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Steam enthusiasts from all around the country gathered today at Hua
Lamphong Station in Bangkok for the annual steam train trip to
Ayutthaya. Although the train wasn't due to depart until 8 a.m., people
came an hour early to take pictures. Everyone was mesmerized by the
working engine - from youngsters to railway personal who all took turns
to pose in front of the train. I was there too as I have a life long
interest in steam trains. Today, 26th March, marks the anniversary of
the opening of the first public rail service in Thailand between
Bangkok and Ayutthaya. King Chulalongkorn had made a proclamation in
1890 to change the face of transport in Thailand by building a national
railway grid. The first private railway was opened by the king in 1893
which ran from Bangkok to the port in Samut Prakan. This was followed
by the first public lines to Ayutthaya in 1896 and Nakhon Ratchasima a
short while later. By the time of the King's death in 1910, 774 kms of
lines had been opened. By the end of World War this had increased to
2,481 kms. Today there are now 4,346 kms of railway tracks in Thailand.
Tickets for this special train ride went on sale several months ago.
Judging by the crowds, I would say that it sold out. As well as Thai
nationals, there were also a number of foreigners taking this rare
opportunity. Shortly after the national anthem at 8 a.m., when all the
passengers in the carriages stood up, the train blew its distinctive
whistle and we chugged out of the station. The excitement from everyone
was very contagious. Not only the people on the train, but everyone
that we passed. From early morning commuters at railway crossings to
passengers in passing trains, everyone turned to gape at the sight and
to take pictures with their mobile phones. I even saw a driver of a
diesel locomotive taking a picture. It was almost like a scene from the
Railway Children as people waved at us, as we slowly passed them. I
also waved back as I dangled dangerously out of the open door. I was
trying to take a picture of the engine as it went around a corner.
Although it was exciting to ride a steam train, it was just as exciting
to stand alongside the track and watch a steam train pass you. Like
journeying back in time.
I quickly decided that I would stay on the train for only 30 minutes
and then get off when it stopped at Bang Su Station on the northern
outskirts of Bangkok. I wanted to be up close to the engine as it left
the station. Like at Hua Lamphong, there were also many people here
excited to see the steam train arrive. I got down from the train and
made my way to the front. The sun was higher in the sky by this time
and the lighting was better for taking photographs. Although I was a
little disappointed to not go all the way to Ayutthaya, I felt it was
just as rewarding to be there at the station as it approached me and
then passed. After about four minutes, the guard blew his whistle and
the train slowly chugged out of the station. I stood there watching as
it disappeared into the distance. The journey to Ayutthaya would take a
lot longer than a normal train. For the record, loco engine 824 took
the lead in the journey to Ayutthaya. Then loco engine 953 was used for
the return journey to Bangkok.
It is a rare treat in Thailand today to be able to go on a ride on a
steam train. The State Railway of Thailand organize three such trips
every year from Hua Lamphong to Ayutthaya so it doesn't matter if you
missed todays event. These go on 26th March (anniversary of the opening
of the first public railway), 23rd October (anniversary of death of
King Chulalongkorn) and December 5th (birthday of the present king). I
will certainly go again in October. I think this time I might catch the
train at Bang Su. They have a MRT underground station here so it is
easy to reach. Then I can watch the train as it arrives. Then I will
get on and then finish my journey to Ayutthaya. If you are unable to
buy tickets in advance, you can always try on the day by just turning
up. Or do like I did and just stand up for the short journey to Bang Su
and then return by MRT. It is difficult to say how much longer these
trips will continue. So take the opportunity if you can.
Click here for more of my blogs about steam trains in Thailand at thai-blogs.com.
MORE PICTURES here and here.
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