Klong boats and buses and such are "not for farangs" when they don't take the trouble to learn the system. River boats on the Chao Phya used not to be for farangs before Lonely Planet Guide book discovered they stop near Khao San Road...now they use the same boats specifically for tourists on the same route during non rush hours.
What I have observed with klong boats and non-aircon buses is you need get on and off very quickly, have the right change ready as far as possible and know the name of your destination(get someone to write it down in Thai if necessary) and you will be very welcome. Delays are what pisses off the operators and other passengers...they don't mind sacrificing some sedateness by a little jumping and skating as long as the boat gets them home quickly. Watch the other passengers and do as they do. By the way, avoid the klong boats going east during evening rush hour and going west during morning rush hour unless you board and alight at Pratunam or The Mall. Stand ready to board at the back..it is always the last zone to fill. Last boats depart just after 7pm...the most thrilling ride is at 7pm going to Pratunam from The Mall or Hua Mak (Ta[pier] Mahard Thai) when the boat is almost empty and hardly stops at all and is plowing through the wake of the loaded boats coming in the opposite direction at high speed.
You may also use bus 93 (aircon, yellow) from Surawongse to Hua Mak stadium via Petchaburi. It is quicker than 115 via Prakanong. Also 537 from Victory Monument takes you directly to the swimming pools via Ramkhamhaeng soi 24 just after passing Torpedo sauna on the right. Just ask for Hua Mak when buying your ticket.
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