New first class airport bus service

[reader]

From Bangkok Post 

State-run Transport Co will launch a first-class bus service from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports to Hua Hin and Pattaya on March 8.

Managing-director Atthawit Rakchamroon said on Tuesday there would be four round trips daily between Don Mueang airport and Pattaya. Each trip was 162 kilometres and would take two-and-a-half hours. The fare would be 155 baht.

There would be two round trips daily between Don Mueang airport and Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan, a distance of 216km per trip. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours.

There would be four round trips between Suvarnabhumi airport and Pattaya. Each trip was 127km and would take two hours, and the fare would be 122 baht. 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2963397/new-1st-class-bus-service-from-bangkok-airports-to-hua-hin-pattaya

[thaiophilus]

I wonder what makes it "first-class"? Suggestions invited...

[vinapu]

considering that Suvarnabhumi- Jomtien bus costs 143 don't expect much of additional luxury for price of 122 but every additional  bus is an asset as waiting times for the next bus in January were up to 3 hours .

[thaiophilus]

My question about what makes firstt class was intended more to stimulate discussion than as a serious request for information, but a lurker has PMd an explanation of the official bus classes:

"1st class: luxe, with AC, if run by private contractors often labelled 'VIP´; should have an onboard toilet (which does not guarantee it's usable!). Mostly non stop or at least no official stops en route.

2nd: basic AC, just a seat and nothing more. Nowadays mostly minivans; will also do intermediate stops

3rd: rarely seen today, old style orange non-AC does all stops, takes each+everything onboard etc. Also the big songthaews that serve most very local provincial lines.

4th: double deck bus, with AC, very few of these, intermediate between 1st/2nd. Prone to accidents and thus mistrusted by most Thai now."