The State Railway of Thailand will launch new train services to Pattaya and Sattahip on Saturdays and Sundays to boost tourism in the eastern region.

The air-conditioned train will run on a trial basis from March 17 to the end of September, the railway agency said on Monday on its Facebook.

It leaves Hua Lamphong station at 6.45am, arrives in Pattaya at 9.13am and reaches Plutaluang in Sattahip district in Chon Buri, the final destination, at 9.50pm.

The return trip leaves Plutaluang at 3.50pm, reaches Pattaya at 4.26pm and arrives in Bangkok at 6.25pm.

Fares from Bangkok to Pattaya and the final destination are 170 baht and reservation for seats is recommended, it added.

Public transport will be available at main stations along the way to take passengers to town and tourist destinations but they have to pay for the ride