Special Express 37 Thaksin Express from Bangkok Hua Lamphong to Sungai Golok Train Review in First Class (Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF))

The Special Express 37 Thaksin Express is the longest train journey in Thailand from Bangkok to Sungai Golok previously at 1159 kilometers long. Before the move to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, I made sure to take the Special Express 37 Thaksin Express from Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station to achieve this distance, as the move to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal would make the new journey length of Special Express 37 Thaksin Express to be 1152 kilometers long only.

For this trip from Chiang Mai to Singapore, I was also not in the mood to take long-distance electric trains, so going by the east coast of Malaysia would get me diesel-hauled trains throughout the journey. For this 21 hours and 20 minutes journey, I bought a ticket in the Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF) as it would be more comfortable for the long distance, and the fares would technically be cheaper per kilometer, since the various fees are fixed.

Chiang Mai to Singapore by Train

• Special Express 10 Uttrawithi from Chiang Mai to Bangkok Hua Lamphong by Train
• Special Express 37 Thaksin Express from Bangkok Hua Lamphong to Sungai Golok by Train in First Class (Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF))
• Cross-Border Walk from Sungai Golok (Thailand) to Rantau Panjang (Malaysia)
• Mutiara Rentas Desa Bus 29 from Rantau Panjang to Pasir Mas by Bus
• KTM Shuttle Timuran 56up from Pasir Mas to Tumpat by Train (61 Class DMU02 / 61102 Kota Bharu)
• KTM Ekspres Rakyat Timuran 27dn from Tumpat to JB Sentral by Train
• KTM Shuttle Tebrau 79dn from JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ by Train

Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station

My journey starts at the grand Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

Heading into Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

My Special Express 37 Thaksin Express will be departing from Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 3.10pm. This train will run combined with the Special Express 45 International Express before the 2 trains split at Hat Yai Junction.

The waiting hall of Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

I got to Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station way earlier than needed, and the rake of my Special Express 37 Thaksin Express was not at the platform yet.

At 1.49pm, the rake of my Special Express 37 Thaksin Express was shunted in to Platform 5. However, the train is not ready for boarding yet.

Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF)

My booked Car 12 is at the end of the train, offering the shortest walk from the station concourse to the coach.

Staff are loading up sheets to be used later at night during the turndown service.

Once the sheets have all been loaded up, and the train floor mopped, I boarded the Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF).

I booked a single compartment at 9 and 10 with a supplement paid.

The interior of the Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF) compartment.

The lower berth forms the seat in the day configuration, with the upper berth folded down to form the  seat back.

Overhead racks store the pillows and mattresses used at night.

Looking back at the aisle from inside the ANF compartment. The door to the compartment is sliding to save space.

The door can be locked from inside.

A window with curtain is provided to look out to the aisle.

For my compartment’s configuration, the sink area is provided by the aisle. This alternates as the compartment goes along, with the other neighbouring configuration being by the window.

A 2-pin power socket is also provided by the side of the air-conditioning unit.

The basket just below allows me to rest my phone inside while charging.

More air-conditioning ducts are available nearer to the window. This kept my compartment nice and chilly.

There is also a connecting door between each pair of compartments which can open in case of a group travelling in the said neighbouring compartments.

Looking into the neighbouring compartment from my compartment.

A squat toilet is available on board the Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF), nearest to the accommodation area.

An integrated sitting toilet and standing shower is also available on board the Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF), located near to the vestibule.

CRRC Qishuyan “Ultraman” locomotive QSY 5207

CRRC Qishuyan “Ultraman” locomotive QSY 5207 is on duty for my Special Express 37 Thaksin Express from Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Hat Yai Junction Railway Station only. Another locomotive will continue on the rest of the journey from Hat Yai Junction Railway Station.

Special Express 45 International Express

The Special Express 37 Thaksin Express runs combined with the Special Express 45 International Express from Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Hat Yai Junction Railway Station.

The destination sign of the Special Express 45 International Express.

The Special Express 45 International Express is made up of 2 Daewoo Air-Conditioned Second Class Day & Night Coach (ANS40) only.

Air-Conditioned Second Class Day & Night Coach (ANS)

The Special Express 37 Thaksin Express’s Air-Conditioned Second Class Day & Night Coaches (ANS40) are using the Tokyu version.

Seats and berths of the Tokyu Air-Conditioned Second Class Day & Night Coaches (ANS40) are slimmer than the Daewoo ones.

With the lack of under-seat storage space, luggage racks protruding into the aisle are provided beside the lower and upper berths.

Bogie Third Class Carriage (BTC)

For the extreme budget conscious, Bogie Third Class Carriages (BTC76) are attached on the Special Express 37 Thaksin Express. This is not ideal for the full journey, but it does cater to those who need to travel on a limited budget, or those looking for an adventure.

Bogie Second Class Carriage (BSC)

A Bogie Second Class Carriage (BSC48) is available with reclining individual seats which rotate to face the direction of travel.

The lost sight of cleaners cleaning the sides of the train coaches before departure directly on the platform. This maintenance is now done in the new depot of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal before sending the train to the platform for boarding.

Before departure, the train crew of Special Express 37 Thaksin Express and Special Express 45 International Express muster for a briefing.

I returned to my compartment after walking the length of the train and back to sterilised cups and 2 bottles of drinking water.

2 bars of soap are also placed by the sink.

Additional Security Check

I readied my ticket early, and thankfully I did. As the Special Express 37 Thaksin Express heads into the deep south of Thailand, additional security checks are conducted on board before departure with basic questioning on why I am going there.

Following the security checks, a delightful hawker with Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) followed, of which I bought 1 to standby, since there was no catering on board during the time of my trip.

The Krapow Gai was nicely packed with a styrofoam plate and shrink wrap, with the rice, egg, and basil chicken nicely presented. A packet of Prik Nam Pla (chilli and fish sauce) is also provided for seasoning.

Meanwhile, I also had a freshly-microwaved Spaghetti Carbonara which I bought from 7-Eleven prior to departure. I stocked up enough food to sufficiently last me my whole journey, but also supplemented a bit too many times with the on-board hawkers.

My Special Express 37 Thaksin Express departed from Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station on time at 3.10pm.

Passing by Hua Lamphong Railcar Depot.

My Special Express 37 Thaksin Express stopped over Khlong Saen Saep to wait for a signal.

Crossing Yommarat Junction.

Passing through Chitralada Royal Railway Station.

Passing through Yommarat Railway Halt.

Sam Sen Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Sam Sen Railway Station.

Approaching Bang Sue Junction Railway Station.

Bang Sue Junction Railway Station

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal can be seen just beside Bang Sue Junction Railway Station.

Making a brief stop at Bang Sue Junction Railway Station.

Heading on the ground level line on a long-distance train for one of the last times.

Ticket checking was done after departing from Bang Sue Junction Railway Station.

My checked ticket for my Special Express 37 Thaksin Express train.

Heading left on to the Southern Line after Bang Sue Junction.

At this time, I also tested my portable electric kettle, and I’m pleased to report that it works perfectly fine. I was also to put my kettle stable on the cup holders which formed a small side table.

Crossing the Rama VI Bridge over the Chao Phraya River.

Bang Bamru Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Bang Bamru Railway Station.

The Special Express 37 Thaksin Express takes the low platforms for long distance trains at Bang Bamru Railway Station, with the Red Line just beside.

Heading on the non-electrified line beside the elevated Red Line for one of the last times.

More hawkers came on board after Bang Bamru.

Passing by an SRT Light Red Line or Nakhon Withi Line train bound for Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

Passing through Taling Chan Junction Railway Station.

Approaching the end of electrification after Taling Chan Junction Railway Station.

Heading out to the non-electrified double-track sector.

Sala Ya Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Sala Ya Railway Station.

I bought a Kway Teow as a snack from a passing hawker. This costs 10 Baht.

Nakhon Pathom Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Nakhon Pathom Railway Station.

The new building of Nakhon Pathom Railway Station is coming up with high platforms, and most likely be Red Line-ready.

Heading along in the setting sun.

The upcoming high platforms of Nong Pladuk Junction.

Passing through Nong Pladuk Junction Railway Station. This is the junction station for the Kanchanaburi and Suphan Buri lines.

The new Nong Pladuk Junction Railway Station building and platforms are coming up as well.

The junction to Suphan Buri splits off first.

The line towards Kanchanaburi and Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi splits off nearer to Ban Pong, though it has already physically split at the junction point at Nong Pladuk Junction.

Crossing the railway crossing before Ban Pong Railway Station.

Ban Pong Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Ban Pong Railway Station. Ban Pong Railway Station was used as the unloading point for prisoner of wars (POWs) from Changi Prison, Singapore for the construction of the Thai-Burma Railway or Death Railway.

The upcoming new station building and high platforms of Ban Pong Railway Station.

Another hawker came on board at Ban Pong Railway Station selling Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) with Khao Niew (sticky rice).

I bought a pack for a snack. This is turning into a buffet.

There was also a Khanom Mo Kaeng (Coconut Custard) hawker but I resisted temptation to buy it since I still had food on hand.

Crossing the Chulalongkorn Bridge over the Mae Klong River and passing by the new Chulalongkorn Bridge beside.

The new viaducts leading to the new Chulalongkorn Bridge.

Ratchaburi Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Ratchaburi Railway Station.

The sun started to set after Ratchaburi Railway Station.

Phetchaburi Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Phetchaburi Railway Station.

Another Mo Kaeng hawker came round to sell more Mo Kaeng.

As such, I gave in to temptation to buy myself a warm dessert for the evening.

After Phetchaburi Railway Station, the attendant came around to make up my room for the night.

Despite having booked the compartment for single occupancy, the upper berth still has to be lifted up so as to get the full lower mattress space.

The attendant makes up the lower berth for single occupancy, and leaves the upper berth blank.

My made up lower berth for the night.

The lower berth comes complete with a night lamp and rope basket, which is exposed when the upper berth is lifted up from being the seat back.

The upper berth has no bedding on it, with the seat armrest holding the safety bar away. Similarly, a night lamp and rope basket is provided.

With the bedding removed, the recess at the upper berth, hidden above the aisle, can be used for storage.

No view is offered through the window from the upper berth.

My dinner of Mama Spicy Cheese, hot Ovaltine, and Moh Kaeng. The noodles and drinks are made possible with my portable kettle.

Hua Hin Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Hua Hin Railway Station.

After Hua Hin Railway Station, I slept for the night very comfortably in my private compartment.

For breakfast, I had sandwiches and eggs bought from 7-Eleven outside Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station, along with hot coffee made from my kettle.

Approaching the defunct railway line from Songkhla on approach to Hat Yai Junction Railway Station.

Entering Hat Yai Junction Railway Station.

Hat Yai Junction Railway Station

Making a longer stop at Hat Yai Junction Railway Station for the Special Express 45 to decouple and a loco swap.

As I was all the way at the rear of the train, I did not want to risk being left on the platform, so I skipped spotting the procedure.

There were better things waiting for me on board anyway, such as this Hat Yai Fried Chicken hawker.

For ordering, a bag will be given to you by the hawker to open up, and then he or she will put the chicken, spare parts, or sticky rice into the said bag with you holding it.

My morning chicken snack after my sandwiches.

Cold drinks are also on sale, pre-packed in bottles, with a huge bag of ice provided.

At this time, the attendant also comes back around to make the berths back into seats for the daytime journey.

Sheets are rolled into bundles after keeping.

My compartment now back in day configuration.

Bedding has been put back in its original day time storage positions.

Departing from Hat Yai Junction Railway Station.

Heading onto the Sungai Golok Line, splitting off from the line towards Padang Besar, Butterworth, KL, and Woodlands CIQ, Singapore.

Exiting from Hat Yai Junction Railway Station.

Crossing over Sripoovanart Road.

Do note that roaming is barred in Southern Thailand, shortly after departing from Hat Yai Junction Railway Station. Your foreign SIM card will not work. However, if you are using a local Thai SIM card, your connection will not be affected and you can use mobile data as per normal.

Pattani Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Pattani Railway Station.

Yala Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Yala Railway Station.

Passing by the umbrella market after Yala Railway Station.

Making a brief stop at Mai Ken Railway Station for crossing.

Crossing with the Local 452 at Mai Ken Railway Station.

Departing from Mai Ken Railway Station.

Ruso Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Ruso Railway Station.

Tanyong Mat Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Tanyong Mat Railway Station.

Sungai Padi Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Sungai Padi Railway Station.

Crossing with the Rapid 172 at Sungai Padi Railway Station.

Departing from Sungai Padi Railway Station.

Heading on the last stretch to Sungai Kolok Railway Station.

Sungai Kolok Railway Station

My arrived at Sungai Kolok Railway Station at 12.40pm – 10 minutes delayed. Pretty impressive for a 1159 kilometers long 21 hours and 20 minutes journey, which now took 21 hours and 30 minutes.

The destination plate has already been changed for the returning Special Express 38 Thaksin Express trip to Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

The station sign of Sungai Kolok Railway Station.

Heading through the station building of Sungai Kolok Railway Station to exit.

The station cat looks out for passengers literally on the security desk.

There is a snack stall on the end of the platform, useful if proceeding directly to the border.

The façade of Sungai Kolok Railway Station.

From here, motorbike taxi drivers are waiting for passengers, and can be used to get to the border for 50 Baht.

Conclusion

It was a very comfortable ride on board my private compartment in the Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF) on Thailand’s longest train journey. This gave me a lot of space to stretch out, to make and get my food and drinks, hot showers which is very appreciated, and a power socket for my exclusive use throughout the 21 hours and 30 minutes journey. It felt like a blink of an eye on board the Special Express 37 Thaksin Express, despite being on the move for almost a whole calendar day.

Chiang Mai to Singapore by Train

• Special Express 10 Uttrawithi from Chiang Mai to Bangkok Hua Lamphong by Train
• Special Express 37 Thaksin Express from Bangkok Hua Lamphong to Sungai Golok by Train in First Class (Air-Conditioned First Class Day & Night Coach (ANF))
• Cross-Border Walk from Sungai Golok (Thailand) to Rantau Panjang (Malaysia)
• Mutiara Rentas Desa Bus 29 from Rantau Panjang to Pasir Mas by Bus
• KTM Shuttle Timuran 56up from Pasir Mas to Tumpat by Train (61 Class DMU02 / 61102 Kota Bharu)
• KTM Ekspres Rakyat Timuran 27dn from Tumpat to JB Sentral by Train
• KTM Shuttle Tebrau 79dn from JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ by Train