Friends of the Rail Forum

Text by Nathan Berelowitz, September 2007

1. The first class sleeper car of the Thai State Railway, was built in 1994 by the Hyundai corporation in Korea. The coach has an assortment of airconditioned coupes/compartments. The one pictured here has an interleading door which enables families to be in a "compartment". The seat lifts up to make an upper berth and there is a small fold up table by the window. A washbasin is mounted near the door out of site of the photo. Pictured here are the two travellers en route Chiang Mai, on the overnight semi express from Bangkok.

2. View of washbasin near door in compartment first class. The airconditioning unit is situated above the washbasin at roof level.

3. Trainman scores the bedding attendants headgear, and a set of epaulette badges! Amazing what alcohol and currency can do!

Photo and text by Nathan:

The final touches to the top bunk bed, is the ladder to reach it. The Thai State Railway car attendant has a number of beds still to make. The lack of uniform is partly due to the heat and also because I had purchased all his shirts epaulette badges and cap!!