We've had a comfortable night at Number One Apartment Pak Chong despite the feeling of austerity here. I manage to make a coffee and still have some leftover cake but my partner it's allowed to consume anything until she's given blood at the hospital. Despite an early appointment there's no rush as the hospital is just around the corner. For my part I'd like to see some trains which end up procrastinating and accompanying Katoon to the hospital. Katoon chose Pak Chong Hospital for its convenience as the doctor, a relative is resident on site.
The morning continues with back and forth visits to departments and then when that's complete we can join the family for lunch. In between the relatives continue with their medical duties but for us, the afternoon is free. My attention now turns back to trains.
At around 3:30 there is a local train departing from Pak Chong heading east. So far I've yet to take a train beyond this station, although I know the route is a scenic one.
From the low plains of Saraburi, the land rises steeply to the high plains of the plateau to the east. In a gap in the mountain range lies Pak Chong and beyond that, the impressive Lam Takhong Reservoir. Through the gap passes the railway to the north and the Mittraphap Road to the South, both being upgraded. In recent months, a new elevated section of the M6 motorway has been opened. Eventually this will connect Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok. While this engineering work is impressive, so is the work on the railway on the opposite side of the reservoir. Many of the stations on Thailand's Northeastern Line have now been upgraded, but is yet to fully open to two-way traffic. At the same time work is continuing on the high speed rail link in the area. This multi contract project will allow high speed trains to travel all the way from China to Bangkok. For me, it's a golden opportunity to see this for myself and hopefully
The 233 ordinary service duly arrives and I hop on board, but I don't plan to travel far, just enough distance to view progress around the dam. I purchase a ticket for Khlong Phai which is three stations from Pak Chong. The journey will take just 30 minutes and that proves enough to achieve what I intended. Waiting at Khlong Phai is Katoon to collect me with the car. From here there's enough time to return to Pak Chong before 5:00 pm and yet another planned meal with family albeit this time a more exotic affair. There is just the hour before medical duties resume but for us, it's time to return to Bangkok. a comfortable two and a quarter hours away.
Although there was no time today to go sightseeing, apart from my little excursion, the day achieved what was intended. This weekend will feel rather strange as there is no league football due to international fixtures. I can take a rest and take in all that's happened this week.

Source: Visit