Does anyone know how to book the blue government bus in advance from BKK to the south without having to do a 200 baht taxi ride each way to Pinklao?? I know that I could buy one when I arrive but I often don't know exactly when I am leaving BKK.

i dont think you can pre-book the government buses. mostly its on the day only.

You can pre-book the 999 govt bus, but you have to make sure of the date when you do so, as the seating is reserved they can't book a ticket for an unknown date. I took the bus to Bangkok and then booked my return ticket before leaving the South bus station.

Yeah that's what I thought. I know you can pre-book at the station but wanted to see if there was a phone option for when I don't come by bus or I am unsure when I am returning...The buses are a nightmare to get out to Pinklao and a 400 baht taxi round trip from Suk makes it really not worth my while.

Thanks anyway!

My husband tried to book a ticket for me out of Bangkok from the office here on Phangan and they wouldn't do it, said you had to buy it at the office in Bangkok.