of the past that is lost forever. I will have to be more careful crossing the tracks if the loos go on them !!!!!🫣🫣🫣 As there say there’s money in muck 😂😂😂
I hope they never destroy this wonderful old train station. So many travellers have memories of arriving here as I did in 1982. Great video. Thanks
7:51 .... perfect pastel colors in the right moment of the blue hour of sunset / rise - VERY NICE !!!
Great Vlog Pat. Queen Victoria sent King Rama IV a working steam train model set (apparently still present at the National Museum) that inspired not only the King but the future King Rama V that trains were the future of travel. It was the King Rama V who ascended the throne at the age of 15 launched a major program to modernise Thailand in 1891, to include City planning, transportation, electricity, telegram, postal service, modern medication, new education system, a new Court system and most importantly to end slavery in Thailand. Source: Michael Portillo Great Asian Railway Journeys.
I’ve never been on a long distance train in Thailand, but I’m guessing the squat toilets, on a train rattling over the speed limit, after a cheeky few beers and a large green curry, might be … a trying experience! Nice piece, mate. I think you’re right, Hua Lamphong needs to be restored and long term, revered for its legacy of modernising Thailand.
I love the architecture of Hua Lamphong Station. It reminds me of two storied basketball arenas, the Palestra in Philadelphia and Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Me too. And a nice coat of paint would look fabulous!
I love that Thailand has upgraded so many of its trains and rail infrastructure. I hope to see the same over in Saigon, another city I spend a lot of time in. Hua Lamphong is a beautiful work of art and its location is perfect, much better than Bang Sue. Its got a lot of character and soul.
Great news Pat, Hua Lampong station is such a beautiful feature of Bangkok., it would be an absolute crime to lose it. 🙏🏼
Using public transit in Bangkok for years will make you love and appreciate the city like no other. Exploring on foot is the greatest adventure.
I agree with you, and it's more adventurous.
Wow, the man putting signs on the moving carriages has got mad skills!
He must have been doing it a while, as he's clearly mastered the art!
Simply wonderful Pat. I can’t get enough of Hua Lamphong. Like the old Wembley Stadium with atmosphere and history in every sweaty pore compared to Bang Sue’s sterile but clinical new version. I hope it survives until my full time whistle. There’s not many more wonderful ways of enjoying proper Thailand on a budget than a day return to Chachoengsao with a meal and walk by the Bang Pakong.
Good little trip there Rob, did it a few years back. Bang Sue will develop in the coming years, big plans for the land around it as in my video on that station.
Thanks!
Great video, Pat. I especially love your videos about the trains, MRT and BTS. You're the Geoff Marshall of Bangkok. Keep them coming thank you.
yes definately appreciaate the rail video of Thailand,,, if you are not in a hurry an amazing way to see this beautiful country.... note: bring a jumper as the AC is freezing in some of the cabins
@@Farang_Lifestyles Haha, yeah. That happened to us on a southward journey to Surat Thani. Sleeper car about 16 degrees. Desperate, we located where they stored the extra blankets and "borrowed" a few. Just for the night. ;-)
@@MisterPhat yeah same south route as me,,, I was heading to Ban Krut,,,, who would think that you would get chilled in Thailand.... good times though... had to put on 3 t-shirts and a raincoat to stay warm,,,, could not find the blanket stash.... cheers
@@Farang_LifestylesMaybe we were lucky that they stored extra blankets (more like extra large towels) in our carriage.
Hey Pat - well poised shots of the interior of the grand station - you capture the stillness and scale , well done , you love krung thep and She loves you right back - you're a fine heritage advocate , BP .
Great video. Watching the worker throw the signs on to the moving train was really impressive. I have no reason to go to Bang Su and haven't been to Hua Lamphong in a couple of years. I am wondering are the destitute and downtrodden still hanging around or did they get moved to Bang Su? If I were in charge, Hua Lamphong ( The tracks ) would be biggest weekend/ night market in all of SE Asia. The space(s) under the roof, convention center/ concert venue/ boxing stadium. Win-win-win-win.
Pat - your best one yet! I VOTE for retro architecture and don't try to compete with contemporary Bang Sue. NICE...
Bang Sue is very nice, l have nothing against it! But l'm a big fan of Hua Lamphong....
Great video Pat....opening music brilliant. Entertaining and educational as ever. 🙏
Cheers mate, l thought it suited the video very well, more classical to come!
That is really good news!! Such a lovely building & great history.
Agreed, it should be on every tourist bucket list, a train ride from there to Bang Sue!
@@BangkokPat There is an old travel video I did and it starts with a shot in the station. Such a great place where everybody starts with a new adventure! Thanks Pat !
ua-cam.com/video/39XOJ0RncmY/v-deo.html
¡Gracias!
6:27 Nice one 🤣🤣🤣 I'm looking forward to seeing Hua Lomphong station again. Fingers crossed you make that connection and video of the trip to Chiang Mai as it sounds amazing! ~ Mandy 😀😁
Thanks for the update Pat 👍
So much nostalgia Pat. I have happy memories of using the station to travel to Hua Hin. I love the building and hope that whatever happens to it in the future they at least retain the iconic front and roof.
Thanks for another super video. 👍
I've always loved that train station. It's pretty cool to be inside when there is a thunderous monsoon rain storm going on. It does get loud! Of course I like travelling on the trains and have done so all over Thailand is all different types of classes.
Yeah! , good news to hear this , hope this station tranformed to be the open air locomotive vihicle museum and still run the train service in stead of closing down..(your information about Thai train is so eye opening , huge thanks for sharing)..
Looking forward to visiting this grand old dame of a station on Monday 14th November before getting my train to Hua Hin
Brilliant Pat, that's such good news. Certainly looks like the old girl could do with a bit of a touch up, that said, the history, the architecture, the food vendors, waiting for a train under that hot tin roof, or just having a casual walk along the platforms in the open air, gave it an atmosphere and presence you simply can't replicate by replacing 'old' with 'new'. And if there's still use given its proximately....... Thoroughly enjoyable vlog. Cheers. 🙏
Great Vlog Pat. Thanks
Interesting video Pat, thanks. I too have fond memories of the Frankfurt train station, was my opening to the world as a young soldier stationed in rural Germany. Will have to check this one out next time I'm in Bangkok.
7:25 If you manage to make a full journey from Hua Lamphong to Chiang Mai and get it recorded as a cab view video, please also post it in real time - maybe cut into 3 or 4 parts. I love watching cab view videos from all over the world.
A few years ago someone had posted a cab view from Hua Lamphong to Nam Tok - it was spectacular, sady the poster deleted the video from youtube a few months later.
great news I have some great memories getting the trains from here.
Thanks Pat, for this useful information. 🙏
Cheers Gert.
MORNING PAT :} another informative video..cheers.
Cool video Pat, keep them coming 👍
Is Bangkok Karma on YT yet? Looking forward to seeing it!
Hope you can get in the cab of the train Pat,,,, that would be a magnificent video to watch going to Chang Mai/Rai
Great video Pat.... good to hear it's staying open. I'm over in Bangkok in March 2023, let's hope they won't have moved a lot of trains to Bang Sue by then! There sre some British Rail built class 158 Sprinter trains out there, some are laid up at that old railway works you showed us on a previous trip but a few are still running. A pity you cut your vid just as the old, rusty Shovel Nose loco was propelling the stock back...... I think they will be the first locos to go when the shiny new ones enter service......
6:56 UltraMan?!? I used to watch it as a kid 40 years ago 😂 thanks for the video Pat, I have nice memories of Hua Lampong 🙏👍
Maybe Pat can get let inside the front car to do his video, but dressed as Ultra Man! ;-)
That's a great idea actually.....
Lovely train station glad it stayed open Pat,,,,
Definitely a great decision to stay open.
It will eventually be closed for a renovation and new Red Line Construction in near future. Since all tracks between Sam Sen to Yot Se are to be removed to dig tunnel and dry-canal for the construction. During that time eastern line will be start at Makkasan. All others will leave from Bang Sue (Grand or Old) Station.
After completed I guess It still re-open as terminal for tourist train. Commuter will be replaced by Red Lines which run below ground. Only 1 single track ground level track will laid between Hua Lumphong to Bang Sue and Mae Nam.
Thanks Pat. I have many happy memories of Hualamphong going back 35 years. Don Muang too.
Same. The food court. Internet cafe. Coffeebucks. Dairy Queen. Soccer magazines with Fabien Barthez on the cover.
Great video 👍
Thanks 👍
Go on, do the driver's eye view video and use it to help fund an Orient Express video! 😀
Will be making a diversion as I pass through Bangkok next week to visit this grand old lady, just in case someone takes a wrecking ball to her in the future.
Thoroughly enjoy your work, Pat. Thank you.
Brilliant video Pat, packed full of history and facts. Beautiful classical station, that will hopefully never be demolished. Must visit the museum on my next trip. Love those new locos.....any idea of the manufacturer? Possibly Chinese as they don't look Japanese. Cheers.
The new locos are reconditioned Chinese, and there are also some Japanese locos too, for special routes.
Good website with info: www.thaitrainguide.com/
@@BangkokPat many thanks Pat 👍
Coming from Indonesia, when i first saw Hua Lamphong Station on the Intermet it reminded me of how Tanjung Priok Station closed for passenger usage for sometime until 2009 when a few passenger trains began to come back, only commuter trains and locals however but the local service got cut from Tanjung Priok in 2020/2021
When i saw the title of the video i don't want a station as grand like this to go through something similar or worse. Good thing it's gonna stay open :)
Looking forward to the upload of your 12 hour journey to Chiang Mai mixed with some great music. Hopefully they can save the station and put it to use somehow, too many buildings like this are being lost.
Well he's gotta get permission first to be let into the front car. That seems to be the key to the whole thing. Perhaps $omeone might have some idea$.
@@MisterPhat you can start up the go fund me page and I 'll put in the first $10 to cover his expenses. It will be a pretty good 12 hour party watching that trip.
Actually they have fitted cameras in the cabs. Wonder what the quality is like...
@@MisterPhat There is no point of going in the loco at the moment as these new engines only run on night trains. His best bet would be the Hat Yai Junction train 31 which is daylight to almost Hua Hin.
I enjoyed that, Another really interesting video, thanks.
Any idea what is happening with Vimanmek Villa? Was one of my favorite places in Bangkok.Also I would love to see your interpretation of Bang Pa In Palace, I know it’s not 1960’s but it’s pretty interesting too 😀.
Hua Lamphong is one of the most beautiful rail stations in the world.
Agree it's always pleasant to be there and on your way, a civilised way to travel.
Great info, thanks
สนามบินยังมีสอง, ทำไมสถานีรถไฟจะมีสองไม่ได้?
Good point, and let's hope this happpens and it stays open...
I like that, not fake news but 'downright shoddy reporting'
6 years to process, got to love red tape.
Finaly the speed up train journey sounds like a good video
Beautiful building, and some of those plans incorporating the old structure into the modern looked great. So the tracks to Chiang Mai have been improved? That was a trip.
Just went to the station a few days ago. It is a very classic old railway station, has a very pleasant feel to it. It reminds me of Helsinki railway station a little bit, only feels even older. I am tempted to take any train from it, just to have a feel of the travel as it was for many for over a century (tho I don't need to go anywhere from BKK as I prefer it here).
Informative as always Pat!
Thank-you
Really enjoy your videos....
🌶️🌶️🇹🇭🇭🇲🍻🇭🇲🇹🇭🌶️🌶️
Hey Pat, perhaps you could give your informed view on Bangkok railway station vs Hua Lamphong. It does say Bangkok on the sign at the train tracks but also has signs outside saying hua lamphong.
Hua Lamphong is the name of the immediate local area and intersection, it's actually called Bangkok Railway Station. All announcements at train stations call it this.
Great job, Pat!
Another good informative video. Question; At 11:03 their is a notice board saying NO photos etc. Seems everywhere you can take videos, photos but not at that location. Do you know the reason?
A lot of people stand in that particular spot taking photos. I doubt its enforced though. Every other part of the station is fine to shoot and it's your fault if anything happens!
Keep it classic grandeur would remind of the heritage
Mate I really hope you get to do that Bangkok to Chiang Mai trip. I'd love to watch a driver's eye video of that. Fingers crossed someone can get you in 🤞👍
Not likely Trevor, it's a big ask!
Do we still get the train to Aranayaprathet from Hua Lamphoang?
Thanks for your update.
Yes you do! Cheers!
I have a business idea that requires little modification and whatever is added can be undone easily. And maintains a degree of nostalgia. Do we need another retail outlet? Chiang Mai lost 2 old large malls / centrals. I wonder how to go about making it happen when they reduce the rail traffic. Probably could coexist as a rail station along with my idea.
Railway Museum and station combined with a few retail outlets.
Old has its charm. This colonial structure to me is majestic and has a special meaning and a special reason in my heart. Glad it will not be demolish for now
It's very good information, but the protagonist always comes at the end, that's the black and white cat. 😊👍😉😁🐈🐈⬛
That cat....he's the real owner of the train station!
When I first seen the front of Hua Lamphong station I was very impressed by its architecture. But I had a feeling that someone had copied it from somewhere else and reduced it by 25%. Certainly grand but not at the same time. The stupid round-about at the front always seems to have road work going on around it made the whole area a bloody mess. Thanks for another great video Pat.
I took the first train at this station in 1986, back then it was an adventure to go to Surathani and on to Samui by bus and ferry.
What has happened to the new second hand Japanese trains in Thailand?
Are they running yet in Thailand?
Yes they are, some are still being assigned routes. They will run on tourist train routes.
A great classic, up there with St.Pancras, long may it remain in use.
Hey Pat cool vid.. when are you doing the farang deaths website?
A great video Pat and good news for me being a railway enthusiast and living in Thailand. Whats the score with the no photograph sign? Never seen that before.Thanks again.
They neglected to mention "no video" -- otherwise you'd never have got to see that sign. ;-)
@@MisterPhat Not exactly helpful. I have been taking pics there for 13 years and remember an idiot you tuber from the USA spoiling it for all. That was my reason for asking.
@@kennethbell54 Sorry, just mean to add some levity. No offense meant. Or lack of due seriousness. It sounds like you have an interesting story to tell.
Are all the toilets on the SRT service squat toilets or are they being replaced?
They usually have both types of toilet in the trains
It is unfortunate that they let the station go for so long without maintenance (like paint). I hope they decide to at least keep the front end of the station as a historic building.
Hopefully soon best of both - ultra modern Bang Sue & Red Line extension for efficient air-conditioned commuter travel, and a less busy heritage Hua Lamphong more for special / tourist / vintage / steam services...
Great Stuff, Went there in 1985 and 1995,, trains to Surat Thani and Hua Hin. Classic Old Style. In '85 we had to buy the ticket the day before, nightmare on My first Trip. Thanks Pat, Save Up for the Oriental Express, Once in a Lifetime Experience, Maybe when You are Older.. I would like to experience it once, even for a couple of stops, Cheers Pat, Love the Vids, Be there in a few Days.
Good news.
😇
In 1998 I remember going to a train station to buy a ticket for the night train to Chiang Mai but going to another station to get on the train. My memory is fading.
Maybe they had issues at Hua Lamphong with signalling and you had to use Samsen or Bang Sue Junction?
Is there a book you can get with all the train numbers in
Mr. Mario Tamagno, Italian architect from the city of Florence He was also the designer of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
Renowned architect for sure.
Hua lamphong is basically another thonburi when the station closes and would be turned into a museum
That won't happen for about 7yrs
That guy that tried trolling you about this station is liked by zero cats. Facts.
I ought to get the cat mafia to trace his IP address, they offered but l declined. Feel sorry for the guy who's clearly been brainwashed...
@@BangkokPat It really makes you "paws" for a moment to ponder what kind of life he has.
Don't let this become the Penn Station of New York, which was torn down in the 1960's to make way for an ugly, boring modern building!! Penn Station was so grand and awe-inspiring, with neoclassical structures and gorgeous marbles. It was gone, just like that. Thank God that Grand Central remained after much resistance from the art preservation society, otherwise the greedy politicians and developers would've torn it down in a second. Again, another inspiring video from Pat. Great job!!
I just viewed a youtube video last night, the first few minutes of the movie "Seconds" (with Rock Hudson, by John Frankenheimer) but you get some great footage of a guy walking through and then getting onto a train at Grand Central. You feel like you are there, and this was early 60s.
I will be looking up this station on YT later. Cheers guys.
@@BangkokPat Watch "New York's Lost Marvel: The Story of Penn Station." So sad.
In Hua L, there is an interesting sign in the luggage storage area near the front about not leaving food in your bag as the rats will chew holes in your bag. Seems like a fair warning and it seems very Thai Zen.
There was a station cat last time l filmed there but maybe he's moved to Bang Sue
Great idea to run from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the train cab. Please record it in at least 4k 60 frames per second or more so one can slow down sequences to really indulge into them. If you would sell the full length 12 h ride video, I would buy it. Be aware, this would be about 24 GB per h of data. Have enough storage cards with you and enough cameras to give the sensors time to cool down again.
I doubt it'll happen Bruno, it's a lot to ask! And I don't have two cameras and can only do 4k 30fps at the moment.
I hope they change the typeface on the Bang Sue Grand Station sign. It is lifeless and cold and is not something that is proud, iconic, and historic like Hua Lampong.
I agree it's rather boring. But l've heard they will as it has a new official name.
Have u done a video of the train to Pattaya 😎
I see it regularly as I live on the DARKSIDE of the tracks ,
It's a slow heap of a wreck and apparently takes over 4 hours to do the 135 I'm to BKK
👍👍☘️👍☘️👍😎👍😎👍🍀
I have but it leaves at a ball busting 6.45am. Which would mean getting out og bed at 5.30....
Honestly if they did I’d want it to be a Rival Market to Chatuchak but better/different! Dining in Trains shopping in Trains! Museum but elevated! Its nice but doesn’t give that WOW factor as it once did in the past! Bangsue Metal Facade and boring interior isn’t a sight to marvel either! Kind of Sad for a country that has the Artists / Architecture Citizens to make it feel ehh like Suwanaphum! 😊
It has not been maintained very well.
The Unions are very strong in the SRT. The system is antiquated, it is highly 'overstaffed' and inefficient. Track maintenance is poor, just about nobody gets 'fired'. Overall its an economic mess! Tickets are amazingly cheap as the Government subsidizes pretty much all travel. So it remains a 'lumbering entity' that rarely changes! Good post Pat.
Yes it is antiquated as it didn't have any investment for decades. The whole SRT network was not upgraded & was completely run down for the last 40-50 years. Lines had low ave speeds, used old rolling stock & had numerous derailments. New plans were formed in the mid to late 00s to modernise the network with new rolling stock, network duplication, new lines, build the Bkk Red lines & the HSR plans. Also, a new Bkk intercity terminal. Finally, most of these plans are being belatedly implemented in the last few yrs given political delays after the 2011 election & subsequent 2014 coup. Its going to take the next 25-30 yrs to fully implement all these plans.
Successive govts did not allow fares to increase for some 30 years even though the SRT constantly applied for ticket increases to stem losses.
@@yappofloyd1905 Good reply and information! Thanks!
👍👍👍
😎
I like the filming of signs that say no filming. No posting up, though.
They neglected to mention "no video'ing". ;-)
It didn't say no video....so l was ok!
When he puts the sign on the running train wagons...
It looks like an art form!
If things will go on like this, Bang Sue will repeat the "success story" of Makkasan Station.
why does it need to stay open.......the area around Hua Lamphong is one of the most live able and enjoyable parts of Bangkok and if you are hungry you are close to Yaowarat....I am looking for a place to stay near Hua Lamphong
People they don't understand that it's better to be converting into museum rather than demoslish
People think the land would look better as another shopping mall
9:48 that must be the reincarnation of a certain Adolf
Use of historical sites...6 years to process? I guess this is the longest government process I ever heard of ;-)
It kept face l suppose. Fine Arts Department can be quite persuasive...
aqnutin qill call you..then you can go to weed filming...555
Thank you for another interesting video 🙏🏽 Looking forward to your Bangkok-Chiang Mai video.
Here’s a link to a train ride from Bergen to Oslo in Norway, 7 hrs 14 mins, normal speed 😅:
ua-cam.com/video/udF0IXB2FZA/v-deo.html
Fantastic, will watch it start to finish, over 3 evenings!
anutn ****
Another cracker Pat, im interested in going on a tour or buying you a few beers, in Bangkok from Dec 02 for 5n, how do I contact you, I haven’t got Facebook, will be returning for New Year’s Eve as well with my son and a few mates as well👍
maintain this railway station UNESCO preserved Buildings, economic values for the people
The architecture of the building is stunning and it was built to last . Hopefully it stays as is in future plans as once it’s gone there is another piece of the past that is lost forever.
I will have to be more careful crossing the tracks if the loos go on them !!!!!🫣🫣🫣
As there say there’s money in muck 😂😂😂