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Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:01,635 --> 00:00:04,836 ♪ ♪ ♪ 2 00:00:04,872 --> 00:00:08,374 Welcome to thailand! 3 00:00:10,111 --> 00:00:12,410 (Teddy) we're riding on a railway 4 00:00:12,446 --> 00:00:16,448 That's a backpacker's dream and every builder's nightmare. 5 00:00:16,483 --> 00:00:18,883 (Teddy) where 40 year old trains 6 00:00:18,919 --> 00:00:21,720 Battle weather beaten tracks. 7 00:00:25,225 --> 00:00:28,260 (Teddy) travel through complete chaos. 8 00:00:28,395 --> 00:00:32,831 I've never seen anything like this. 9 00:00:32,867 --> 00:00:34,066 Hello! Come in, come in! 10 00:00:34,201 --> 00:00:36,702 (Teddy) and the most challenging terrain. 11 00:00:38,072 --> 00:00:41,906 These trains show what it truly means to be mighty! 12 00:00:41,942 --> 00:00:47,679 ♪ ♪ ♪ 13 00:00:47,814 --> 00:00:51,516 The kingdom of thailand famous for tropical beaches, 14 00:00:51,552 --> 00:00:54,987 Holy temples and vibrant street life. 15 00:00:55,122 --> 00:00:58,057 It's the exotic jewel of southeast asia and there's 16 00:00:58,158 --> 00:01:02,661 No better way to see it than by train. 17 00:01:02,696 --> 00:01:05,497 We're gonna cross a ton of different landscapes on this journey. 18 00:01:05,632 --> 00:01:06,598 So, we're almost at the station 19 00:01:06,733 --> 00:01:09,367 And I can't wait to jump on my first train. 20 00:01:09,403 --> 00:01:13,572 (Teddy) my 4 day 1,300 kilometer 21 00:01:13,607 --> 00:01:15,841 Journey starts here at the station in surat thani. 22 00:01:15,976 --> 00:01:17,109 Thanks! 23 00:01:17,144 --> 00:01:19,711 ♪ ♪ ♪ 24 00:01:19,846 --> 00:01:21,646 For the first leg of my trip I'm heading out along 25 00:01:21,682 --> 00:01:24,716 The shores of the gulf of thailand to the sprawling 26 00:01:24,851 --> 00:01:27,419 Metropolis of bangkok. 27 00:01:27,554 --> 00:01:30,388 From there I'll head north again through lopburi in 28 00:01:30,424 --> 00:01:32,791 Thailand's central plains, before climbing into 29 00:01:32,827 --> 00:01:34,626 The peaks of the thai highlands to the 30 00:01:34,761 --> 00:01:41,866 Ancient city of chiang mai. 31 00:01:41,902 --> 00:01:44,202 (train master on megaphone) 32 00:01:44,238 --> 00:01:46,905 There are a dozen trains that take passengers to bangkok every day. 33 00:01:47,040 --> 00:01:48,573 When you get to the station it's a bit of a rush. 34 00:01:48,609 --> 00:01:50,208 You only have a few minutes to grab your stuff 35 00:01:50,244 --> 00:01:51,944 And get on board. 36 00:01:52,078 --> 00:01:54,579 The state runs the trains in thailand. 37 00:01:54,615 --> 00:01:57,482 They have 250 locomotives in their fleet. 38 00:01:57,485 --> 00:01:59,418 Most are at least 40 years old, 39 00:01:59,553 --> 00:02:01,319 But they are workhorses. 40 00:02:01,355 --> 00:02:03,188 Exactly what's needed to battle thailand's 41 00:02:03,190 --> 00:02:08,226 Punishing terrain and weather. 42 00:02:08,262 --> 00:02:12,497 (Teddy) made in France this alstom locomotive is 43 00:02:12,533 --> 00:02:17,836 16.2 meters long, 3.9 meters high and 2.8 meters wide. 44 00:02:17,872 --> 00:02:22,641 It's powered by a 2400 horsepower diesel electric engine. 45 00:02:22,676 --> 00:02:24,109 It will be pulling 6 carriages with 46 00:02:24,145 --> 00:02:30,448 A hundred and thirty eight passengers. 47 00:02:30,484 --> 00:02:33,851 With a top speed of only 95 kilometers an hour 48 00:02:33,887 --> 00:02:36,054 Thai trains aren't built for speed, 49 00:02:36,090 --> 00:02:40,526 More like tanks ready for battle. 50 00:02:40,660 --> 00:02:42,327 We just left the train station in surat thani, 51 00:02:42,362 --> 00:02:43,595 Taking our time getting out of town. 52 00:02:43,631 --> 00:02:45,797 Soon we'll be up at a much faster clip and we've 53 00:02:45,932 --> 00:02:50,035 Got a long way to go. 54 00:02:50,070 --> 00:02:52,937 Show me your ticket, please. 55 00:02:52,973 --> 00:02:56,074 (Teddy) my journey starts on thailand's southern line. 56 00:02:56,109 --> 00:03:02,080 Over one thousand kilometers, it's the longest in the entire country. 57 00:03:02,115 --> 00:03:04,516 The southern line was completed in the early 1920's. 58 00:03:04,651 --> 00:03:07,485 It connected bangkok, singapore and malaysia 59 00:03:07,521 --> 00:03:11,123 And it resulted in the first real tourist boom for thailand. 60 00:03:11,258 --> 00:03:16,461 But it's not just tourists riding the train. 61 00:03:16,496 --> 00:03:20,532 Third class carriages are most popular with locals and backpackers. 62 00:03:20,601 --> 00:03:22,867 There are no assigned seats and just a rickety 63 00:03:22,903 --> 00:03:26,838 Fan blowing hot air, but fares are cheap. 64 00:03:26,973 --> 00:03:29,474 A third-class ticket from surat thani to bangkok 65 00:03:29,509 --> 00:03:32,844 Will set you back 217 thai baht, 66 00:03:32,979 --> 00:03:36,215 Just over nine canadian dollars. 67 00:03:36,316 --> 00:03:37,816 Lots of different classes and types of 68 00:03:37,851 --> 00:03:39,784 Cabins on this train so the seating in each are 69 00:03:39,820 --> 00:03:42,254 Often very different. 70 00:03:42,389 --> 00:03:45,357 Second class appeals to the flash packer set 71 00:03:45,492 --> 00:03:47,492 Travellers willing to spend more for comfortable 72 00:03:47,527 --> 00:03:49,994 Seating and air conditioning. 73 00:03:50,030 --> 00:03:53,999 A ticket here will cost you almost 28 canadian dollars. 74 00:03:54,134 --> 00:03:55,634 As far as first class? 75 00:03:55,769 --> 00:03:58,637 Well there is none. 76 00:04:00,474 --> 00:04:05,009 (Teddy) fifty million people ride these trains every year. 77 00:04:05,045 --> 00:04:11,783 I want all the passengers to enjoy their trip. 78 00:04:11,918 --> 00:04:13,685 (Teddy) to handle the sheer volume of riders, 79 00:04:13,820 --> 00:04:22,226 30 year old carriages, once deemed obsolete, are refurbished. 80 00:04:22,262 --> 00:04:28,967 We're focused on passengers' safety and the solidity 81 00:04:29,003 --> 00:04:36,408 Of the carriage structure. 82 00:04:36,543 --> 00:04:37,942 (Teddy) every four years carriages 83 00:04:37,978 --> 00:04:42,380 Are given a major overhaul at the makkasan depot in bangkok 84 00:04:42,416 --> 00:04:44,716 A massive workshop that's the size of almost 85 00:04:44,752 --> 00:04:51,289 3000 regulation tennis courts. 86 00:04:51,325 --> 00:04:54,926 We cut out and scrape off the old rusted panels. 87 00:04:54,962 --> 00:04:58,063 Put new metal panels on and weld and grind them so 88 00:04:58,198 --> 00:05:04,969 That it's ready for putty coating and new paint. 89 00:05:04,972 --> 00:05:11,376 By overhauling them we can extend their lifetime for another 4 years. 90 00:05:11,411 --> 00:05:13,511 (Teddy) despite their age, the refurbished carriage 91 00:05:13,547 --> 00:05:22,320 Come out looking brand new and ready to go back out on the line. 92 00:05:22,356 --> 00:05:24,422 Ninety per cent of thailand's rail lines 93 00:05:24,458 --> 00:05:27,325 Are single track, meaning trains traveling 94 00:05:27,361 --> 00:05:30,895 In different directions and at different speeds 95 00:05:30,931 --> 00:05:34,366 All have to share the same line. 96 00:05:34,501 --> 00:05:37,169 It's a complicated dance coordinated out of central 97 00:05:37,303 --> 00:05:43,842 Train control in bangkok. 98 00:05:43,877 --> 00:05:47,445 At the ctc we deal with many trains from different lines. 99 00:05:47,481 --> 00:05:53,518 Thailand's rail network is made up of five different lines. 100 00:05:53,653 --> 00:05:54,852 Busier routes around the capital city of bangkok 101 00:05:54,888 --> 00:05:56,454 Are tracked by computer-controlled 102 00:05:56,490 --> 00:05:59,557 Signals and train locators. 103 00:05:59,593 --> 00:06:04,662 For example, line number 112 is currently 3 minutes behind schedule. 104 00:06:04,698 --> 00:06:09,901 For the other 90 percent of the lines, technology isn't as advanced. 105 00:06:14,474 --> 00:06:16,274 (Teddy) to track trains in these areas, including the one we're 106 00:06:16,409 --> 00:06:18,009 On now, traffic control staff call 107 00:06:18,144 --> 00:06:24,783 Stations and drivers directly. 108 00:06:27,654 --> 00:06:33,825 (Teddy) routes are plotted out with graph paper and rulers. 109 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:36,561 We have to stop according to the official track schedule. 110 00:06:36,596 --> 00:06:39,797 (Teddy) with 300 passenger and cargo trips every day 111 00:06:39,833 --> 00:06:42,700 Throughout the country, even the tiniest mistake 112 00:06:42,736 --> 00:06:46,504 Or miscommunication can turn deadly. 113 00:06:46,540 --> 00:06:50,308 If something happen like an accident we cannot control it 114 00:06:50,344 --> 00:06:53,445 And sometimes they crash. 115 00:06:53,580 --> 00:06:57,615 (Teddy) in 2009, 7 people were killed and 88 injured when 116 00:06:57,651 --> 00:07:01,052 A driver on a northbound passenger train fell asleep, 117 00:07:01,187 --> 00:07:03,588 Missed a signal, and collided head on 118 00:07:03,624 --> 00:07:06,324 With a southbound freight train. 119 00:07:06,360 --> 00:07:08,560 The track was so badly damaged that train service 120 00:07:08,695 --> 00:07:15,801 From bangkok along the southern line was cut off for days. 121 00:07:15,935 --> 00:07:17,068 Everyone was affected, whether it was continuing 122 00:07:17,203 --> 00:07:23,842 With their daily chores or commuting. 123 00:07:23,877 --> 00:07:28,880 ♪ ♪ ♪ 124 00:07:29,015 --> 00:07:31,916 (Teddy) in remote rural areas where there are no signals. 125 00:07:31,952 --> 00:07:34,652 Drivers have to grab a right of way token to be 126 00:07:34,688 --> 00:07:40,125 Allowed to drive on the section of track ahead. 127 00:07:40,260 --> 00:07:43,795 We have the right of way 128 00:07:43,930 --> 00:07:45,096 For this section of the rail till next station. 129 00:07:45,231 --> 00:07:48,132 We are the only train travelling on this section. 130 00:07:48,168 --> 00:07:50,769 (Teddy) if there's no token available, the driver has to stop at 131 00:07:50,904 --> 00:07:55,373 The next pull over to wait for the track to clear. 132 00:07:55,409 --> 00:07:59,211 This is to prevent any collisions. 133 00:07:59,345 --> 00:08:01,746 (Teddy) when the right of way train gets to the next station, 134 00:08:01,781 --> 00:08:04,082 The driver drops off the token for the next 135 00:08:04,117 --> 00:08:11,589 Available train to pick up. 136 00:08:11,625 --> 00:08:14,692 (Teddy) as we get ready to pull into chumphon station. 137 00:08:14,728 --> 00:08:17,562 Right now, I'm on the hunt for something to eat. 138 00:08:17,597 --> 00:08:22,834 I get to see another thai train tradition. 139 00:08:22,969 --> 00:08:27,506 Food vendors coming right up to the windows! 140 00:08:30,244 --> 00:08:34,312 (Teddy) if you do get off to buy something be careful. 141 00:08:34,348 --> 00:08:36,915 (Teddy) the train doesn't stop for long and you don't 142 00:08:36,950 --> 00:08:41,085 Want to be left behind. 143 00:08:41,121 --> 00:08:43,054 Almost didn't make it there! 144 00:08:43,189 --> 00:08:45,690 400 kilometers south of bangkok, we're traveling 145 00:08:45,825 --> 00:08:48,360 Along the gulf of thailand, an area that 146 00:08:48,494 --> 00:08:54,365 Relies heavily on tourism and agriculture. 147 00:08:54,401 --> 00:08:55,967 Now we're in the south of the country. 148 00:08:56,003 --> 00:09:01,005 It's flat, mostly rice fields and forest. 149 00:09:01,041 --> 00:09:04,543 (Teddy) vegetation in this tropical climate grows fast. 150 00:09:04,644 --> 00:09:06,978 So fast, that even in between trimmings, 151 00:09:07,113 --> 00:09:09,314 It can over take the tracks. 152 00:09:09,349 --> 00:09:12,784 That uproots rails, throwing everything off level. 153 00:09:12,919 --> 00:09:15,453 Not only does this mean a bumpy ride 154 00:09:15,489 --> 00:09:18,356 The undercarriages take such a beating that chassis have 155 00:09:18,392 --> 00:09:25,997 To be replaced every year. 156 00:09:33,373 --> 00:09:35,573 (Teddy) during this annual two-day maintenance, 157 00:09:35,609 --> 00:09:38,176 The engine carriage and chassis of the locomotive 158 00:09:38,311 --> 00:09:40,845 Are separated, the engine is serviced, 159 00:09:40,880 --> 00:09:50,054 While the chassis gets a complete overhaul. 160 00:09:50,090 --> 00:09:56,027 What weare doing here is taking the chassis apart, 161 00:09:56,062 --> 00:09:57,829 Repair the equipment, repair the frame, 162 00:09:57,964 --> 00:10:04,969 Weld, grind and put it all back together. 163 00:10:05,005 --> 00:10:07,605 (Teddy) over a thousand workers focus on keeping all 164 00:10:07,608 --> 00:10:10,074 Locomotives and carriages rail ready. 165 00:10:10,110 --> 00:10:17,882 (whistle blows) 166 00:10:17,917 --> 00:10:20,985 Even with regular maintenance, driving one 167 00:10:21,021 --> 00:10:26,791 Of these powerful machines is a challenge, especially in monsoon season. 168 00:10:26,826 --> 00:10:29,761 It's raining and there may be flooding ahead. 169 00:10:29,796 --> 00:10:32,263 (Teddy) monsoon season can last up to five months 170 00:10:32,398 --> 00:10:35,233 Battering rail lines with tropical storms, 171 00:10:35,268 --> 00:10:40,238 Gale force winds and flash floods. 172 00:10:40,273 --> 00:10:41,973 The rain is not heavy yet. 173 00:10:42,108 --> 00:10:46,344 I think we can pass through it. 174 00:10:46,479 --> 00:10:51,616 (Teddy) as day turns to night the rain gets heavier. 175 00:10:51,751 --> 00:10:54,418 Train staff are on high alert. 176 00:10:54,454 --> 00:10:59,223 But their tools are extremely low tech. 177 00:10:59,259 --> 00:11:01,493 I'm using a flash light to check the water level 178 00:11:01,627 --> 00:11:07,666 Along the rail to see if the level of the water is getting higher. 179 00:11:08,368 --> 00:11:11,235 (Teddy) when traveling across flooded tracks, the faster the speed, 180 00:11:11,271 --> 00:11:13,505 The higher the water kicks up. 181 00:11:13,639 --> 00:11:15,539 If it splashes too high, 182 00:11:15,575 --> 00:11:17,541 It gets into the traction motors. 183 00:11:17,577 --> 00:11:19,777 That can cause a short circuit stopping the 184 00:11:19,813 --> 00:11:28,486 Motors and crippling the entire train. 185 00:11:28,522 --> 00:11:31,355 If the water is higher than 10 cm above the track 186 00:11:31,391 --> 00:11:37,695 We have to stop as the systems below the train are all electrical parts. 187 00:11:37,731 --> 00:11:39,163 (Teddy) as water around the track 188 00:11:39,199 --> 00:11:44,101 Rises, our train grinds to a halt. 189 00:11:44,137 --> 00:11:48,940 We're stranded in the middle of the thai wilderness. 190 00:11:50,510 --> 00:11:55,046 ♪ ♪ ♪ 191 00:11:55,082 --> 00:11:58,149 (Teddy) 6 hours into my trek across thailand 192 00:11:58,185 --> 00:12:03,088 Torrential rains have stopped our train in its track. 193 00:12:06,292 --> 00:12:11,729 (Teddy) causing alarm at traffic control. 194 00:12:11,765 --> 00:12:13,664 For traffic control operations, flooding on a scale that 195 00:12:13,700 --> 00:12:18,536 Stops the trains is one of the biggest challenges we face. 196 00:12:18,572 --> 00:12:20,772 (Teddy) and dispatcher phurish has already experienced 197 00:12:20,907 --> 00:12:23,574 The worst in thailand's history. 198 00:12:23,610 --> 00:12:26,745 In 2011 severe monsoons washed out nearly all 199 00:12:26,879 --> 00:12:29,847 Of north and central thailand. 200 00:12:29,883 --> 00:12:32,150 More than 85 percent of the country was considered 201 00:12:32,185 --> 00:12:34,185 A disaster zone. 202 00:12:34,320 --> 00:12:41,626 815 people died and more than 13 million were affected. 203 00:12:41,761 --> 00:12:48,465 It was a natural disaster that we will all remember. 204 00:12:48,501 --> 00:12:50,701 (Teddy) total damage to the rail lines 205 00:12:50,737 --> 00:12:57,708 Was more than 125 million canadian dollars. 206 00:12:57,744 --> 00:13:00,311 On our trek, the rain starts to let up and we're 207 00:13:00,347 --> 00:13:04,315 Given the go ahead to start rolling again. 208 00:13:09,055 --> 00:13:12,323 (Teddy) we crawl ahead at a reduced speed. 209 00:13:12,359 --> 00:13:14,491 While the train crew prepares for higher water 210 00:13:14,527 --> 00:13:18,629 Levels and worst case scenarios. 211 00:13:18,665 --> 00:13:20,165 We have to stop and coordinate with 212 00:13:20,299 --> 00:13:22,033 The station on how to evacuate 213 00:13:22,068 --> 00:13:27,805 The passengers and get them to their destinations. 214 00:13:27,841 --> 00:13:29,340 (Teddy) panya is the train master. 215 00:13:29,475 --> 00:13:32,443 He supervises the entire train and the card men 216 00:13:32,578 --> 00:13:34,846 Who work under him. 217 00:13:41,188 --> 00:13:42,920 I have to check the tickets and give 218 00:13:42,956 --> 00:13:47,558 The signals at the station for passengers to get on and off. 219 00:13:47,594 --> 00:13:49,294 I have to take care of the safety of the passengers 220 00:13:49,428 --> 00:13:54,499 And make sure everything is in order. 221 00:13:54,634 --> 00:13:57,602 (Teddy) we're making our way slowly into bang saphan, 222 00:13:57,737 --> 00:14:01,439 Seven hours south of bangkok. 223 00:14:02,809 --> 00:14:04,075 It's partway through our trip. 224 00:14:04,110 --> 00:14:05,076 We're just coming up to a station here, 225 00:14:05,178 --> 00:14:06,611 We're about to stop. 226 00:14:06,746 --> 00:14:08,245 (Teddy) with passengers 227 00:14:08,281 --> 00:14:10,515 And local villagers using the station as shelter from the rains 228 00:14:10,650 --> 00:14:15,053 The card men's job is complex. 229 00:14:18,892 --> 00:14:19,891 (Teddy) and you know it's interesting, 230 00:14:19,926 --> 00:14:21,659 Travelling around the world by train, 231 00:14:21,694 --> 00:14:23,528 It's incredible how fast and easily we get from 232 00:14:23,663 --> 00:14:25,730 Station to station. 233 00:14:25,865 --> 00:14:29,033 To overcome language barriers with international passengers 234 00:14:29,102 --> 00:14:34,038 Card men rely on a simple two colour system. 235 00:14:34,173 --> 00:14:37,108 Now we're giving the red signal for passengers to get on and off. 236 00:14:37,210 --> 00:14:39,444 When all the passengers have boarded, then I will 237 00:14:39,578 --> 00:14:42,880 Give the green-light signal. 238 00:14:42,916 --> 00:14:44,749 (Teddy) blink and you could miss the green light 239 00:14:44,784 --> 00:14:48,920 Not to mention the train entirely. 240 00:14:48,955 --> 00:14:49,787 We've actually got to get back on now 241 00:14:49,822 --> 00:15:00,031 Because they're about to go. 242 00:15:00,066 --> 00:15:03,067 Not only do card men have to worry about leaving passengers behind 243 00:15:03,136 --> 00:15:06,437 They make sure they're comfortable. 244 00:15:06,473 --> 00:15:11,809 Hello, sawadeekrap. Do you have number? 245 00:15:11,844 --> 00:15:12,977 29 kriang, you have now sleeping now little? 246 00:15:13,112 --> 00:15:13,811 Oh, yes, yes. Perfect, great. 247 00:15:13,847 --> 00:15:17,047 Thanks a lot. 248 00:15:17,083 --> 00:15:19,083 There it is. 249 00:15:19,152 --> 00:15:25,056 (Teddy) each berth has a top fold down bunk and a lower one. 250 00:15:25,091 --> 00:15:27,792 It's got a curtain and everything for privacy. 251 00:15:27,927 --> 00:15:29,794 (Teddy) these sleeper seats are a great option on late 252 00:15:29,929 --> 00:15:33,097 And overnight trips for travellers like alan, 253 00:15:33,166 --> 00:15:36,467 An american ex-pat who does business throughout thailand. 254 00:15:36,602 --> 00:15:38,836 When I'm in country, I only take the train. 255 00:15:38,871 --> 00:15:40,271 I just take, travel on the train. 256 00:15:40,307 --> 00:15:41,706 So, I get to where I'm going, I'm all refreshed. 257 00:15:41,841 --> 00:15:44,208 I've had a nice, relaxing afternoon-evening, 258 00:15:44,343 --> 00:15:46,477 Do a little work or just hang out, get up in the morning 259 00:15:46,513 --> 00:15:49,714 Ready to go when I get to my spot. 260 00:15:49,849 --> 00:15:52,350 (Teddy) more adventurous or budget-minded passengers 261 00:15:52,485 --> 00:15:55,086 Do what they can to sleep but I prefer something 262 00:15:55,121 --> 00:15:58,355 With a little more room to stretch out. 263 00:15:58,391 --> 00:15:59,790 Not bad. 264 00:15:59,826 --> 00:16:06,030 Alright, time for bed. 265 00:16:06,165 --> 00:16:08,599 After a good night's sleep, we're stopping in the beach 266 00:16:08,634 --> 00:16:17,342 Town of hua hin to switch trains. 267 00:16:17,476 --> 00:16:21,946 Yeah, we'll go right in. 268 00:16:21,982 --> 00:16:28,085 Our new driver, banjert is behind the wheel. 269 00:16:28,121 --> 00:16:31,222 This is a regular rural train. 270 00:16:31,257 --> 00:16:40,164 We have to stop to let passengers on and off at each station. 271 00:16:40,266 --> 00:16:43,200 (Teddy) one of those passengers is ham, a local blogger 272 00:16:43,236 --> 00:16:47,372 Who's offered to fill me in the history of thai trains. 273 00:16:47,506 --> 00:16:49,940 How difficult was it to build a railway system here? 274 00:16:49,976 --> 00:16:53,244 In the past it was very hard because we don't 275 00:16:53,279 --> 00:16:55,112 Have any the technology like present day. 276 00:16:55,148 --> 00:16:56,814 Yeah. 277 00:16:56,849 --> 00:16:58,549 (Teddy) in the late 19th century, 278 00:16:58,585 --> 00:17:03,921 King rama the fifth wanted to unite the country with a national rail line. 279 00:17:03,923 --> 00:17:05,456 Progress was slow. 280 00:17:05,492 --> 00:17:07,424 In the first five years, they only managed to lay 281 00:17:07,460 --> 00:17:10,094 74 kilometers of rail. 282 00:17:10,229 --> 00:17:13,730 About 18 kilometers a year. 283 00:17:13,766 --> 00:17:17,268 Today, the train is one of the most popular 284 00:17:17,370 --> 00:17:19,504 Ways to travel through thailand. 285 00:17:19,638 --> 00:17:23,007 Maintaining the lines is a top priority. 286 00:17:23,043 --> 00:17:29,013 So ham, how much maintenance is required to keep this track operating well? 287 00:17:29,049 --> 00:17:31,648 Rehabilitation, track straightening, 288 00:17:31,684 --> 00:17:34,985 Change the sleeper from the wooden to the concrete. 289 00:17:35,021 --> 00:17:38,055 Put more ballast, change the new rail. 290 00:17:38,091 --> 00:17:41,526 And then daily maintenance before the train coming. 291 00:17:41,660 --> 00:17:43,828 So I mean, crews are always working on this 292 00:17:43,963 --> 00:17:44,795 On these tracks right? 293 00:17:44,831 --> 00:17:46,363 Yes, yes. 294 00:17:46,399 --> 00:17:48,432 (Teddy) to improve the current system the thai government 295 00:17:48,468 --> 00:17:52,170 Is spending billions of dollars on new infrastructure 296 00:17:52,304 --> 00:17:55,406 So they can run more trains, faster. 297 00:17:55,442 --> 00:18:04,615 The first priority is doubling up the track. 298 00:18:04,650 --> 00:18:07,118 This is a mobile flash butt welder. 299 00:18:07,153 --> 00:18:10,888 This is the only machine in thailand 300 00:18:11,023 --> 00:18:11,889 The only mobile flash butt welder in thailand. 301 00:18:11,924 --> 00:18:13,124 (Teddy) john sexton is a welding 302 00:18:13,259 --> 00:18:16,461 Specialist laying down thailand's double track. 303 00:18:16,595 --> 00:18:19,030 Other projects, they weld the rail in the yard. 304 00:18:19,165 --> 00:18:21,866 This one, we can just drop 25-meter rail 305 00:18:22,001 --> 00:18:25,303 And continuously weld it. 306 00:18:25,371 --> 00:18:27,838 The first step is up there where we grind the rail. 307 00:18:27,874 --> 00:18:30,507 That's to give it good electrical contact. 308 00:18:30,543 --> 00:18:33,778 Then we come here, we set up the rail. 309 00:18:33,913 --> 00:18:36,547 Give it a little slight pick up, about of a mil. 310 00:18:36,583 --> 00:18:37,782 Then drop the head on it. 311 00:18:37,917 --> 00:18:38,749 And close the head. 312 00:18:38,785 --> 00:18:42,052 Then it starts welding. 313 00:18:42,088 --> 00:18:44,255 It sends electrical current to each rail 314 00:18:44,290 --> 00:18:45,956 One negative, one positive. 315 00:18:45,992 --> 00:18:50,127 And it causes an arc, and heats the rail up. 316 00:18:50,163 --> 00:18:52,396 It gets over 13 hundred degrees celsius, 317 00:18:52,531 --> 00:18:54,665 And then when it gets to that melting point it just 318 00:18:54,767 --> 00:18:57,668 Pushes two rails together at high pressure and fuses them 319 00:18:57,704 --> 00:19:00,304 Forges them together. 320 00:19:00,439 --> 00:19:02,573 (Teddy) upset or excess metal is then trimmed off 321 00:19:02,609 --> 00:19:05,142 And given time to cool down. 322 00:19:05,178 --> 00:19:06,977 Yeah, if you put your hand near the rail it would melt. 323 00:19:07,013 --> 00:19:08,279 It's so hot. 324 00:19:08,314 --> 00:19:11,149 It doesn't cool down for about at least an hour after. 325 00:19:11,283 --> 00:19:12,517 (Teddy) using this method, 326 00:19:12,651 --> 00:19:16,854 They can typically run 1.5 kilometers of rail per day. 327 00:19:16,890 --> 00:19:18,789 Even at that speed it would take a minimum 328 00:19:18,825 --> 00:19:27,932 Of 7 years to get dual track laid across the entire country. 329 00:19:27,967 --> 00:19:31,402 There are over 100 derailments a year in thailand, 330 00:19:31,437 --> 00:19:33,804 Mostly due to damaged rail. 331 00:19:33,840 --> 00:19:41,145 Existing tracks are checked by permanent way inspectors. 332 00:19:41,280 --> 00:19:43,447 We are inspecting the track surface that has scratches. 333 00:19:43,582 --> 00:19:46,217 We will ask the maintenance team to polish the track surface 334 00:19:46,252 --> 00:19:53,724 Back to its original profile. 335 00:19:53,760 --> 00:19:57,261 (Teddy) just as tracks are smoothed out, the train wheels are polished 336 00:19:57,396 --> 00:20:02,599 At the makkasan maintenance depot. 337 00:20:02,635 --> 00:20:04,801 If the wheels were not changed and reprofiled, 338 00:20:04,837 --> 00:20:08,805 It would create grooves on the rails and cause accelerated wear on the wheels. 339 00:20:08,841 --> 00:20:18,915 It could cause the wheels to break and cause severe safety issues. 340 00:20:18,951 --> 00:20:21,652 (Teddy) the computerized lathe is so accurate it profiles 341 00:20:21,688 --> 00:20:26,891 Wheels to the correct diameter within 0.15 millimeters 342 00:20:27,026 --> 00:20:32,863 Essentially the thickness of two pieces of paper. 343 00:20:32,898 --> 00:20:36,433 At full efficiency, this machine can process 24 wheel-axles a day, 344 00:20:36,469 --> 00:20:42,806 Which means about 480 a month. 345 00:20:42,842 --> 00:20:45,175 (Teddy) they do such a good job that it's been smooth 346 00:20:45,211 --> 00:20:49,480 Running on our train. 347 00:20:49,582 --> 00:20:54,051 (Teddy) but as we get closer to bangkok, that could all change! 348 00:20:57,122 --> 00:21:00,324 I've never seen anything like this. 349 00:21:01,361 --> 00:21:05,863 ♪ ♪ ♪ 350 00:21:05,898 --> 00:21:09,099 (Teddy) I'm on a once in a lifetime train journey through thailand. 351 00:21:09,135 --> 00:21:11,068 Just outside the capital city of bangkok, 352 00:21:11,203 --> 00:21:14,772 We're about to go over the rama six bridge. 353 00:21:14,907 --> 00:21:19,710 Originally built in 1922 during the reign of the 6th monarch of siam 354 00:21:19,745 --> 00:21:23,881 The 441 meter railway bridge was rebuilt after it was bombed 355 00:21:24,016 --> 00:21:26,250 By the u.S. In world war two. 356 00:21:26,385 --> 00:21:27,417 Cool yeah. 357 00:21:27,453 --> 00:21:28,386 We're coming up on it right now. 358 00:21:28,520 --> 00:21:30,554 Yes. 359 00:21:30,590 --> 00:21:32,556 This bridge connect between northern line 360 00:21:32,592 --> 00:21:35,392 And southern line together. 361 00:21:35,428 --> 00:21:36,727 (Teddy) bangkok is one of the 362 00:21:36,762 --> 00:21:39,096 Most visited cities in the in the word. 363 00:21:39,231 --> 00:21:44,068 More tourists come here than london, paris, new york or dubai. 364 00:21:44,103 --> 00:21:45,269 It was great riding the rails with you, ham. 365 00:21:45,305 --> 00:21:46,336 Yes. 366 00:21:46,372 --> 00:21:47,571 Welcome to bangkok, you will love it. 367 00:21:47,607 --> 00:21:48,372 Yeah, I'm excited to check it out. 368 00:21:48,474 --> 00:21:49,439 Thank you, man. 369 00:21:49,475 --> 00:21:52,209 Bye-bye. 370 00:21:52,244 --> 00:21:56,079 (Teddy) bangkok is famous for street food and outdoor markets 371 00:21:56,115 --> 00:21:58,516 And I've found a place that's the best of both. 372 00:22:00,786 --> 00:22:02,652 Talad rod fai market translates to 'train market', 373 00:22:02,688 --> 00:22:05,555 Because the original location years ago was right between two train stations. 374 00:22:05,591 --> 00:22:06,724 This is the new spot, it's a little further 375 00:22:06,859 --> 00:22:09,126 From the trains, but they kept the name. 376 00:22:09,261 --> 00:22:11,995 And the big selling point here is the food. 377 00:22:12,031 --> 00:22:19,002 Lots of local thai delicacies and I'm gonna dig into some. 378 00:22:19,038 --> 00:22:21,405 What is that? Squid? 379 00:22:21,540 --> 00:22:26,243 It's a big squid. 380 00:22:26,279 --> 00:22:28,112 What is this here? 381 00:22:28,147 --> 00:22:29,413 This one is silk worm. 382 00:22:29,449 --> 00:22:31,649 Silk worm. 383 00:22:31,784 --> 00:22:32,350 What is this? 384 00:22:32,418 --> 00:22:33,784 Crickets? 385 00:22:33,919 --> 00:22:35,085 This one is grasshopper. 386 00:22:35,121 --> 00:22:35,819 Grasshopper? 387 00:22:35,855 --> 00:22:37,788 Oh, yeah, 388 00:22:37,823 --> 00:22:39,022 This is a bamboo worm. 389 00:22:39,058 --> 00:22:40,391 Bamboo worm? 390 00:22:40,426 --> 00:22:41,459 Yes. 391 00:22:41,593 --> 00:22:42,226 Can I see the scorpion? 392 00:22:42,261 --> 00:22:43,327 Of course, yes. 393 00:22:43,363 --> 00:22:45,429 Whoah! 394 00:22:45,465 --> 00:22:46,330 Put it... 395 00:22:46,465 --> 00:22:48,132 Sleep. 396 00:22:48,167 --> 00:22:51,902 So, what does it taste like when it's fully cooked? 397 00:22:51,938 --> 00:22:52,936 Ah, surprise. 398 00:22:52,972 --> 00:22:54,271 Surprise? 399 00:22:54,406 --> 00:22:55,305 You have to eat. 400 00:22:55,341 --> 00:22:56,207 Surprise, okay. 401 00:22:56,341 --> 00:22:58,676 Alright, surprise. 402 00:22:58,811 --> 00:22:59,743 Okay, here we go... 403 00:22:59,779 --> 00:23:06,049 Hi buddy. 404 00:23:06,085 --> 00:23:10,320 It's really good, it's really well seasoned. 405 00:23:10,356 --> 00:23:12,456 It's very nice. 406 00:23:12,492 --> 00:23:17,762 Yeah it's great, it's really good! 407 00:23:17,896 --> 00:23:19,629 This market is awesome. 408 00:23:19,665 --> 00:23:21,499 There's a great energy here, it's so full of life. 409 00:23:21,633 --> 00:23:25,235 It's great. 410 00:23:25,271 --> 00:23:26,336 (Teddy) with a tasty meal 411 00:23:26,372 --> 00:23:28,939 And a good night's sleep under my belt, 412 00:23:28,974 --> 00:23:32,642 I'm at thonburi station in bangkok. 413 00:23:32,645 --> 00:23:33,977 This excursion train will take me 414 00:23:34,013 --> 00:23:38,916 111 kilometers west to the village of kanchanaburi. 415 00:23:39,051 --> 00:23:42,520 There a section of the original thai burma railway 416 00:23:42,654 --> 00:23:47,224 Still runs on the shores of the kwai river. 417 00:23:47,359 --> 00:23:48,959 Coming up to a part of the railway that's 418 00:23:48,994 --> 00:23:52,463 Steeped in history and it's a real brutal history. 419 00:23:52,532 --> 00:23:55,298 During their occupation of thailand in world war 2, 420 00:23:55,334 --> 00:23:59,769 Japan forced allied p.O.W.'s and civilian workers to build 421 00:23:59,805 --> 00:24:05,209 A 415 kilometer long rail line over 600 bridges 422 00:24:05,244 --> 00:24:09,313 And along dangerous rock faces. 423 00:24:09,348 --> 00:24:11,114 So many prisoners of war and forced labourers 424 00:24:11,150 --> 00:24:13,984 Died constructing this part of the track that it's known 425 00:24:14,019 --> 00:24:19,089 As the 'death railway'. 426 00:24:19,124 --> 00:24:21,258 To many prisoners had lost their life here, 427 00:24:21,393 --> 00:24:26,096 One life for each wooden sleeper. 428 00:24:26,231 --> 00:24:27,598 (Teddy) I'm meeting angmo, 429 00:24:27,733 --> 00:24:29,199 A local guide, to learn more about 430 00:24:29,235 --> 00:24:30,968 The history of the death railway. 431 00:24:31,103 --> 00:24:33,603 Tell me about the conditions of these p.O.W.'s 432 00:24:33,639 --> 00:24:35,305 And forced labourers were working under while they 433 00:24:35,341 --> 00:24:38,342 Were constructing this. 434 00:24:38,377 --> 00:24:41,078 Yeah. They died because of many ways, 435 00:24:41,213 --> 00:24:42,746 They died because of no food enough, no drink, 436 00:24:42,782 --> 00:24:45,215 No medical care. 437 00:24:45,251 --> 00:24:49,186 They have to work hard, overload, at least 16 hours a day. 438 00:24:49,321 --> 00:24:52,822 Most of them died because of disease and they're weak. 439 00:24:52,858 --> 00:24:56,059 The japanese forced them to work too much. 440 00:24:56,095 --> 00:24:57,427 (Teddy) in sweltering temperatures 441 00:24:57,463 --> 00:25:00,564 Workers were forced to do 6 years-worth of construction 442 00:25:00,666 --> 00:25:02,666 In only 15 months. 443 00:25:02,702 --> 00:25:05,636 Hundreds of workers died every day. 444 00:25:05,671 --> 00:25:12,810 More than a hundred thousand perished in all. 445 00:25:12,945 --> 00:25:14,512 (Teddy) passengers from all over the world get off 446 00:25:14,580 --> 00:25:20,618 The train at the infamous bridge on the river kwai to pay their respects. 447 00:25:20,752 --> 00:25:23,721 Why is it so important to come here and bear witness to history 448 00:25:23,789 --> 00:25:25,890 And find out about what happened here? 449 00:25:26,024 --> 00:25:28,592 All of the people who died along the death railway 450 00:25:28,628 --> 00:25:30,160 They are our heroes. 451 00:25:30,196 --> 00:25:33,731 We respect them a lot. 452 00:25:33,799 --> 00:25:35,533 We came here today to leave 453 00:25:35,667 --> 00:25:38,035 A cross in remembrance of an ancestor of mine. 454 00:25:38,170 --> 00:25:41,805 My grandma's brother. 455 00:25:41,940 --> 00:25:45,776 He died working on the railway. 456 00:25:45,911 --> 00:25:47,210 You know I come from a military family, 457 00:25:47,246 --> 00:25:49,479 Both of my grandfathers fought in the second world war. 458 00:25:49,515 --> 00:25:51,915 I've wanted to see this my whole life and actually 459 00:25:51,951 --> 00:25:55,852 Being here, seeing it physically there, is really something. 460 00:25:55,888 --> 00:25:56,954 (Teddy) leaving kanchanaburi, 461 00:25:57,089 --> 00:25:59,356 We're heading east back towards bangkok. 462 00:25:59,491 --> 00:26:01,891 We'll stop at a busy market that the train 463 00:26:01,894 --> 00:26:05,229 Drives right through 4 times a day! 464 00:26:18,143 --> 00:26:20,778 Look at everybody lined up to get photos. 465 00:26:20,912 --> 00:26:22,746 Just a minute ago this was an active bustling market 466 00:26:22,782 --> 00:26:26,383 And now there's a literally a train going through it! 467 00:26:26,518 --> 00:26:28,552 (Teddy) located at the mouth of the mae klong river, 468 00:26:28,588 --> 00:26:33,557 The market opened over one hundred years ago. 469 00:26:33,593 --> 00:26:36,226 In 1907 the rail way laid a track straight down 470 00:26:36,361 --> 00:26:38,928 The middle of the market. 471 00:26:38,964 --> 00:26:41,198 Vendors refused to move their stalls, they've 472 00:26:41,333 --> 00:26:53,043 Been sharing the space ever since. 473 00:26:53,078 --> 00:26:55,779 The locals know this market as talla rom hoop 474 00:26:55,815 --> 00:26:57,781 Which means 'umbrella pull down market' 475 00:26:57,817 --> 00:27:00,083 You can see there are these umbrellas everywhere. 476 00:27:00,119 --> 00:27:02,086 And they're down now, but really shortly when 477 00:27:02,220 --> 00:27:07,524 The train comes through they'll all have to be pulled up. 478 00:27:07,659 --> 00:27:09,959 When I hear the horn, I will pull the table close, 479 00:27:09,995 --> 00:27:15,032 As well as the awning above my head. 480 00:27:15,167 --> 00:27:23,140 Just wonder how they move so fast from before the train coming, you know. 481 00:27:23,275 --> 00:27:24,942 Looks dangerous to me. 482 00:27:25,077 --> 00:27:27,310 (Teddy) cho is a mainstay at the market. 483 00:27:27,346 --> 00:27:30,414 Her family has had a stall here for over 30 years. 484 00:27:30,449 --> 00:27:34,284 And she wouldn't want to be anywhere else. 485 00:27:34,319 --> 00:27:35,753 For vendors, it is not dangerous at all 486 00:27:35,854 --> 00:27:37,454 Because we know the schedule. 487 00:27:37,589 --> 00:27:40,023 As for tourists, all the vendors help them. 488 00:27:40,059 --> 00:27:42,660 When the train is arriving, we tell them come inside, 489 00:27:42,728 --> 00:27:48,966 That it is dangerous. 490 00:27:49,101 --> 00:27:50,067 There it is, the train is coming. 491 00:27:50,202 --> 00:27:51,801 Most of the umbrellas have gone up. 492 00:27:51,837 --> 00:27:54,438 The last few are going, and the train is right here. 493 00:27:54,573 --> 00:27:58,575 We've got to get off the tracks in just a second. 494 00:27:58,610 --> 00:28:00,543 Okay we gotta get off. 495 00:28:00,579 --> 00:28:09,352 Come in, come in! 496 00:28:09,388 --> 00:28:13,857 Hi! Hive five! 497 00:28:13,893 --> 00:28:14,992 So here we go. 498 00:28:15,127 --> 00:28:16,860 The train has passed and as you can see the 499 00:28:16,896 --> 00:28:18,462 Umbrella's are already back down. 500 00:28:18,497 --> 00:28:20,764 It literally took five seconds for them to turn 501 00:28:20,866 --> 00:28:22,699 It back into a marketplace. 502 00:28:22,735 --> 00:28:23,801 There's tourist's everywhere. 503 00:28:23,935 --> 00:28:26,703 It's really chaotic but awesome. 504 00:28:26,739 --> 00:28:27,771 (Teddy) the bustling market 505 00:28:27,807 --> 00:28:31,141 Carries on with business as usual... 506 00:28:31,176 --> 00:28:33,410 Back on the train nearing bangkok, 507 00:28:33,545 --> 00:28:37,915 Road traffic is really picking up. 508 00:28:38,049 --> 00:28:41,351 Traffic on thai roads is notoriously dangerous. 509 00:28:41,386 --> 00:28:43,987 When those roads cross train tracks 510 00:28:44,022 --> 00:28:47,791 Things can turn deadly. 511 00:28:48,828 --> 00:28:53,297 ♪ ♪ ♪ 512 00:28:53,431 --> 00:28:55,765 I'm on a train trek through thailand, 513 00:28:55,801 --> 00:28:59,335 Heading to the northern city of chiang mai. 514 00:28:59,371 --> 00:29:01,171 Anyone travelling from bangkok to chiang mai 515 00:29:01,207 --> 00:29:03,106 By train has to come through here, 516 00:29:03,142 --> 00:29:05,208 Hua lamphong railway station. 517 00:29:05,244 --> 00:29:07,845 The heart of thailand's rail system, hua lamphong 518 00:29:07,979 --> 00:29:10,047 Took six years to build. 519 00:29:10,182 --> 00:29:14,584 With 14 platforms it's the main hub for travellers and commuters. 520 00:29:14,620 --> 00:29:16,920 It's over a century old and over sixty thousand people 521 00:29:16,956 --> 00:29:20,257 Use this station every day. 522 00:29:20,292 --> 00:29:22,359 Here, supplies are loaded in and drivers give 523 00:29:22,494 --> 00:29:30,934 The trains a thorough inspection. 524 00:29:30,970 --> 00:29:32,702 I am checking the brakes. 525 00:29:32,738 --> 00:29:37,307 The brake shoe should not contact with the wheel. 526 00:29:37,343 --> 00:29:41,278 (Teddy) our driver mongkol finds a problem. 527 00:29:41,413 --> 00:29:45,748 The brake should retract and release. 528 00:29:45,784 --> 00:29:53,891 Normally the air from the locomotive should reach 529 00:29:54,025 --> 00:29:55,091 The last bogey with full pressure. 530 00:29:55,127 --> 00:29:56,293 The breaks are activated by air pressure, 531 00:29:56,428 --> 00:29:58,428 And that pressure is being lost somewhere between 532 00:29:58,463 --> 00:30:01,965 The locomotive and the last carriage. 533 00:30:02,001 --> 00:30:06,269 (mongkol on radio) 534 00:30:06,305 --> 00:30:08,205 (Teddy) drivers work as train mechanics 535 00:30:08,340 --> 00:30:11,474 For 7 years before getting behind the wheel. 536 00:30:11,510 --> 00:30:13,543 Mongkol relies on his technical background 537 00:30:13,579 --> 00:30:19,716 To find the culprit, a faulty air hose. 538 00:30:19,851 --> 00:30:22,552 If we depart without fixing it and it broke down on the way, 539 00:30:22,588 --> 00:30:25,388 We have no technician or parts to fix it. 540 00:30:25,424 --> 00:30:36,199 So, we will replace it. 541 00:30:36,235 --> 00:30:39,202 The valve is replaced and the brakes are now working properly. 542 00:30:39,238 --> 00:30:45,375 We didn't lose too much time. 543 00:30:45,410 --> 00:30:46,743 (Teddy) after a 30 minute delay, 544 00:30:46,845 --> 00:30:50,413 Our train out of bangkok is ready to depart. 545 00:30:50,449 --> 00:31:05,094 All right, here we go, headed north to chiang mai. 546 00:31:05,130 --> 00:31:07,931 (Teddy) we're heading through thailand's 547 00:31:08,033 --> 00:31:10,033 Central plains and onto the city of lopburi. 548 00:31:10,069 --> 00:31:12,269 From there we'll travel into the thai highlands to 549 00:31:12,404 --> 00:31:18,341 The ancient city of chiang mai. 550 00:31:18,377 --> 00:31:23,112 But first, we've got to get out of bangkok. 551 00:31:23,148 --> 00:31:26,083 Travelling in the bangkok area you need to be very careful 552 00:31:26,217 --> 00:31:30,119 Everywhere because it's very populated. 553 00:31:30,155 --> 00:31:33,957 (Teddy) the greater bangkok area is home to almost 15 million people. 554 00:31:34,026 --> 00:31:37,861 And they aren't shy about taking shortcuts over the tracks. 555 00:31:37,897 --> 00:31:39,829 We have to be very careful. 556 00:31:39,865 --> 00:31:44,834 We have to be aware of the people and the cars. 557 00:31:44,870 --> 00:31:46,970 (Teddy) in April 2016, at a road crossing close 558 00:31:47,105 --> 00:31:52,409 To bangkok, a tour bus crossed the tracks in front of a train. 559 00:31:52,544 --> 00:31:54,811 The train couldn't stop in time. 560 00:31:54,847 --> 00:31:59,917 The collision killed three people and injured thirty. 561 00:31:59,985 --> 00:32:01,284 (Teddy) thailand's state railway 562 00:32:01,320 --> 00:32:04,554 Is working to install barriers and warning signals at 563 00:32:04,689 --> 00:32:08,391 Six hundred unprotected crossings in the country. 564 00:32:08,427 --> 00:32:10,827 Until that happens, drivers reduce their speed 565 00:32:10,863 --> 00:32:15,498 To focus on safety. 566 00:32:15,534 --> 00:32:17,935 There are lots of people everywhere. 567 00:32:18,003 --> 00:32:19,969 I have to blow the horn and turn on my headlights 568 00:32:20,005 --> 00:32:26,309 Because they may not be paying attention. 569 00:32:26,345 --> 00:32:27,778 We're just leaving bangkok and soon this 570 00:32:27,912 --> 00:32:31,381 Is going to change to some spectacular scenery. 571 00:32:31,416 --> 00:32:33,416 (Teddy) heading north of bangkok, 572 00:32:33,452 --> 00:32:35,685 We're entering into the central flood plains that surround 573 00:32:35,721 --> 00:32:40,189 Thailand's major river, chao phraya. 574 00:32:40,225 --> 00:32:43,060 All this really lush green foliage and scenery. 575 00:32:43,194 --> 00:32:45,629 It's totally different 576 00:32:45,764 --> 00:32:48,598 The soil here is made up nutrient rich sediment 577 00:32:48,633 --> 00:32:50,733 Deposited by the river. 578 00:32:50,769 --> 00:33:01,778 Crops such as rice, sugar cane, and tapioca thrive here. 579 00:33:01,813 --> 00:33:04,313 (Teddy) near khon kaen a 40 person construction crew 580 00:33:04,349 --> 00:33:09,419 Is working on a new section of track. 581 00:33:09,454 --> 00:33:11,521 The railway normally runs through the village, 582 00:33:11,556 --> 00:33:14,057 And for this section people in this area want 583 00:33:14,093 --> 00:33:17,361 To preserve their way of living. 584 00:33:17,495 --> 00:33:20,097 (Teddy) to protect farm land they've built a concrete bridge 585 00:33:20,231 --> 00:33:25,935 Two and a half kilometers long and 3 storeys high to elevate the rails. 586 00:33:25,971 --> 00:33:29,206 The project itself is very, very challenging in many aspects. 587 00:33:29,340 --> 00:33:31,508 The track itself is same, but you need to have 588 00:33:31,543 --> 00:33:32,842 A very rigid support. 589 00:33:32,878 --> 00:33:35,478 And that's why they have to have a special support 590 00:33:35,514 --> 00:33:38,848 At the fastener of the rail. 591 00:33:38,884 --> 00:33:43,352 Ballast absorb vibrations of the track. 592 00:33:43,388 --> 00:33:45,322 But on the bridge, concrete sleepers 593 00:33:45,457 --> 00:33:48,191 And support have zero flex. 594 00:33:48,227 --> 00:33:50,693 So special spring arms and underpads are used 595 00:33:50,729 --> 00:33:52,929 To add elasticity. 596 00:33:53,064 --> 00:33:56,133 Vibrations are asorbed back into the rail to 597 00:33:56,267 --> 00:33:57,601 Prevent the concrete from cracking 598 00:33:57,735 --> 00:34:02,906 And weakening the entire system. 599 00:34:02,941 --> 00:34:04,741 We need to continue the pouring. 600 00:34:04,876 --> 00:34:07,044 It's very important, if the machine is stopped 601 00:34:07,178 --> 00:34:11,047 Or it gets stuck now it's gonna create, dry the concrete. 602 00:34:11,083 --> 00:34:12,515 (Teddy) the temperature in thailand can climb to 603 00:34:12,551 --> 00:34:18,287 40 degrees celsius, so concrete dries incredibly fast. 604 00:34:18,323 --> 00:34:21,190 We have to dry and clean it up before the concrete gets dry. 605 00:34:21,226 --> 00:34:26,129 After the concrete's dry you will see the result is right here. 606 00:34:26,231 --> 00:34:30,500 This is the future of the railway in thailand. 607 00:34:30,535 --> 00:34:33,336 (Teddy) 140 kilometers north of bangkok, 608 00:34:33,438 --> 00:34:35,806 I'm making a stop in lopburi. 609 00:34:35,940 --> 00:34:40,309 It's a small village that's over a thousand years old. 610 00:34:40,345 --> 00:34:42,812 I'm really excited to be here and heading 611 00:34:42,848 --> 00:34:44,514 To the prang sam yod temple. 612 00:34:44,549 --> 00:34:47,250 It's a place where thieves, gluttons and beggers have taken over. 613 00:34:47,286 --> 00:34:51,555 But nobody seems to really mind because they're monkeys. 614 00:34:51,689 --> 00:34:56,259 This ancient ruin is known as 'the monkey temple' for good reason. 615 00:34:56,295 --> 00:35:00,163 Hey, oh oh okay, alright. 616 00:35:00,265 --> 00:35:02,399 Macque monkeys are all over thailand. 617 00:35:02,534 --> 00:35:04,301 There are more than twenty five hundred 618 00:35:04,435 --> 00:35:06,435 In and around lopburi. 619 00:35:06,471 --> 00:35:08,538 The more social of the bunch have made their home 620 00:35:08,573 --> 00:35:12,074 At a hindu buddist temple in the center of town. 621 00:35:12,110 --> 00:35:17,046 The monkeys scavenge food from residents and tourists. 622 00:35:17,082 --> 00:35:18,982 They're really naughty. 623 00:35:19,117 --> 00:35:20,717 They like you. 624 00:35:20,852 --> 00:35:21,951 Oh he got them. 625 00:35:21,987 --> 00:35:23,386 Uh oh. 626 00:35:23,422 --> 00:35:25,055 Hi, I don't know if I have anything for you. 627 00:35:25,157 --> 00:35:25,922 Okay, alright. 628 00:35:25,957 --> 00:35:27,056 So this is common. 629 00:35:27,092 --> 00:35:28,291 Okay, alright! 630 00:35:28,327 --> 00:35:30,293 Monkeys everywhere. 631 00:35:30,329 --> 00:35:31,460 It's incredible that the train is just 632 00:35:31,463 --> 00:35:33,830 Steps away from this beautiful iconic temple. 633 00:35:33,866 --> 00:35:35,132 I mean it couldn't be easier to get here 634 00:35:35,266 --> 00:35:36,933 And see the sights. 635 00:35:37,068 --> 00:35:38,235 (Teddy) being close to the tracks helps 636 00:35:38,369 --> 00:35:40,837 Bring tourists but train's vibrations have damaged 637 00:35:40,972 --> 00:35:46,108 The 800 year old temple. 638 00:35:46,144 --> 00:35:48,377 So chat, from thailand's department of fine arts 639 00:35:48,413 --> 00:35:50,380 Worked with engineers to figure out a way to 640 00:35:50,482 --> 00:35:55,919 Prevent it from crumbling. 641 00:35:55,954 --> 00:35:59,755 It was necessary to dig out the base and fill it with concrete. 642 00:35:59,791 --> 00:36:01,858 Then to make the pagoda strong they reinforced it 643 00:36:01,894 --> 00:36:12,268 With steel and concrete. 644 00:36:12,271 --> 00:36:13,703 (Teddy) well, it's a really fascinating place 645 00:36:13,738 --> 00:36:15,304 But I'm really glad that experts are working to 646 00:36:15,340 --> 00:36:16,473 Protect the temple so these monkeys have a home 647 00:36:16,608 --> 00:36:24,381 For another thousand years. 648 00:36:24,515 --> 00:36:26,616 (Teddy) I'm back to my journey north but the most 649 00:36:26,651 --> 00:36:32,856 Treacherous part is still to come. 650 00:36:34,493 --> 00:36:38,661 ♪ ♪ ♪ 651 00:36:38,697 --> 00:36:40,963 (Teddy) on my train trek across 652 00:36:40,999 --> 00:36:44,000 Thailand we're in the foothills of the himalayas, 200 kilometers 653 00:36:44,135 --> 00:36:48,104 South of my final destination, chiang mai. 654 00:36:48,239 --> 00:36:49,406 From up here in the locomotive, 655 00:36:49,540 --> 00:36:50,941 You can really see that the landscape has changed. 656 00:36:51,042 --> 00:36:54,277 We're getting into the mountains as we approach chiang mai. 657 00:36:54,313 --> 00:36:57,380 Mist and fog are common here as warm air from 658 00:36:57,416 --> 00:37:04,053 The plains meets the cool air of the mountains. 659 00:37:04,089 --> 00:37:05,955 If it's raining and foggy the track will be slippery 660 00:37:05,991 --> 00:37:12,795 And the train will start to sway. 661 00:37:12,831 --> 00:37:14,531 (Teddy) not something you want to 662 00:37:14,666 --> 00:37:19,135 Happen on narrow bridges over deep ravines. 663 00:37:19,170 --> 00:37:20,469 You've just got to hold your breath 664 00:37:20,505 --> 00:37:24,573 And cross your fingers and yeah, you get through it. 665 00:37:24,609 --> 00:37:25,809 (Teddy) passing through the mountains 666 00:37:25,943 --> 00:37:33,950 The elevation increases over 600 meters. 667 00:37:34,085 --> 00:37:36,385 It's very steep. 668 00:37:36,421 --> 00:37:39,155 (Teddy) too steep to climb in one straight shot. 669 00:37:39,190 --> 00:37:41,558 So the train runs on a series of curved tracks 670 00:37:41,693 --> 00:37:44,794 To scale the mountain gradually. 671 00:37:44,829 --> 00:37:56,205 That is until we get to lampang station. 672 00:37:56,208 --> 00:37:57,574 We've stopped here and the reason is that 673 00:37:57,709 --> 00:38:05,348 They have to add a second loco. 674 00:38:05,384 --> 00:38:07,016 They need to double our pulling power 675 00:38:07,052 --> 00:38:16,593 Because they're really going to need it. 676 00:38:16,662 --> 00:38:18,928 The second loco brings our horse power to up to 677 00:38:19,063 --> 00:38:21,898 A whopping forty eight hundred. 678 00:38:22,033 --> 00:38:26,102 You can feel it! 679 00:38:26,237 --> 00:38:27,604 We have to use all our experience, 680 00:38:27,739 --> 00:38:35,845 Expertise and technique to get us through these mountains. 681 00:38:35,880 --> 00:38:39,682 (Teddy) but the extra locomotive has it's draw backs. 682 00:38:39,718 --> 00:38:42,652 The slope of this mountainside is so severe 683 00:38:42,688 --> 00:38:45,254 And the trains so heavy that the rails and 684 00:38:45,257 --> 00:38:48,725 Ground below constantly shift. 685 00:38:48,760 --> 00:38:50,927 With each passing train the tracks start to slant 686 00:38:51,062 --> 00:38:53,396 More and more downhill. 687 00:38:53,398 --> 00:38:56,099 If it gets bad enough the train could tip off 688 00:38:56,134 --> 00:38:59,268 The tracks and derail. 689 00:38:59,304 --> 00:39:02,539 This part of the line has been plagued by accidents. 690 00:39:02,673 --> 00:39:05,708 In 2013 after 23 derailments, 691 00:39:05,744 --> 00:39:08,411 The government closed this section for 11 weeks 692 00:39:08,447 --> 00:39:15,084 And completely overhauled the track. 693 00:39:15,120 --> 00:39:17,454 And today, there's a convoy of specialized rail 694 00:39:17,588 --> 00:39:20,557 Cars traveling ahead of us, making sure the tracks 695 00:39:20,691 --> 00:39:27,330 Are still in good working order. 696 00:39:27,366 --> 00:39:29,032 If we don't take good care of the tracks, 697 00:39:29,167 --> 00:39:30,734 Especially for the curves, there's a good chance 698 00:39:30,868 --> 00:39:38,007 The train might derail. 699 00:39:38,042 --> 00:39:41,043 (Teddy) a tamping machine lifts the rails and sleepers 700 00:39:41,079 --> 00:39:43,680 And corrects their alignment, while at the same time 701 00:39:43,815 --> 00:39:47,183 Levelling the ballast underneath. 702 00:39:47,318 --> 00:39:49,486 Additional crushed rock is then added to reinforce 703 00:39:49,620 --> 00:39:53,556 Support for the track. 704 00:39:53,592 --> 00:39:56,259 Once the crew confirms that the track is level, 705 00:39:56,294 --> 00:40:03,866 They move the convoy down the rail line to the next section. 706 00:40:03,902 --> 00:40:08,671 The track is now in good condition. 707 00:40:08,707 --> 00:40:10,339 We have to move the machines out of the way 708 00:40:10,375 --> 00:40:20,283 Now so the train to khun tan can pass. 709 00:40:20,318 --> 00:40:23,520 (Teddy) regular maintenance helps to prevent derailments, 710 00:40:23,654 --> 00:40:27,724 But adding new ballast can raise the height of the track 711 00:40:27,859 --> 00:40:32,362 Turning a tunnel into a death trap. 712 00:40:34,098 --> 00:40:37,734 Here we go! 713 00:40:38,903 --> 00:40:42,204 ♪ ♪ ♪ 714 00:40:42,240 --> 00:40:45,475 (Teddy) it's the final day of my train trip through thailand. 715 00:40:45,610 --> 00:40:51,280 I'm headed to chiang mai on the northern line. 716 00:40:51,316 --> 00:40:54,650 30 kilometers north of us a work crew are inspecting 717 00:40:54,686 --> 00:41:00,590 A tunnel that runs right through the khun tan mountain range. 718 00:41:00,725 --> 00:41:02,258 Today, we have an important mission, 719 00:41:02,294 --> 00:41:06,629 Which is measuring the size of the tunnel. 720 00:41:06,664 --> 00:41:08,965 (Teddy) this safety precaution must be done every time 721 00:41:09,100 --> 00:41:11,567 Extra ballast has been added for support. 722 00:41:11,603 --> 00:41:13,803 If the track has been raised too high, 723 00:41:13,938 --> 00:41:18,908 The consequences could be deadly. 724 00:41:19,043 --> 00:41:20,543 There's a chance that when the train goes through the tunnel, 725 00:41:20,578 --> 00:41:22,344 It might hit the tunnel wall. 726 00:41:22,380 --> 00:41:24,714 Or if a passenger sticks their head out the window 727 00:41:24,849 --> 00:41:27,383 They might smash their head against the wall. 728 00:41:27,518 --> 00:41:30,086 This tool is for measuring the tunnel's size. 729 00:41:30,121 --> 00:41:35,758 We use a laser and we measure every 5 meters. 730 00:41:35,793 --> 00:41:38,761 (Teddy) laser beams are shot from the track to measure the precise 731 00:41:38,796 --> 00:41:41,631 Distance to the walls of the tunnel. 732 00:41:41,766 --> 00:41:44,234 If the position of the tracks have shifted even a slight 733 00:41:44,368 --> 00:41:51,274 Amount the track level will have to be corrected right away. 734 00:41:57,582 --> 00:41:59,849 (Teddy) this critical work has to happen fast. 735 00:41:59,984 --> 00:42:02,618 They have less than 15 minutes to stop any trains 736 00:42:02,654 --> 00:42:04,754 In transit if there's a problem. 737 00:42:08,693 --> 00:42:11,928 (Teddy) once the tunnel is deemed safe and the crew clears out. 738 00:42:15,033 --> 00:42:19,502 (Teddy) our train is given to go ahead to pass through 739 00:42:24,376 --> 00:42:25,574 (Teddy) we are approaching the khun tan tunnel. 740 00:42:25,610 --> 00:42:27,277 You can see it right there. 741 00:42:27,411 --> 00:42:28,811 At thirteen hundred and sixty-two meters, 742 00:42:28,846 --> 00:42:31,814 It's the longest railway tunnel in all of thailand. 743 00:42:31,849 --> 00:42:36,986 And it was built in 1907 so it's also one of the oldest. 744 00:42:37,022 --> 00:42:39,288 And it took the longest to build. 745 00:42:39,324 --> 00:42:41,891 Crews laboured for 11 years to get through 746 00:42:42,026 --> 00:42:47,263 The solid granite. 747 00:42:47,299 --> 00:42:49,765 The ashes of the german engineer who led 748 00:42:49,801 --> 00:42:54,136 The project are interred above the tunnel entrance. 749 00:42:54,172 --> 00:42:57,606 On the other side of the tunnel is khun tan station. 750 00:42:57,642 --> 00:43:00,643 At 758 meters above sea level, it's the highest 751 00:43:00,678 --> 00:43:08,217 Railway station in thailand. 752 00:43:08,352 --> 00:43:10,686 Now that we've conquered our steepest climb, 753 00:43:10,722 --> 00:43:14,824 We can disconnect the additional loco and prepare for our descent 754 00:43:14,959 --> 00:43:27,637 Toward our final destination of chiang mai. 755 00:43:27,772 --> 00:43:31,407 After we leave chaicharn I recommend you take photos of the white bridge 756 00:43:31,443 --> 00:43:35,745 It's really beautiful. 757 00:43:35,880 --> 00:43:38,514 (Teddy) the 100-year old tha chomphu bridge is known 758 00:43:38,550 --> 00:43:41,817 Locally as 'the white bridge'. 759 00:43:41,853 --> 00:43:43,686 Built during wartime when steel was 760 00:43:43,721 --> 00:43:47,857 Hard to come by, concrete was used instead. 761 00:43:47,926 --> 00:43:49,525 The brilliant white structure, measuring 762 00:43:49,561 --> 00:43:52,094 Eighty seven point three meters long, 763 00:43:52,130 --> 00:43:58,267 Has become an iconic landmark in the region. 764 00:43:58,402 --> 00:44:00,870 It's beautiful, it's gorgeous. 765 00:44:01,005 --> 00:44:07,810 And it's something you can't see flying from city to city. 766 00:44:07,845 --> 00:44:09,178 (Teddy) taking the train, 767 00:44:09,214 --> 00:44:13,516 I've been able to get a close up look at the countryside 768 00:44:13,551 --> 00:44:14,850 I was getting whacked by the bushes. 769 00:44:14,886 --> 00:44:16,452 Whoah! (chuckling) 770 00:44:16,488 --> 00:44:23,159 Close call! 771 00:44:23,194 --> 00:44:28,864 As I arrive in chiang mai, I gotta admit I'm blown away. 772 00:44:28,900 --> 00:44:31,801 Not just by the beauty of this ancient walled city 773 00:44:31,936 --> 00:44:36,072 But also the journey that brought me here. 774 00:44:36,107 --> 00:44:38,608 Travelling through flooded fields and bustling 775 00:44:38,710 --> 00:44:43,846 Bangkok markets I've able to soak up rich history and traditions. 776 00:44:43,981 --> 00:44:47,349 Surrounded by majestic scenery at each and every stop 777 00:44:47,385 --> 00:44:49,051 Along the way. 778 00:44:49,087 --> 00:44:51,887 And through it all thailand's old workhorses 779 00:44:51,923 --> 00:45:02,564 Never let me down. 780 00:45:02,600 --> 00:45:03,999 Well, we've traversed the country 781 00:45:04,002 --> 00:45:06,235 And what a thrilling way to see thailand. 782 00:45:06,370 --> 00:45:08,738 This is a difficult place to operate a railway. 783 00:45:08,873 --> 00:45:10,272 Lots of challenges. 784 00:45:10,308 --> 00:45:14,977 But the trains here are so exciting and so full of life. 785 00:45:15,012 --> 00:45:26,856 ♪ ♪ ♪ 786 00:45:26,925 --> 00:45:39,569 ♪ ♪ ♪ 787 00:45:39,703 --> 00:45:53,149 ♪ ♪ ♪ 73226

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