DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Free rides in 3rd class, but not all trains

**LesLattis** · 09-22-2012, 01:39 AM

normally, the price for the Chiang Mai - Lamphun section of the railway (about 30 kms) is 4 baht on 3rd class (last week). or 19 from Bangkok Hualamphong to Ayutthya (this was in 2003 - what is it now?). or 50-something from Ayutthya to Phitsanulok (also in 2003). this latter 5-hour trip is just about the longest that a 3rd class train trip stays an interesting experience (and by that time, it is far from comfortable). as a tourist, I would not bother asking for a free ticket, would be embarrassing for me to bargain about a few baht. just not worth it.

sorry to hear about two-tier pricing though. it is dangerous because cheap and accessible public transport puts Thailand ahead of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia or Indonesia, where it is difficult or next to impossible to take buses or trains at the prices reserved for the locals only. it is a frustrating experience to be ripped off all the time. so far, in Thailand at least you didn't have to worry so much about transport.

09-22-2012, 01:39 AM	#6
LesLattis Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 616 Senior Member	normally, the price for the Chiang Mai - Lamphun section of the railway (about 30 kms) is 4 baht on 3rd class (last week). or 19 from Bangkok Hualamphong to Ayutthya (this was in 2003 - what is it now?). or 50-something from Ayutthya to Phitsanulok (also in 2003). this latter 5-hour trip is just about the longest that a 3rd class train trip stays an interesting experience (and by that time, it is far from comfortable). as a tourist, I would not bother asking for a free ticket, would be embarrassing for me to bargain about a few baht. just not worth it. sorry to hear about two-tier pricing though. it is dangerous because cheap and accessible public transport puts Thailand ahead of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia or Indonesia, where it is difficult or next to impossible to take buses or trains at the prices reserved for the locals only. it is a frustrating experience to be ripped off all the time. so far, in Thailand at least you didn't have to worry so much about transport.
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