Bangkok Blogs

The skytrain that connects many parts of the main city areas of Bangkok has revolutionised the way that the average individual gets from A to B. It’s effect has been largely positive - it is only unfortunate that it doesn’t cover more areas. However, plans are now afoot to build onto the existing network.

Coupled with the more recent MRTA underground train system (much like London’s underground) there are further fields one can get to without having to wait in road traffic.

I still personally enjoy taking a taxi, and sometimes even when I know I could get somewhere alot quicker and more cheaply by taking the BTS Skytrain I will still opt to get into a taxi. After all this time I still rather enjoy talking to Taxi drivers. I also enjoy watching the goings on around me outside of the car and sometimes when it rains, the  inside of a taxi with soothing beeping from the meter, can be a very meditative place.

Getting around on the BTS Skytrain system is as easy as pie. Destinations are clearly labelled and the prices escalte depending on distance from your present location. The average ticket price is 30THB but if you travel often, such as to and from work, you can buy a vareity of passes that afford you a discount and freedom from the trouble of buying each trip.

The ticket presents itself in the form of a thin plastic credit card which you slip into the electronic gate. This in turn opens for you (but once you go through, don’t let your behind dally around or it may get caught by the overzealous gates closing!) and you then join the stairs or escalator up to the train platform.

Trains come once every 15 minutes, on average. At peak times you might have to wait for more than one unless you particularly enjoy squeezing up against several people at once.

While you wait, if you have to, there are strategically placed plasma television screens to promote the latest apalling boy band that failed in the West, or what food the restaurant chain MK has to offer this season.

They’re now putting these tv’s on the train itself, so you can watch adverts and music TV while you travel.

Once inside the train itself, a friendly voice helps beginners learn the Thai for ‘The next station is..’ and then the placename of some key areas around Bangkok.

There are seats, which Bangkok citizens usually give to children first, old people second and then the good looking ladies. Honestly, this is the priority. I’ve witnessed it many times. If you’re older than 30 and white, you are likely to be offered a seat too.

I prefer to stand. I like leaning against the side of the opposite doors and watching everyone who comes on. Unfortunately, this happens to place my shoulder dangerously close to the ‘Panic’ button that contacts the driver. I once pressed it accidentally on a busy train full of people. ‘What do you need, Sir?’ came the formal reply from somewhere in the plastic behind me. Not being fully tuned in, I didn’t quite realise it was me.. after a while, I startled and turned, realising what I had done and profusely apologised into the tiny holes in the wall - ‘Sorry Sir! My mistake..Never mind!’. He seemed to understand. Nobody laughed until I said ‘Oops..’ quite loudly to myself a moment later. Thais find our expressions of exclamaition quite odd.

The train can move form side to side a little, so you need to hold on to one of the railings above you or the red ties that hang from them, if you are to be cool and pose like I do.

The BTS trains have well designed air conditioning - perfect for cooling down.

I still like taxis, though!