We are planning to take the sleeper train from BKK to Surat Thani in February. 2 adults and 3 children. Would like the 7:30pm train which arrives approx 6:30am the next morning, in a first class compartment. Some questions:

1. will the 1st class compartment sleep 5 people (2 adults, 3 kids)?
2. the thai train web site www.thairailwayticket.com only allows me to buy 4 tix max, not 5. any other options?
3. according to that web site, 2nd class is available but 2st isnt -- seems strange it is sold out so far in advance, does anyone know if perhaps its not possible to buy 1st class tix online?

Any general advice for sleeper trains in Thailand?

Thanks!

seat61.com/Thailand.htm (lots of good info there!) says that 1st class compartments on Thai trains are 2-berth, but you could book two adjoining compartments for four people (don't know about five). I've traveled in 2nd class on Thai night trains, and found it plenty comfortable. The berths are parallel to the side of the carriages, with curtains, so you get real (visual) privacy.

Unless you're traveling over Chinese New Year I doubt you need to book this far ahead - I usually buy my ticket a couple of days in advance.

Thanks, yes I read seat61.com but it doesn't say whether we will be able to sleep 5 people (2 adults + 3 kids) in the 2 compartments that are supposed to only hold 4 people. I dont want to have to get 3 compartments. As we will be with kids, I prefer to have 1st class instead of 2nd, since 1st has locking compartments.

A lot depends on the age of the children. If a couple are under 5 or so, I would think the RR would let them share a berth. But if all are teens, one berth per person would probably rule.

Suggest you try emailing the RR themselves and ask!

From seat61.com: "Children aged 0 to 3 and less than 100cm in height travel free, children aged 4 to 11 and under 150cm travel at half fare, children 12 years old and upwards (or over 150cm high) pay full fare. " Suggests you need a berth, or at least need to pay for one, for each person over 3. If you then want to cram two kids into one berth, and leave the 5th empty, I doubt anyone will stop you.

I did email them but the reply was not clear. I think I will buy 5 berths but only use 4. This way we can have one adult in each compartment, I'm not crazy about having one of my kids alone in a 3rd compartment. Will report back how it goes in my trip report.