Refurbishment of the railways

[Francois]

I read on a French Gazette that it is foreseen to refurbish very soonly the railways between Bangkok, Hua Hin and the south.

The idea is as Hua Hin is expending very quickly, means of transportation need to be updated : roadwork on the motorway, new flights between BKK and HH and a refurbishment of the train.

Has someone heard about this ?

[Terry]

Francois - don't get too exited.

I've worked on many rail projects in Thailand since 1992 and believe me these 'plans' have always been there.

Lack of money, political will, corruption, lack of investment................

[Guess]

....t is foreseen to refurbish very soonly the railways between Bangkok, Hua Hin and the south.

Has someone heard about this ?

Yes, I first heard about it in 2001. I have since heard about about every three months since then.

It is one of many rumours that will not come to fruition within the next decade at least.

[Francois]

Francois - don't get too exited.

[Snip]

Lack of money, political will, corruption, lack of investment................

Yes, I first heard about it in 2001. I have since heard about about every three months since then.

It is one of many rumours that will not come to fruition within the next decade at least.

Hi Terry and Guess,

Looks more coherent like this

[STEVE G]

I don't think that railway has changed much since it was built in about 1910.

[Randy Cornhole]

I don't think that railway has changed much since it was built in about 1910.

Dear God is it that new...

[margaretcarnes]

Yup - 1910 - and in almost as bad a state as UK railways! Seriously though guys, there was some track improvement work done on the Bkk/HH a few years back. Wooden sleepers were replaced about 1999/2000 I think. There was work done in other Provinces as well. A guy called Jim (who posts on here now and then) was working on a scheme of improvements, but I don't know how extensive, or whether it was completed.
Unfortunately until there is dual track right through I can't see scope for much more improvement. And how many tourists would use the trains anyway? Compare with the Bkk/Pattaya route, which was made so much easier and quicker with the new road, rather than new rail/air links.