I tried to find something on this but didn't have any luck. I have heard that often bags can end up missing if you are not on the bus with them. I want to drive my car separately and meet my bags in Surat Thani. I have considered mailing them, but it is a little slow and more expensive. Possibly one bus line maybe more safe?

The real sticking point here is that most buses stop in Bangkok and the luggage would have to be switched. Same with a train which actually would require me being at the train station in Bangkok to move my bags myself..... as far as I know.

Ever heard of a bus offering insurance on the luggage? If so then this would probably be an indication to less chance of getting baggage handlers with bad intentions.

Anyone had a good experience or bad doing this?

I know about the other options such as postal service and air freight. So really don't want to know about these. I just want to know if it is possible by a bus or possibly train, without having to be at the station to oversee the luggage transfer.

Thanks

Have you considered hiring someone to take and take care of the bags to surat for you?

If you can trust that person and arrange a rendezvous you would be fine. Perhaps offer an extra reward for when he delivers...

Edited December 13, 201213 yr by Dancealot

My Thai friend routinely ships bags from BKK to CM via bus when arriving from overseas and flying low cost, low baggage limit flights. Never a problem and it seems many due likewise as there is usuallt a queue at the baggge check in at the bus station and no bags are retrievable without a baggage stub.

its fairly simple-most likely too simple for TV-users; on MOST long-dist buslines you can send parcels, up to a certain size/weight, But ONLY without any transfer. You have to bring/collect (can be done by someone else) at both ends. This means in BKK you have to deliver at SaiThai Taling Chan-but there is the odd independent busline that also has an office or 2 more downtownish. Best is to collect right after arrival=next day-or have it arranged by someone to do.