has served as a hub for backpackers for decades. bangkok—based author of lonely planet thailand guidebook joe cummings reminisces how significant the station has been for nostalgic tourists and train travellers. when i heard about this place closing, it was just... of all the things that have changed, this was the first one that to me felt personal. i started doing the lonely planet guide in 1981. i just thought the place was amazing. i think it was the first overnight train trip i'd ever taken anywhere. people are going long distances. it is the place. it's where it all happens. suppose you're taking a train for sightseeing, having that train leave and arrive would just add so much nostalgia. i tell people i take the train, and they say flying is so much faster. well, i don't have to go to the airport. i don't have to go through