To cool the publicly-expressed displeasure of Thai Airways International (THAI) staff to moving the airline's domestic operations to the new Suvarnabhumi international airport for a Sept 15 startup, Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has moderated his earlier demand.
Domestic airlines wishing to operate from the airport on that day could do so on voluntary basis, but it will not be mandatory.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Thaksin said he would meet with the Suvarnabhumi international airport committee Sept. 14 and would leave for Cuba to attend the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)meeting immediately after the airport meeting ends.
Most sections at the airport will start operating on Sept. 15, while international airlines will begin flying from there at 3am (0300 hours) on September 28, he said.
Inconvenience and confusion in moving airline documents and effects to Suvarnabhumi international airport will inevitably could be reduced if they could move and operating from there on September 15.
Several incentives will be given to local airlines including free parking and landing if they could move from Don Muang International Airport to Suvarnabhumi between Sept 15-27, he said, adding that
services from the present airport would cease at 3am on Sept 28.
THAI is so far the only local carrier that has agreed to fly from the new airport on Sept. 15.
Although the company made its corporate decision, many staff disagreed with the early move, saying that support facilities, including bus transport, is not at operational readiness.
TNA 2006-08-19
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
PM eases Suvarnabhumi move timetable
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
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Guess
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I have heard today that the whole project has now been linked with the newly launched Isan Airways and its is possible that the new airport will be for their use only.
Accoding the Isan Air's chief Sasomchai Somkit
"The theme being back to basics and bring some character back to Thailand. We are boasting Kao Niouw with pigs offal for lunch and stewed pigs testicles for dinner. In business class you will even recieve a free glass of Loa Kao. The journry time from BKK to Roy Et will be 8 hours which will be condiderablly less than the train and bus"
Accoding the Isan Air's chief Sasomchai Somkit
"The theme being back to basics and bring some character back to Thailand. We are boasting Kao Niouw with pigs offal for lunch and stewed pigs testicles for dinner. In business class you will even recieve a free glass of Loa Kao. The journry time from BKK to Roy Et will be 8 hours which will be condiderablly less than the train and bus"
[color=blue][size=134]Care in the community success story.[/size][/color]
FM suggests security check at first point of entry
FM suggests security check at first point of entry
Caretaker Foreign Minister Kantathi Supamongkhon said that foreigners should have immigration and security checks at the first point they entered the Thai soil.
At present, the foreigners whose destination was Bangkok, they would have the checks at Bangkok Airport while those who took connection flights to other provinces will be checked at their final airport.
"My wish is to see all foreigners have their passports and luggages checked at the Bangkok Airport. This will help prevent any ill intentioned group from exploiting the rules to avoid the screenings at the Bangkok Airport," he said.
Foreign Ministry has been in full cooperation with securities agencies in updating the blacklists and the embassies will help by contacting foreign agencies in preventing any those in the blacklists from entering Thailand.
The Nation 2006-08-22
Caretaker Foreign Minister Kantathi Supamongkhon said that foreigners should have immigration and security checks at the first point they entered the Thai soil.
At present, the foreigners whose destination was Bangkok, they would have the checks at Bangkok Airport while those who took connection flights to other provinces will be checked at their final airport.
"My wish is to see all foreigners have their passports and luggages checked at the Bangkok Airport. This will help prevent any ill intentioned group from exploiting the rules to avoid the screenings at the Bangkok Airport," he said.
Foreign Ministry has been in full cooperation with securities agencies in updating the blacklists and the embassies will help by contacting foreign agencies in preventing any those in the blacklists from entering Thailand.
The Nation 2006-08-22
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
1,380 immigration police set for Suvarnabhumi airport posts
Thailand's Immigration Bureau Police reiterated the readiness of both its staff and technical equipment in providing services at the new Suvarnabhumi international airport, with a total of 1,380 immigration officers ready to be deployed from the beginning of September, Pol. Lt-Gen. Suwat Thamrongsrisakul said Tuesday.
The immigration police commissioner also reaffirmed the efficiency of its anti-terror technology being deployed at the new airport which is due to officially open for domestic flights on September 15 and
international flights on September 28.
A total of 178 immigration booths at Suvanabhumi airport will be fully manned by 1,380 officers, 380 more than at Don Muang Airport, in test-run operations starting on September 1. The staff will working
three shifts to provide 24-hour services, Gen Suwat said.
Regarding concerns about terrorists entering the kingdom, the commissioner said the security system at the new airport is the highest technology, with data tracking processing systems monitoring both 'black' lists and 'watch' lists upgraded to the latest capabilities.
Passengers appearing on either the black list or watch list can be detected within 20 seconds upon their passport check, he said.
TNA 2006-08-22
Thailand's Immigration Bureau Police reiterated the readiness of both its staff and technical equipment in providing services at the new Suvarnabhumi international airport, with a total of 1,380 immigration officers ready to be deployed from the beginning of September, Pol. Lt-Gen. Suwat Thamrongsrisakul said Tuesday.
The immigration police commissioner also reaffirmed the efficiency of its anti-terror technology being deployed at the new airport which is due to officially open for domestic flights on September 15 and
international flights on September 28.
A total of 178 immigration booths at Suvanabhumi airport will be fully manned by 1,380 officers, 380 more than at Don Muang Airport, in test-run operations starting on September 1. The staff will working
three shifts to provide 24-hour services, Gen Suwat said.
Regarding concerns about terrorists entering the kingdom, the commissioner said the security system at the new airport is the highest technology, with data tracking processing systems monitoring both 'black' lists and 'watch' lists upgraded to the latest capabilities.
Passengers appearing on either the black list or watch list can be detected within 20 seconds upon their passport check, he said.
TNA 2006-08-22
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
It also looks as though transport (esp by taxi) could be difficult. Not too certain about collection by private car either!
If I understand correctly, you have to lug your cases onto a shuttle bus to go to the 'Transportation Centre'
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/52
There's a great spin being put on the place - which always makes me worry
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/32
Peter
If I understand correctly, you have to lug your cases onto a shuttle bus to go to the 'Transportation Centre'
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/52
There's a great spin being put on the place - which always makes me worry
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/32
Peter
If a Yorkshireman puts his hand in his pocket - fret not!
He'll just be checking his ferret.
He'll just be checking his ferret.
It's all a big pile of manure and as it opens and operates, wait until you see the screams. The newspapers will be burning in your hands. So many airports in the world have tired the "shuttle bus" routine to remote areas, only to find the need to construct a circular tram system that connects all areas and terminals, even the parking area, taxi area and bus area.PeteB wrote:It also looks as though transport (esp by taxi) could be difficult. Not too certain about collection by private car either!
If I understand correctly, you have to lug your cases onto a shuttle bus to go to the 'Transportation Centre'
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/52
There's a great spin being put on the place - which always makes me worry
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/32
What we are seeing here is every possibility and attempt to extract money from travelers and into the pockets of attendents, drivers, baggage boys, and all of their bosses in bangkok, specifically, Government House. All bets are on though that the taxis and limos owned/controlled by certain police and "influential figures" will have a "special" area at curb side at the arrival terminal.
The sad part about it is, that these idiots think that we are too stupid to know about it! Maybe the vacation traveller doesn't care, so be it. Residents sure do but, afraid to make waves...maybe visa gone in a flash.
This is where I get cynical Jaime, with bullshit like this. The one's Thai people and foreign residents should trust, take the entire country into the toilet.
PeteAirport fees to go up
Air passengers will be asked to pay heavier departure taxes from early next year, Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) said yesterday.
The international departure tax would be increased by Bt200 to Bt700 and domestic passengers would incur a Bt100 fee, up from a current Bt50. The increase would be effective from February 1 .
AOT operates Suvarnabhumi Airport. It had planned to introduce the new taxes upon the opening of the new airport on September 28. Meanwhile, new landing fees levied on aircraft using the airport would be imposed from April 1, 2007. That is a six-month delay from the original schedule.
AOT said it was postponing the new fee to attract airlines to Suvarnabhumi. The new landing fee is a 15-per-cent increase on that charged at Don Muang airport.
AOT explained earlier that fees at Suvarnabhumi Airport needed to be raised due tot the greater amenities and facilities that would be provided. After 40 years in the making Suvarnabhumi has cost Bt150 billion. It is scheduled to start operations on September 28.
The Nation 2006-08-29
Air passengers will be asked to pay heavier departure taxes from early next year, Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) said yesterday.
The international departure tax would be increased by Bt200 to Bt700 and domestic passengers would incur a Bt100 fee, up from a current Bt50. The increase would be effective from February 1 .
AOT operates Suvarnabhumi Airport. It had planned to introduce the new taxes upon the opening of the new airport on September 28. Meanwhile, new landing fees levied on aircraft using the airport would be imposed from April 1, 2007. That is a six-month delay from the original schedule.
AOT said it was postponing the new fee to attract airlines to Suvarnabhumi. The new landing fee is a 15-per-cent increase on that charged at Don Muang airport.
AOT explained earlier that fees at Suvarnabhumi Airport needed to be raised due tot the greater amenities and facilities that would be provided. After 40 years in the making Suvarnabhumi has cost Bt150 billion. It is scheduled to start operations on September 28.
The Nation 2006-08-29
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
This was exactly what I've expected.
Not enough that they still argue about the opening date, now they still raise the departure taxes.
Presumably they do so, because everything is thus upper class (golden faucets, grounds from the noblest marble etc....)????
Everywhere in the world where new airports are built, they try to combine a better standard for passenger and airlines with lower prices.
Of course, not in Thailand!
Visitors are just good enough to empty their purses.
Bit by bit I start to hope that the Officials will get a great disappointment with their new airport.
That would be (perhaps) the only way for our Thai friends to learn, that visitors and tourists are not just living ATMs...but I suppose this wish never will come true…not in this life!
Not enough that they still argue about the opening date, now they still raise the departure taxes.
Presumably they do so, because everything is thus upper class (golden faucets, grounds from the noblest marble etc....)????
Everywhere in the world where new airports are built, they try to combine a better standard for passenger and airlines with lower prices.
Of course, not in Thailand!
Visitors are just good enough to empty their purses.
Bit by bit I start to hope that the Officials will get a great disappointment with their new airport.
That would be (perhaps) the only way for our Thai friends to learn, that visitors and tourists are not just living ATMs...but I suppose this wish never will come true…not in this life!
You mean car rental?Guess wrote:What I would really like to know is if ther will be any independent car renat companies operating from there.
Found this from the link PeteB send in: http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/54
Car rental services at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport are provided by international and local operators.
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
All airlines prepared for the big move
Some budget carriers may switch early
All local and international airlines have announced they are ready to relocate to the new Suvarnabhumi Airport on the official opening date of September 28, while three budget carriers - keen to avoid road congestion caused by the transfer of equipment - have opted to move their fleets up to three days ahead of schedule.
In a meeting held by airline operators yesterday to discuss their readiness to make the move, Air France said it would be ready to divert its aircraft to Suvarnabhumi on September 28.
Contrary to a recent report, no airline has to date said it plans to shift flights to other countries in the region.
All major airlines, including Thai Airways International (THAI), Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and other international carriers, told the panel they had no problem with the opening date of the new airport.
The government has said all flights must move to the new airport on September 28, when the existing Don Muang Airport will close to commercial traffic.
In a bid to woo airlines to Suvarnabhumi, Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has postponed its plan to increase service fees by six months until April 2007. The fees includes a landing and parking fee and passenger airport tax.
Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia, said all its flights would move to the new airport on September 25, three days ahead of the official opening. The final 10 flights, both domestic and international, on September 24 will also fly to the new airport.
"Even though our facilities there, including the office at the new airport, are not complete we are confident everything will be ready in time," Tassapon said.
"The early move is an attempt to avoid traffic congestion at the new airport the night before the opening date," he said.
The airline has already informed passengers about the move. Ticket prices will not be increased, as the costs are the same now that the airport authorities have agreed to delay the landing-fee hike.
Thai AirAsia, a joint venture between Shin Corp and Malaysia's AirAsia, said its 70 daily flights would shift from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi on September 25.
One Two Go, the low-cost unit of Orient Thai, said it would transfer all its flights to the new airport on September 26, two days before the opening date.
One of the company's officers said the firm was keen to have a two-day head start to learn more about the airport.
Nok Air, another budget carrier and THAI's sister airline, confirmed it would transfer all its flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 27, one day ahead of the official opening.
THAI's own local flights will be using the new airport from September 15, as required by the government.
Jetstar Asia will be the first foreign airline to use Suvarnabhumi Airport, flying from Singapore three times a day - also from September 15.
The new airport, which can serve up to 45 million passengers per year, will relieve congestion at the overstretched Don Muang, which is currently handling about two million passengers above its capacity.
The government hopes Suvarnabhumi will help Thailand compete against rival airports in Malaysia and Singapore to become the region's most important aviation hub.
Suchat Sritama
The Nation 2006-08-31
Some budget carriers may switch early
All local and international airlines have announced they are ready to relocate to the new Suvarnabhumi Airport on the official opening date of September 28, while three budget carriers - keen to avoid road congestion caused by the transfer of equipment - have opted to move their fleets up to three days ahead of schedule.
In a meeting held by airline operators yesterday to discuss their readiness to make the move, Air France said it would be ready to divert its aircraft to Suvarnabhumi on September 28.
Contrary to a recent report, no airline has to date said it plans to shift flights to other countries in the region.
All major airlines, including Thai Airways International (THAI), Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and other international carriers, told the panel they had no problem with the opening date of the new airport.
The government has said all flights must move to the new airport on September 28, when the existing Don Muang Airport will close to commercial traffic.
In a bid to woo airlines to Suvarnabhumi, Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has postponed its plan to increase service fees by six months until April 2007. The fees includes a landing and parking fee and passenger airport tax.
Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia, said all its flights would move to the new airport on September 25, three days ahead of the official opening. The final 10 flights, both domestic and international, on September 24 will also fly to the new airport.
"Even though our facilities there, including the office at the new airport, are not complete we are confident everything will be ready in time," Tassapon said.
"The early move is an attempt to avoid traffic congestion at the new airport the night before the opening date," he said.
The airline has already informed passengers about the move. Ticket prices will not be increased, as the costs are the same now that the airport authorities have agreed to delay the landing-fee hike.
Thai AirAsia, a joint venture between Shin Corp and Malaysia's AirAsia, said its 70 daily flights would shift from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi on September 25.
One Two Go, the low-cost unit of Orient Thai, said it would transfer all its flights to the new airport on September 26, two days before the opening date.
One of the company's officers said the firm was keen to have a two-day head start to learn more about the airport.
Nok Air, another budget carrier and THAI's sister airline, confirmed it would transfer all its flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 27, one day ahead of the official opening.
THAI's own local flights will be using the new airport from September 15, as required by the government.
Jetstar Asia will be the first foreign airline to use Suvarnabhumi Airport, flying from Singapore three times a day - also from September 15.
The new airport, which can serve up to 45 million passengers per year, will relieve congestion at the overstretched Don Muang, which is currently handling about two million passengers above its capacity.
The government hopes Suvarnabhumi will help Thailand compete against rival airports in Malaysia and Singapore to become the region's most important aviation hub.
Suchat Sritama
The Nation 2006-08-31
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
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Wanderlust
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Kraka's Dad
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As I understand it Don Muang will be used for domestic flights and possibly charter. Which would make it awkward if you wanted to fly in on scheduled flight and then take the shuttle flight to Hua Hin without an overnight or more in Bangkok. Was not too bad before just a change of terminal whereas in the future it would seem to mean a transfer to Don Muang which would make things less convenient.
Have never used the shuttle but am less likely to now without a stay in Bangkok first.
Have never used the shuttle but am less likely to now without a stay in Bangkok first.
The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
I beleive that Don Muang is closing completely. All domestic Airlines move to the new Airport on 15 September.
The future of the old Airport is as yet still unclear.
For sure, would be a nightmare if you had to transit from new to old. Have you been to Milan? Fly from BKK to Malpensa, then travel 40 kms to Linate to fly to the UK (that's the last time I'll ever fly Alitalia). My wife needed a visa just to transit through Italy!
Winkie
The future of the old Airport is as yet still unclear.
For sure, would be a nightmare if you had to transit from new to old. Have you been to Milan? Fly from BKK to Malpensa, then travel 40 kms to Linate to fly to the UK (that's the last time I'll ever fly Alitalia). My wife needed a visa just to transit through Italy!
Winkie
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No never flown to Milan it sounds awful.
We always use EVA to fly from Bangkok to London Heathrow and then BMI up to Manchester and that is usually fine unless the EVA flight is delayed as it was last February as the King was seeing off the French President which resulted in us missing the flight to Manchester. EVA put us up in a hotel and booked us onto a flight to Manchester the next morning. A bit of a pain but unavoidable as all flights were delayed.
We always use EVA to fly from Bangkok to London Heathrow and then BMI up to Manchester and that is usually fine unless the EVA flight is delayed as it was last February as the King was seeing off the French President which resulted in us missing the flight to Manchester. EVA put us up in a hotel and booked us onto a flight to Manchester the next morning. A bit of a pain but unavoidable as all flights were delayed.
The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.