Pattaya to Trad

An old chestnut I guess, but looking for latest updates/suggestions.

There is a minibus from behind Num Chai to Chantaburi that runs twice a day, but too late on to get to Laem Ngop. So I went looking for a bus to Rayong, assuming onward connections, but no luck there either unless you want to stand by Sukhumvit Road in hope. Maybe somebody knows different.

Any suggestions? If I have to stay the night en route, I might as well get a taxi instead.