BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport Update

[oz_mark]

and in airbus terms that means any time between 2009 and 2017

I wish I hadn't just taken a mouthful of coffee when I read that

 

[serfty]

I wish I hadn't just taken a mouthful of coffee when I read that

Hmmm... 9:50PM in PER; unless one's working late it's an unusual time to be hitting the caffiene.

Back OT: Wunala Dreaming post this link on FT: Qantas Industry Sales Site

New Bangkok Airport - Lounge Facilities Update 03 November 2006
From 13 November 2006, all eligible customers will be able to use the lounge facilities at Bangkok airport on the day of travel. Please note that up to and including 12 November 2006 access is restricted to those passengers travelling in First and Business class.

Still no mention of the actual QF/BA lounge being completed.

 

[JohnK]

Someone who understands Thailand well.

Many days/nights spent in an office waiting for incompetent employees to complete a 1 hour task handed to them days ago.

I know Thailand was hit badly during the Asian Crisis around 1997 but I have never seen a place with so many unfinished buildings and roads. With every visit there appears to be more unfinished buildings and roads than before. May just be my imagination playing tricks on me.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

I know Thailand was hit badly during the Asian Crisis around 1997 but I have never seen a place with so many unfinished buildings

In some countries, people don't trust banks (or the effects of inflation) and thus invest in buildings. The buildings get added to slowly as more is "saved" and it can take many years to complete construction.

 

[clifford]

In some countries, people don't trust banks (or the effects of inflation) and thus invest in buildings. The buildings get added to slowly as more is "saved" and it can take many years to complete construction.

Sounds like Australia (but not NZ, hey?).

 

[simongr]

Many days/nights spent in an office waiting for incompetent employees to complete a 1 hour task handed to them days ago.

I know Thailand was hit badly during the Asian Crisis around 1997 but I have never seen a place with so many unfinished buildings and roads. With every visit there appears to be more unfinished buildings and roads than before. May just be my imagination playing tricks on me.

This was one of my key impressions of Thailand from my first (and only) trip there recently.

 

[jasonja3]

Has anyone stayed in close proximity to the new airport??? If so where? the Novotel rates are a little rich for 5-6hrs...

 

[clifford]

Many days/nights spent in an office waiting for incompetent employees to complete a 1 hour task handed to them days ago.

I know Thailand was hit badly during the Asian Crisis around 1997 but I have never seen a place with so many unfinished buildings and roads. With every visit there appears to be more unfinished buildings and roads than before. May just be my imagination playing tricks on me.

John, I do think it is your imagination playing tricks with you.

I have been going to Bangkok regularly for many years now, and I've noticed that the number of unfinished high-rise buildings has diminished quite considerably in the last few years.

If you like, I can provide you with photos showing this...

 

[infoworks]

Not much that hasn't been discussed already, but this article in IHT today:
Bangkok airport experiences severe birthing pains - Asia - Pacific - International Herald Tribune

 

[GCS]

My first post (unfortunately it is winge). I agree with much of the IHT article. Having made a few passes through BKK in the last few weeks, the most disappointing features I found were the segregated gates, which certainly did not have enough seats for the number of 744 passenger, and the airside busses.

 

[turtlemichael]

I came through BKK last night. I like the city and the people but the airport, in my 3 hours there, must be one of the worst in design anywhere.

A few comments:
If you wear leather soled shoes, be careful you don't go a* over tit on the floors. There are signs warning of the danger but getting this right seems basic.
The holding lounges prior to boarding are utterly inadequate for a full 747, as QF2 was near last night. Confusion on boarding was the order of the day.
The air conditioning must have averaged 27 or 28C. In spots it was 17C and others over 30C, by my guess.
The walking distances are huge. The airport needs a HKG style train.
The temporary QF F lounge is interesting - I'd suggest that anyone visiting waits for boarding before they eat! The booze is adequate though!


Michael

 

[JohnK]

Has anyone stayed in close proximity to the new airport??? If so where? the Novotel rates are a little rich for 5-6hrs...

The area closest to the new airport is Bang Na. There a few good hotels there but I have not stayed in any of them. The next closest area is Sukhumvit and I have stayed there in the past with some very good choice hotels of all price ranges.

My next visit, Dec/Jan, I am staying one night at the Dynasty Inn before heading south to play golf and when returning to BKK I will probably be staying in Bang Na for a couple of nights at either Novotel Bang Na or Royal Princess Srinakarin Hotel or Kanary House Hotel depending on availability and price. I normally book through Precision Reservations who at times have some good deals.

 

[JohnK]

If you wear leather soled shoes, be careful you don't go a* over tit on the floors. There are signs warning of the danger but getting this right seems basic.

I had better watch out then!

The temporary QF F lounge is interesting - I'd suggest that anyone visiting waits for boarding before they eat! The booze is adequate though!

Does anyone know if Finnair and Cathay use the Louis Tavern lounge also?

Michael, just remember that This is Thailand! Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.

 

[mileagemax]

I had better watch out then!


Does anyone know if Finnair and Cathay use the Louis Tavern lounge also?

Michael, just remember that This is Thailand! Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.

CX have already opened their Business/First lounge. At the moment it is not separated inside.

As for using it when flying with QF as a One World, I have not heard of anyone being successful.

Don't know about AY.

 

[JohnK]

CX have already opened their Business/First lounge. At the moment it is not separated inside.

As for using it when flying with QF as a One World, I have not heard of anyone being successful.

Don't know about AY.

Thanks. I will be flying CX business class (sampling seat 80K) from BKK-SIN in January.

I guess AY will stick with QF/BA lounges as they did at Don Muang. I will find out soon enough in January.

 

[JohnK]

A bit of trivia I have come across on Thai websites. Suvarnabhumi Airport is pronounced Suan-na-phuum in Thai or Su-wana-poom which may be easier for westerners to pronounce.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Are left luggage facilities available there? I may need to leave bags there for a couple of nights, rather than dragging them around Bangkok.

 

[infoworks]

Just through BKK again, arrived gate D4 (SQ 60) at 10am - basically a short, straight walk to immigration - fantastic!

Most other immigration desks had about 10 pax in line this morning.

There is now a very clear Diplomatic/Pass section to the right of immigratiion, behind a glass wall, there were 4 manned immigration desks - no waiting. There are even some lounge chairs in the corner - from the sign, looks like for TG VIPs, but certainly open.

 

[Altair]

There is now a very clear Diplomatic/Pass section to the right of immigratiion, behind a glass wall, there were 4 manned immigration desks - no waiting. There are even some lounge chairs in the corner - from the sign, looks like for TG VIPs, but certainly open.

I believe that TG F passengers get an escort from the door of the aircraft straight to this area. Oh TG no longer offers the free limo service to F passengers to/from the airport.

 

[mileagemax]

I believe that TG F passengers get an escort from the door of the aircraft straight to this area. Oh TG no longer offers the free limo service to F passengers to/from the airport.

Is this for people with APEC card too?