Pa Sak Jolisid Dam via Kaeng Khoi and Khok Salung. Page (1) | (2) | (3)

Unpredictable……..For the second time in three days I am about to experience the unpredictability of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) but there is a silver lining. I’m heading up country into Lopburi province on essentially a railway tour. However I’m including it as a general tour due to the isolation and tranquility of my destination in keeping with my plans to visit more unusual places; but first a little history lesson.
Back one generation……..In 1989 the residents of the village of Khok Salung in the Pa Sak river valley along others were told they would have to vacate their homes; their village would be no more. King Bhumibol Adulyadej had initiated an irrigation project to dam the Pasak River at Ban Kaeng Sua Ten, Phatthana Nikhom district in Lopburi province. The aim was to gain more control of waters in the Pa Sak river valley and lower Chao Phraya river valley as well as generating about 6.7 MW of hydro-electric power. On June 15, 1998 HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over a royal ceremony starting the storing of water in the reservoir. On October 20, 1991 the King gave the dam its official name, Pasak Jolasit. The displaced resident of the Pa Sak river valley were offered 75,000 baht per rai as compensation.
Heading for Lopburi……..I arrive at Don Mueang Railway station by bus hoping to catch the 9.05 am Udon Thani express service which ably propelled me to Ayutthaya earlier in the month. It doesn’t arrive on time. I am informed it will be 50 minutes late. OK that won’t interfere with my plans too much. Eventually I am on my way to the railway junction at Kaeng Khoi, Saraburi province. I am hoping to connect with the branch line that will provide transport to Pasak Jolasit. (cont. on Page 2)