Just getting to cell phone reception now. Our train derailed. The engine and front cars left after leaving the detailed cars. Semi-stranded (but with A/C) for over 6 hours. Transferred to new train and I think they're taking us by bus at the next station.

See attached image.

The driver didn't do a runner, did he? Keep en eye out for 20m deep sinkholes.

No idea if he ran or not. That would be funny if he did. And we went over the 20m sinkhole on our way to the transfer station. I see they just built a bridge to support the flying track.

And still they talk of building a High Speed Railway. Dream on.

Please tell me you're flying back!

And still they talk of building a High Speed Railway. Dream on.

Another good reason to avoid the top bunk.

Don't like to do the "human cannonball" impression at 4-5 am in the morning!

Another good reason to avoid the top bunk.

Don't like to do the "human cannonball" impression at 4-5 am in the morning!

All of this could serve as a reminder to orient yourself in the bunk so that your feet are toward the direction that the train is moving. You can cushion your quick-stop easier and safer with your feet and legs than you can with your head and neck.

Another good reason to avoid the top bunk.

Don't like to do the "human cannonball" impression at 4-5 am in the morning!

All of this could serve as a reminder to orient yourself in the bunk so that your feet are toward the direction that the train is moving. You can cushion your quick-stop easier and safer with your feet and legs than you can with your head and neck.

No worries, next time I'll stay super safe - I'll be the one sleeping with a crash helmet on.

There's a reason God invented airplanes.

There's a reason God invented airplanes.

The Wright brothers are now God himself?

Well, I never knew that! Amazing goings on in the land of God's people.

Anybody know if the line is open and trains running as scheduled? Got friends due on tomorrow morning's BKK-CM train.

The State Railways of Thailand website is sadly lacking in useful information.

CMMCB

continue to fly guys....fastest and safest....unfortunately I give the Vietnam trains top marks compared to Thai ones....anyone that has travel between Hanoi - Sapa would know that should be what sleeper bunks look like !

See attached image.

So, you guys are the reason I had to take a 4 hour bus ride from Chiang Mai to Sila-At to catch the Bangkok train. At least I know why I don't take the CNX-BKK-CNX buses. Good work. LOL

David

And still they talk of building a High Speed Railway. Dream on.

I hope a farang company builds the railroad.

And still they talk of building a High Speed Railway. Dream on.

I hope a farang company builds the railroad.

I would hope a Japanese company builds it. They seem to know how to do it right.

David

Anybody know if the line is open and trains running as scheduled? Got friends due on tomorrow morning's BKK-CM train.

The State Railways of Thailand website is sadly lacking in useful information.

CMMCB

I assume the line is open. Last time when the line washed away, it was open 2 days later.

So yes, I ended up flying back. Cost me a lot, but was a nice quick trip. I still somewhat prefer the train, as long as you get to go from point A to point B all on the train. The bus was nice, but I don't think busses are safe as a general rule.

continue to fly guys....fastest and safest....unfortunately I give the Vietnam trains top marks compared to Thai ones....anyone that has travel between Hanoi - Sapa would know that should be what sleeper bunks look like !

many go for cruise, i chose rails. im a sucker for trains, the hanoi-sapa is a very nice and affordable experience, the only down side is the berth. the berth is laid across the cabin instead of along the cabin

i would be celebrating this coming chinese new year week in oriental express train from bkk to sg. this is my 3rd time now, still getting really excited on this

I would like to be the first to question the OP titles use of the word "Express".

I would like to be the first to question the OP titles use of the word "Express".

21 hours from Chiang Mai to Bangkok "Express" train, LOL. But that's what it's called. It's the Express rather than the Local train.

Actually, upon review, I guess it's possible it was the "Special Express" rather than just an Express. They don't even seem to have a Local train. It's called Rapid I love the colorful terms that Thailand uses.

All of this could serve as a reminder to orient yourself in the bunk so that your feet are toward the direction that the train is moving. You can cushion your quick-stop easier and safer with your feet and legs than you can with your head and neck.

Sound logic, but remember to switch when they start shunting cars at 2am!

And still they talk of building a High Speed Railway. Dream on.

I hope a farang company builds the railroad.

I would hope a Japanese company builds it. They seem to know how to do it right.

Not so hot on nuclear power stations, but.

I prefer a Japanese company building it ....if they can get them to be accurate like the Japs about arrival / departure times...wow ...maybe then there wil be hope for that fast train dream :-)

And just to remind people that trains derail quite frequently, injuring people.

And still they talk of building a High Speed Railway. Dream on.

I hope a farang company builds the railroad.

I would hope a Japanese company builds it. They seem to know how to do it right.

David

Okay, build it but who is going to maintain it? yeh right so forget it

Anybody know if the line is open and trains running as scheduled? Got friends due on tomorrow morning's BKK-CM train.

The State Railways of Thailand website is sadly lacking in useful information.

CMMCB

I assume the line is open. Last time when the line washed away, it was open 2 days later.

So yes, I ended up flying back. Cost me a lot, but was a nice quick trip. I still somewhat prefer the train, as long as you get to go from point A to point B all on the train. The bus was nice, but I don't think busses are safe as a general rule.

Just this morning I was talking with a friend about the wife and I making a train trip to Bangkok. Me just for the experience her because she follows me.

Thought it would be a great experience the train ride and playing tourist in Bangkok.

Is this the second derailment in the last year. I know there was a bridge wash out.

Looking like I might reconsider the train ride.

I would presume the Government has figured it out by now that there is maintenance work needing being done on the line. Or am I giving them to much credit?

who is still going to take the train now.give a few weeks back in business as usual.just be careful what bed you book

Why wait until something happened? Preventive measures is better than cure isn't it?

The railway company is just waiting for the alarm clock to ring then they will wake up!

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