Sorry I know somewhere it has been talked about before but cannot find it........

Train BKK to Butterworth

is this the same train that comes back to BKK ?

Train almost always run late, so is the train going down the same one that comes back, therefore cannot miss the connection if you know what I mean.

I think this would be based on the train numbers?

http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Singapore

should be able help you align equipment?

FWIW, the SRT website does allow you to view current train status: http://58.181.223.142/srttts/view

Can't help you much here, but this site has some good info:

http://www.seat61.com/

Yep got that http://www.seat61.com/

​The old boy wants to go by train and back, has been told train can run many hours late, so wanted to be sure not to miss the train coming back, he has been every route to do his boarder run, but never by train.

Last time I used a train was to CM from BKK in 2000 or 2001 and yes was about 3 hours late, but then I was staying there a week. and many years younger., he is late 70's

A quick look at the schedules (SRT: http://www.railway.co.th/home/include/table/time.asp?lenguage=Eng# ) leads me to the conclusion that Train #35 arrives Butterworth at 12:55, and turns around as train #36 departing Butterworth at 13:15.

I am not sure a 20 min. turn is actually feasible?

I'm not quite sure I understand the itinerary the old boy wants? To depart Bangkok for Butterworth, then return on the same train, on the same day?

Yes same day, he just wants to do the 90 day boarder run by train.. so yes if the train is on time he can stay in train or stand outside and wait for 20 mins....

My idea would be for him to get off at Padang Beasar, and then re-board the north train, or to go as far as Hat Yai and get a mini bus to the boarder and back to Hat Yai, but he want to cross on the train and not do any walking [difficult for him]

The Thread I cannot find at least a year ago, I seam to remember one member saying it is difficult to get back on the Train at Padang Beasar, cannot remember if it was something to do with Thai/Malaysia Immigration check points..

Just hoping someone had done this trip and could advise..

I have done the trip a few times. Do expect a delay of 4hrs or beyond and usually you get ferry to Butterworth by Malaysia coach from Padang Besar instead.

The best option is alight at Hat Yai and take a minibus to Danok-Sadao check-point to complete the visa run.

I have done the trip a few times. Do expect a delay of 4hrs or beyond and usually you get ferry to Butterworth by Malaysia coach from Padang Besar instead.

The best option is alight at Hat Yai and take a minibus to Danok-Sadao check-point to complete the visa run.

Thanks passed it on, but he says is to difficult now by bus or Mini Van, to many seat in these Vans and no room for his 3 wheeled walking Frame..

Maybe he could get an Extension here for retirement ? as he spends 8 - 9 months a year here = he must do at least 2 x boarder runs, or is there any easy way to cross the boarder and back without getting out/off or having to walk..

It is the same train but there can be alternative trains used within Malaysia at times. I have had to change to Malay train at border and several times at small stations within Malaysia when Bangkok train was especially late as they would charter a Malay train to leave on time from Butterworth and meet the Bangkok train en route. For his walking issues he must depart at border immigration platform but could stay there until train returns and get back on then. Believe there are eating facilities and such on platform (but it has been a decade so may have changed) and would be sure to get on return train without issues (as have to depart and go through immigration again would save one cycle of boarding/exit).

If he can meet the 800k in bank or 65k income or combination and over age 50 he should check on extension of stay. Retirement is really very easy with little paperwork required.

Lopburi 3 giving very sound advice. It is (almost) too easy to apply for the annual 'retirement visa' extension, on the basis of a mixture of income in home country, and bank balance here. Once you have it - can report every 90 days using the postal system, no excruciating border runs in minivans with gung-ho drivers and extra costs... AA

No problem to get off & back on at Padang. Level platform. Toilet has a lip that may be a problem. Ask the staff if there is better access elsewhere.. There is a snack bar upstairs. Maybe stock up in HadYai station. The money changer is on the platform level. [ bad rate ]. You need ringgit to buy return ticket. Ticket office on platform level. Due to the double tracking work there may be some construction going on along the platform.The double tracking work may make the train late thru Malaysia. You could go down to Arau , Alor Star or Bukit Metajam but those platforms may be work sites also.

One hour time difference between Thai & Malaysia [ truly Asia ]