Since its establishment on June 25, 1916, Bangkok Railway Station, commonly known as Hua Lamphong, had been the main transit for people touring Thailand before the introduction of low-cost air travel to Bangkok city.
Following King Rama V’s orders, the building began in 1910. The King visited Germany in 1907 and was moved by the grandeur of the Frankfurt Train Station. Hua Lamphong station, as a result, includes classical features that embrace De Stijl Dutch inspirations, such as two-toned and patterned skylights and a curved roof with stained glass based on a Mario Tamagno design. Hua Lamphong is Thailand’s principal gateway to the country’s eastern, north-eastern, southern, and northern regions. It has a distinctive half-dome construction in an Italian neo-renaissance design that connects to the underground MRT system. It was built at the same time as the parliament building and the Bank of Thailand Museum, both designed by Mario Tamagno. It has a form that is typical of most government buildings and monuments.
The interior arrangement and appearance of the Bangkok Railway Station are similar to those of the Frankfurt Train Station. Both include a half-dome façade, a large clock, and open-air passenger galleries. Hua Lamphong has 26 ticket booths, two electric display booths, and 14 platforms, serving over 60,000 people per day on about 130 trains. Its entrance leads to the waiting and ticketing area, as well as the departures and arrivals electronic information display boards. Shops and quick food restaurants can be found on the mezzanine and lower floors. Travellers should familiarize themselves with the various types of trains and seats available before purchasing a ticket, as there are numerous possibilities. When you travel first-class, you’ll have air conditioning and all seats convert to sleeping beds. Air conditioning is also available in second class, but not all seats can be converted to sleeping berths. Some seats in third class are air-conditioned, while others are not. The 103rd anniversary of the railway station was honoured in 2019.
In a city with a population of over 8 million people, life is always in motion. Hua Lamphong’s historic station will hopefully be turned into a museum as Bangkok’s new station, Bang Sue Grand Central station, opened at the end of 2021.