\| Prev.................... \| Back to Travel Log Index \| ....................Next \|
Pa Sak Jolisid Dam	Pa Sak Jolisid Dam via Kaeng Khoi and Khok Salung. Page (1) \| (2) \| (3) Natural barriers……..At this point I would like to explain the connection between the railway here and the Pasak Jolasid Dam project. The branch line was constructed relatively recently as a relief line to Thailand’s northeastern provinces. The main line suffers a difficult passage as it picks its way up to the Korat Plateau an elevation of some 200 metres. Freight trains in particular have a hard time having to split loads at Keang Khoi and reconnect at Pak Chong on the Plateau. However when the branch line was constructed the flooded Pa Sak valley became a natural obstacle causing a new station to be build where I stand. The overall result is a trainspotter’s dream and a wonder to all as the line crosses the valley on 5 huge concrete rail bridges. Today STR railway staff occupy Khok Salung station as a sense of duty to non existent customers. It should be different at the weekend but they do have to arrange complimentary transport to those who require a connection. The lack of activity here gives the opportunity to look around including the building controlling points and signaling. No high-tech stuff here but wonderful to see. Silver lining……..I use the afternoon to tour around on my new found transport. I get great views if the rail bridges finally ending up at Pasak Jolasid Dam. I can well see why this place is becoming popular. The climate is cooler and there is a recreation area and viewpoint. Wandering over to the dam I get a great view of the seven steel gates and sluices that provide control of water in the Pasak river basin. It’s time to head back to Keang Koi. Time has flown by and I exchange my motorbike for a van kindly provided FREE by SRT. I arrive at Keang Khoi station just in time for the last train back to Bangkok, the Rapid service from Ubon Ratchathani. In the rush to get all passengers aboard the ticket office issues a free pass to Bangkok. OK its 3rd class but it goes some way to compensate for the disappointment of not crossing the great Pa Sak valley by train. It’s another 2 hours before this train arrives at Don Meuang but as the great cloud hangs over the day at least it has I silver lining.
Photo Gallery Vocabulary Roht bus - bus Roht too - minivan Sa-ta-nee roht fi - train station Songtheaw - local transport truck

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

Natural barriers……..At this point I would like to explain the connection between the railway here and the Pasak Jolasid Dam project. The branch line was constructed relatively recently as a relief line to Thailand’s northeastern provinces. The main line suffers a difficult passage as it picks its way up to the Korat Plateau an elevation of some 200 metres. Freight trains in particular have a hard time having to split loads at Keang Khoi and reconnect at Pak Chong on the Plateau. However when the branch line was constructed the flooded Pa Sak valley became a natural obstacle causing a new station to be build where I stand. The overall result is a trainspotter’s dream and a wonder to all as the line crosses the valley on 5 huge concrete rail bridges. Today STR railway staff occupy Khok Salung station as a sense of duty to non existent customers. It should be different at the weekend but they do have to arrange complimentary transport to those who require a connection. The lack of activity here gives the opportunity to look around including the building controlling points and signaling. No high-tech stuff here but wonderful to see.
Silver lining……..I use the afternoon to tour around on my new found transport. I get great views if the rail bridges finally ending up at Pasak Jolasid Dam. I can well see why this place is becoming popular. The climate is cooler and there is a recreation area and viewpoint. Wandering over to the dam I get a great view of the seven steel gates and sluices that provide control of water in the Pasak river basin. It’s time to head back to Keang Koi. Time has flown by and I exchange my motorbike for a van kindly provided FREE by SRT. I arrive at Keang Khoi station just in time for the last train back to Bangkok, the Rapid service from Ubon Ratchathani. In the rush to get all passengers aboard the ticket office issues a free pass to Bangkok. OK its 3rd class but it goes some way to compensate for the disappointment of not crossing the great Pa Sak valley by train. It’s another 2 hours before this train arrives at Don Meuang but as the great cloud hangs over the day at least it has I silver lining.