I notice there is only one sleeper train now on the North East - KK / Udon / Nong Khai line. Is this the usual state of affairs, or is it just a wet season reduction?

I have been catching sleeper trains up country for more than 25 years, on most of our visits to Thailand. Recently this is on the Ubon line, but we used to go only on the Nong Khai line. We had a choice of several sleeper trains back then. Still do on the Ubon line, three to choose from.

Of course 25 years ago the bus services were basic and the trains were packed. With the dual carriageway road all the way to Udon nowadays, have the cheaper / quicker bus services killed off the trains?