Juice,
"I think the driver took the longer way but maybe not."
Been had and afraid to admit it. Hehehe:)
Nice pics btw.
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Juice,
"I think the driver took the longer way but maybe not."
Been had and afraid to admit it. Hehehe:)
Nice pics btw.
[color=green]on my outbound flight from los on last sunday, i came across this article in the nation. it has already been referenced by another mongering newsletter...[/color]
[url]http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/01/pda/national_30015084.html[/url]
published on october 1, 2006
as flight tg 401 touched down at the futuristic-looking suvarnabhumi airport on friday night, the inefficiency of this new bt150-billion facility took me and other passengers by surprise.
the impressive view from the outside, of architectural structures bathed in blue light, gave way to appalling design flaws and apparent mismanagement by officials.
"it's a new airport, so why did we have to board a bus [after deplaning]?" asked a fellow thai traveller from singapore.
less than two minutes later we were stuck in a bottleneck at the only escalator from the ground floor up to the first floor. we wondered why more planning wasn't put into such a crucial matter.
then after a considerable hike past a few duty-free shops, i arrived at the hi-tech immigration desk. it was speedy and convenient. but as i got through the counter and proceeded to find out where to reclaim my luggage, my eyes were dazzled by four flashing tv monitors with letters so tiny that anyone over 40 or with reading difficulties would have a hard time deciphering the messages.
after a few minutes of eye-straining search, i discovered that i had to go to carousel 18. but wait! when i got there, the overhead display said the luggage coming through belonged to flights from siem reap and seoul, not singapore!
there weren't enough luggage carts and it took me 10 minutes to get one.
so which computerised monitors should i trust?
i hung around with other passengers whom i recognised from our flight until one westerner finally got his luggage. "amazing," he said to me, as i asked if he was on that thai flight from singapore, to make sure that this was where my suitcase would emerge.
then there was a sign on a pillar next to the conveyor belt printed on a4 paper. "temporary toilet". the lack of enough toilets appeared to be haunting the new airport on day two.
but there was more travail to go through. the arrival lobby is too small.
people squeeze together forming a wall so you can't see if someone came to
pick you up.
then i couldn't figure out where to hail a metered taxi. there was no sign and i ended up having to ask for information at an aot counter. the woman there was pushing a pricey limousine service, but eventually caved in and told me to head one level down.
"but the queue down there is very long," she warned me. the taxi queue was actually twice, if not thrice, longer than those at don muang.
why? partly bad coordination and partly because this is a single-terminal airport. the taxi pick-up points must actually be fewer than at don muang, which has one domestic and two international terminals. and there was no proper sign telling you this is where you should wait!
while in line, two thai passengers complained to me. one, an elderly gentleman who flew in from brisbane, said he waited an hour and a half for his luggage to arrive. when he inquired about it with thai ground staff, they didn't have a clue as to how long he had to wait.
"it was a long walk," he said, referring to the mega-long terminal and hall.
another thai passenger said the exit gate at the arrival hall was simply "miniature", which didn't make any sense.
nobody seems to want to explain why this new gateway is not laid out better and more conveniently than the 92-year-old complex at don muang. i couldn't help wonder why aot has to force thousands of travellers to undergo such a trying experience.
in the first few days they may claim that many things are not functioning properly because it's still new. but the management's attitude was self-congratulatory even though they should be profusely apologetic and do their best to meet travellers' expectations.
i couldn't see or feel a sense of excellence and a service mindset from them.
suvarnabhumi may end up becoming just another expensive airport that's better to look at than to use.
perhaps a new management team that is more concerned and attentive to travellers' needs and satisfaction, comforts and convenience might improve things. a few executives deserve - not only to be shifted or reassigned - but fired.
pravit rojanaphruk
the nation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
here's my departure via suvarnabhumi last sunday (4th day after opening):
from sukhumvit soi 15, the taxi ride took 30 mins and 185 baht (+25 bt for tollway). it was around 10am on sunday, so not too much traffic. it took about 10 mins to get from soi 15 to the toll booths at motorway no 7 (the driver turned left onto soi 19, then, crossed over to soi 21/asoke, and right onto rama 9). my taxi averaged 140kph on the freeway, so it might take up to 45 mins at slower speed. :o
the departure area is easy to find, but there are no advance warning sign to indicate which entrance you should be dropped off. luckily, i was flying thai, so i knew in advanced that i'd be at #4. for other airlines, i've attached entrance sign photos.
check-in wasn't a problem, since there are plenty of counters. no issue with baggage weight (mine scaled 31kg). note: like other international airports, there is no baggage screening before the check-in counters (done internally somewhere else), so your tg can accompany you till you enter the entrance for immigration. ;)
for added security, you can wrapped your baggage in clear plastic sheets for 100bt each. this would prevent pilfering and bust-open luggage.
i did not see any electronic airport tariff dispensing machines. but, there was no line at the manned booth, so no issue here.
at immigration, there are more foreign passport lines than thai passport, but apparently, thai's can use any line, which causes delays for the foreigners. there were several groups of 10 each in front of me using the foreigners' lanes. and, they were all bunched up like lemmings, i.e. no waiting behind the red line--a security issue. i mentioned these facts to the supervisor and the stamping agent. (1) they stated that thai's can use any line. (2) they don't see it as a security issue to have someone look over another's shoulder. :(
oh, btw, i didn't see any of those cybercams, like at don muang. maybe they are hiddened, or haven't been installed, yet. more likely the latter case...
then, it's a long walk to your gate. if you only have 30 mins before departure, you'd better hussle. don't bother to shop/browse through the duty free stores.
the security screening is set up right before you go down to the 3rd level (for thai flights) or to other individual wings. here i faced the slowness of first-time traveling ladies who didn't want to take off their jackets and didn't remove all metal from their pockets, clothes, or bodies. simply stupid and not pay attention to the security attendants.
then, it's more long walk as you double-back to try to find the right stairway or escalator to get to your gate. :(
finally, you are faced with the stupidity in design of attempting to accomodate handicapped and wheeled baggage: 4 long ramps to get down to level 2. doesn't the designer(s) realize that by this point most travelers only have a carry-on/laptop, so no need for ramps. short staircase is better. and, the occasional handicapped/elderly persons can use the elevators. see photos...
summary: i'm not impressed at all with the new airport. yes, it's huge and modern. and, the growing pains (computer glitches, baggage system) are gone, but there are obvious design flaws to inconvient the travelers and reduce personnel flow. the thai's may feel proud of the overall design and construction, but they don't know anything about international air travel. sad...
seeko
The arrival area is funneled similar to Don Muang's. See photo.
There are long lines at the center/main public taxi pick-up area. However, when I was checking out the Airport Express Buses, I noticed a small scale taxi pick-up area. Not sure if it's for BKK or for other cities. I'll inquire next time...
[size=+1]The Airport Express Lines & Stops:[/size]
[size=+1]AE1:[/size] Petchaburi Soi 30/Pratunam, World Trade Center/Central World Plaza, Rachdamri BTS Station, Lumpini Park, Saladaeng/Rama 4/Robinson Silom, Montien Hotel/Patpong, Tawana Ramada Hotel, Plaza Hotel, Surawong Soi Kamjai/Manohra Hotel, Charoen Krung Soi 47/1 Silom Road, Lertsin Hospital, Central Silom/Holiday Inn, Silom Soi 26, Narai Hotel/Silom Soi 18, Sofitel Hotel/Soi 12, BKK Bank/Soi 6, Saladang BTS Station.
[size=+1]AE2:[/size] Petchaburi Soi 30/Pratunam, Platinum Fashion Mall/Amari Watergate/Pantip Plaza, Petchaburi Soi 20/First Hotel, Petchaburi Soi 10/Asia Hotel, Urupong, Sapan Kao, Thai Airways/Royal Princess Hotel, Wat Rachnatda, Democracy Monument, Royal/Ratanakosin Hotel, National Theatre, Pra A-Thit Road, Phra-sumen, Khaosan road.
[size=+1]AE3:[/size] Sukhumvit Soi 52-50/Onut BTS Station, Prakanong Market/Klongton, Eastern Bus Terminal/Ekamai/Soi 63, Thonglor BTS Station/Soi 38, Soi 34/Rex Hotel, Emporium/Prom-Phong BTS/Soi 24, Soi 20/Novotel Hotel, Soi 18/Westin Hotel/Robinson, Soi 10/BKK Bank/Ambassador Hotel, Soi 6/Amari Boulevard/Landmark, Soi 2/JW Marriot Hotel, Central Chidlom, World Trade Center/Isetan/Zen, Phetchaburi Soi 25/Pratunam Center, Phetchaburi Soi 35/BKK Palace Hotel, Soi Nana/Grace Hotel.
[size=+1]AE4:[/size] Victory Monument, Soi Rangnam, 99 Hotel, Phayathai BTS Station/Florida Hotel, Live Stock Department, Rachatewee BTS Station/Asia Hotel, Siam Discovery Center/Siam Center, Maboonkrong(MBK), Chulalongkorn University/Rama 4 Road, Mandarin Hotel, Bangkok Centre Hotel, Hua Lumpong Railway Station.
I haven't taken them, yet, but I'll soon. Standby...
Seeko
[QUOTE=Seeko]The arrival area is funneled similar to Don Muang's. See photo.
There are long lines at the center/main public taxi pick-up area. However, when I was checking out the Airport Express Buses, I noticed a small scale taxi pick-up area. Not sure if it's for BKK or for other cities. I'll inquire next time...
[size=+1]The Airport Express Lines & Stops:[/size]
[size=+1]AE1:[/size] Petchaburi Soi 30/Pratunam, World Trade Center/Central World Plaza, Rachdamri BTS Station, Lumpini Park, Saladaeng/Rama 4/Robinson Silom, Montien Hotel/Patpong, Tawana Ramada Hotel, Plaza Hotel, Surawong Soi Kamjai/Manohra Hotel, Charoen Krung Soi 47/1 Silom Road, Lertsin Hospital, Central Silom/Holiday Inn, Silom Soi 26, Narai Hotel/Silom Soi 18, Sofitel Hotel/Soi 12, BKK Bank/Soi 6, Saladang BTS Station.
[size=+1]AE2:[/size] Petchaburi Soi 30/Pratunam, Platinum Fashion Mall/Amari Watergate/Pantip Plaza, Petchaburi Soi 20/First Hotel, Petchaburi Soi 10/Asia Hotel, Urupong, Sapan Kao, Thai Airways/Royal Princess Hotel, Wat Rachnatda, Democracy Monument, Royal/Ratanakosin Hotel, National Theatre, Pra A-Thit Road, Phra-sumen, Khaosan road.
[size=+1]AE3:[/size] Sukhumvit Soi 52-50/Onut BTS Station, Prakanong Market/Klongton, Eastern Bus Terminal/Ekamai/Soi 63, Thonglor BTS Station/Soi 38, Soi 34/Rex Hotel, Emporium/Prom-Phong BTS/Soi 24, Soi 20/Novotel Hotel, Soi 18/Westin Hotel/Robinson, Soi 10/BKK Bank/Ambassador Hotel, Soi 6/Amari Boulevard/Landmark, Soi 2/JW Marriot Hotel, Central Chidlom, World Trade Center/Isetan/Zen, Phetchaburi Soi 25/Pratunam Center, Phetchaburi Soi 35/BKK Palace Hotel, Soi Nana/Grace Hotel.
[size=+1]AE4:[/size] Victory Monument, Soi Rangnam, 99 Hotel, Phayathai BTS Station/Florida Hotel, Live Stock Department, Rachatewee BTS Station/Asia Hotel, Siam Discovery Center/Siam Center, Maboonkrong(MBK), Chulalongkorn University/Rama 4 Road, Mandarin Hotel, Bangkok Centre Hotel, Hua Lumpong Railway Station.
I haven't taken them, yet, but I'll soon. Standby...
Seeko[/QUOTE]
Thanks Seeko for the info.
I havent looked at all the details yet on these new airport bus routes but at a glance it all seems same or similar to the old airport A-bus routes. Only thing is they up the price 50% as the old bus price was 100b and from the new airport its 150b. Just thats progress for you.
Only thing missing is the hours of operation for these buses (when does the last bus leave the airport) and how frequently they are running? So keep us informed Seeko or others who have taken these buses.
Cheers.
PT
[QUOTE=Phantomtiger2]Thanks Seeko for the info.
I havent looked at all the details yet on these new airport bus routes but at a glance it all seems same or similar to the old airport A-bus routes. Only thing is they up the price 50% as the old bus price was 100b and from the new airport its 150b. Just thats progress for you.
Only thing missing is the hours of operation for these buses (when does the last bus leave the airport) and how frequently they are running? So keep us informed Seeko or others who have taken these buses.
Cheers.
PT[/QUOTE]
Well it is a significantly longer trip. I think 150 Baht is pretty reasonable, all considered, although I'd probably rather spend 350-400 on a taxi.
I am going to be in Ubon Ratchatani soon, for reasons unrelated to mongering--but I was wondering--has anyone been there since the coup? I have not been there before at all, and would appreciate some advice on how and where to find prime pussy there. Any bars, etc? In particular, is bareback sex available for farangs in Ubon? Thanks for your help!
[QUOTE=Japan]I am going to be in Ubon Ratchatani soon, for reasons unrelated to mongering--but I was wondering--has anyone been there since the coup? I have not been there before at all, and would appreciate some advice on how and where to find prime pussy there. Any bars, etc? In particular, is bareback sex available for farangs in Ubon? Thanks for your help![/QUOTE]
The coup took Ubon R by total surprise, there were lots of street fights and bloody confrontations that never made the press, unfortunately, now that the military have full control here (and are still on the streets, i can see them from my bedroom window) the girls are not allowed to offer bareback sex, but i understand that BBBJ is still okay but only with COT, no CIM is allowed. I would advise you to avoid the scene here, its totally changed since the coup.
Gentlemen
I know the immediate response may be RTFF, however as many of you realise, it is a huge database and it is not always easy to find answers.
By reading various threads, one gets a feeling for Thai culture and what is or is not allowed/tolerated, but what is the complete story?
I have gathered that loss of face, portraying the Buddha in a bad light, taking the [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] out of the King, and many other things, are not the way to win friends and influence people in Thailand.
However, to most westerners, where basically anything goes- except open, safe, beautiful, fantastic prostitution- like in Thailand, there exists a problem.
Take for example tipping, and the funny way that you always get 40Bht somewhere in your change designed for a tip. I only understood this because I was with a BG and she told me that it was custom- and then the Korp kun ka/krap with the folded hands and bow came. In my first few encounters I kept the change because I didn't realise, because tipping is not common in the UK or Aus, and of course the Thais are too proud/nice/shy/relegious, whatever to make a fuss.
What's my point? Well, for countries such as Thailand- or indeed other countries, is it worth creating a thread about customs that is easily searchable? I am sure many people here can tell us about Thai culture, and let's face it, the story seems to be treat the girls well, and you get rewards. Knowing how not to upset them must be very important.
If there is a decent response, I will post this in suggestions to Jackson to see if it is worthy of a seperate thread not only here, but on other forums.
So what do you think?
[QUOTE=Petemcc]Gentlemen
tipping is not common in the UK or Aus,
So what do you think?[/QUOTE]
Anywhere in SEA tipping is not common among the locals. If you dont tip at home then chances are you will not need to tip here -tipping is just a nice gesture as small change left over means alot to them but almost amounts to nothing for us (I mean general services and not P4P). So make them happy if service was good by leaving something=small change. Its really up to you.
Note:I always tip in LOS because its a habit I've grown up with --so its automatic for me, as everyone and everywhere at home almost everybody gets a tip.
PT
[QUOTE=Petemcc]Gentlemen
I know the immediate response may be RTFF, however as many of you realise, it is a huge database and it is not always easy to find answers.
By reading various threads, one gets a feeling for Thai culture and what is or is not allowed/tolerated, but what is the complete story?
I have gathered that loss of face, portraying the Buddha in a bad light, taking the [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] out of the King, and many other things, are not the way to win friends and influence people in Thailand.
However, to most westerners, where basically anything goes- except open, safe, beautiful, fantastic prostitution- like in Thailand, there exists a problem.
Take for example tipping, and the funny way that you always get 40Bht somewhere in your change designed for a tip. I only understood this because I was with a BG and she told me that it was custom- and then the Korp kun ka/krap with the folded hands and bow came. In my first few encounters I kept the change because I didn't realise, because tipping is not common in the UK or Aus, and of course the Thais are too proud/nice/shy/relegious, whatever to make a fuss.
What's my point? Well, for countries such as Thailand- or indeed other countries, is it worth creating a thread about customs that is easily searchable? I am sure many people here can tell us about Thai culture, and let's face it, the story seems to be treat the girls well, and you get rewards. Knowing how not to upset them must be very important.
If there is a decent response, I will post this in suggestions to Jackson to see if it is worthy of a seperate thread not only here, but on other forums.
So what do you think?[/QUOTE]
Pete, one can easily find this in Google. No need for a one-off topic here.
[QUOTE=Petemcc]GentlemenI am sure many people here can tell us about Thai culture, and let's face it, the story seems to be treat the girls well, and you get rewards. Knowing how not to upset them must be very important.[/QUOTE]
What part of Thai culture/customs are you actually interested in? Are you just concerned about not "upsetting" the girls...you mean hookers? They are not exactly representative of Thai culture. So, I don't get your interest in the topic. Could you explain what it is you are eactly after?
BTW, here's a general tip for all those guys who walk in the bars and "wai" the staff and the girls: stop doing it. It's really not appropriate and you look like jerks for doing it.
OTH,
Pete may have hit on something IMO.
You cannot drive us moronic sextourists away from the Kingdom singlehanded, but maybe you can at least provide a little education inside a dedicated thread for those of us who hang out in this virtual cafe.
Goot ideah, mai?
Hello: I got an offer to fly to the following destinations:
Bangkok
Singapore
Tokyo
Bombay
Johannesburg
Nairobi
Sao Paulo
Table end
I was wondering whether I could get an advice as to what destination to choose. My criteria are as follows: since I live on a fix income I am looking for a reasonably cheap place, since I am disabled I am looking for a place which might be friendly towards people with disabilities, for a place with relatively low crime and cheap accommodation. I am looking for a place with low std rate and cheap service providers, I am willing to branch to other cities or countries from the destinations mentioned above so I am looking for a place which can be interested in a traveler as well. Thank you very much for your help.
[QUOTE=Petemcc]Gentlemen
I know the immediate response may be RTFF, however as many of you realise, it is a huge database and it is not always easy to find answers.
...If there is a decent response, I will post this in suggestions to Jackson to see if it is worthy of a seperate thread not only here, but on other forums.
So what do you think?[/QUOTE]Petemcc,
Let's give it a try. I created a thread "Thai Culture and Customs". Feel free to start it up.
[URL]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?p=521224[/URL]
Giotto