Bangkok Airways to Temporarily Suspend Bangkok-Vientiane Flights

Bangkok Airways to Temporarily Suspend Bangkok-Vientiane Flights



Bangkok Airways has announced that it will suspend routes between Bangkok and Vientiane until further notice amid a drop in the number of passengers.

The operation of PG943 Bangkok-Vientiane and PG944 Vientiane-Bangkok will be suspended from March 10, except for March 24, while PG949 Bangkok-Vientiane and PG940 Vientiane-Bangkok will not operate from March 29.

“Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited announces a decrease in flight frequency as well as flight termination on certain domestic and international routes to be in line with current passenger demand,” the airline explained.

“This also follows the airline’s expense reduction plans which were launched earlier this month due to the global economic slowdown combined with the COVID-19 epidemic,” the company added.

Further information about affected flights can be found at Bangkok Airways’ website.

~The Laotian Times~

Thailand requires Chinese tourists to show medical certificates

Coronavirus: Thailand requires Chinese tourists to show medical certificates

Thailand said all arriving Chinese tourists must provide medical certificates stating that they are healthy and free of infection from the novel coronavirus.

This measure is being implemented in the wake of the World Health Organisation's decision to call the virus outbreak a global health emergency, the government said in a release dated Feb 1.

Chinese visitors spent almost US$18 billion (S$24.5 billion) in Thailand last year, more than a quarter of all foreign-tourism receipts.

With China banning outbound group tours to fight the virus, Thailand's tourism industry - which makes up about 21 per cent of the economy - is taking a severe knock.

Reduced travel from China alone could result in 50 billion baht (S$2 billion) of lost tourism revenue, the Thai Tourism Ministry estimated.

The spread of the coronavirus beyond China has also affected domestic tourism in Thailand, which has recorded more infections than anywhere but China with 19 cases. Thailand announced its first case of human-to-human transmission on Jan 31.

Shopkeepers in Phuket said that had left Thai tourists wary of venturing out to join what should have been an annual festival on Walking Street in the heart of the town.

~The Straits Times~

机场食品不贵？督察局反驳

机场食品不贵？督察局反驳



国家督察局代理局长威塔瓦昨天（11日）表示，督察局从2016年起接到有关机场内食物、饮用水太贵问题，并于2016年3月22日展开调查，发现泰国机场管理公司（AOT）与业者签署的合约在商品价格上有明确规定，其中针对廊曼机场业者销售的商品价格不得超过商场的10-20%，素汪纳普机场内销售的商品价格不得超过商场的25%。但调查发现，这2处机场销售的商品价格超过规定的40-50%。

威塔瓦指出，该调查结果与泰国机场管理公司之前的说法不一致。至于在网络上引起热议的饮用水事件，饮用水属于价格管制商品，不管在哪里售卖都必须按照规定价格销售。但是发现机场内业者更多销售的是矿泉水，因为矿泉水不属于价格管制商品，在机场里的销售价格在35-70铢左右。该机构认为这个价格超出民众的负担，希望泰国机场管理公司能解决该问题。

机场食品不贵？督察局反驳

威塔瓦还说，泰国机场管理公司曾于去年指出无法解决价格问题，因为需要更改合约。而督察局法规新条例于去年12月27日生效，如果有关部门没有按照该机构给出的建议进行改进，该机构可以向上级部门报告此事，以敦促解决问题。因此，该机构将于2月初再次派人前去机场检查，特别是廊曼机场，希望能在4月内解决问题，为使用机场服务返乡过宋干节的民众提供方便。

代理局长还强调，泰国机场管理公司不用修改合约，因为与业者签署的合约明确规定，廊曼机场销售的商品价格不超过商场的10-20%，素汪纳普机场不超过20-25%。因此，泰国机场管理公司需要加强管理让业者制定的商品价格符合合约规定。

这次安排在2月初检查工作，督察局将邀请商业部、消费者权益保护委员会办事处等部门官员共同展开调查。政府总理巴育上将非常关心这件事情，因为机场可以算是泰国的门面，需要维护工作标准。

《泰国世界日报》

廊曼计程车不打表坑外国客 又遭爆料

廊曼计程车不打表坑外国客 又遭爆料

泰国脸书粉丝页『Taxi report TH』今天（12日）爆料，廊曼机场国际航站楼附近，又有计程车坐地起价，拒绝给外籍乘客打表，在经过一番讨价还价后，还收取乘客700铢的高价车费，希望机场工作人员能加以管理。

《泰国世界日报》

芭堤雅往返广东梅州 直飞航线开通

芭堤雅往返广东梅州 直飞航线开通



一架飞鸟航空公司涂装形似小鸟的飞机13日中午平稳降落在广东省梅州市梅县机场，标志着泰国芭堤雅往返广东梅州直飞新航线正式通航。

该国际航班由飞鸟航空公司采用B737-800机型执飞，每周2班，逢周一、三飞行，均于北京时间早上9时从芭堤雅起飞，中午12时到达梅州；返程则于下午1时从梅州起飞，下午4时到达芭提雅。

这也是广东梅州梅县机场继开通雅加达航线后开通的第2条东南亚航线。该新航线的开通，不仅对梅州连接东南亚地区侨胞具有重要意义，也将更好地服务国家「一带一路」倡议，进一步促进梅州乃至广东与世界的互通互联。目前，11月梅州飞往芭堤雅的机票已经售罄。

广东梅州被誉为「世界客都」，也是著名侨乡，泰国、印尼、新加坡等东南亚地区分布着众多祖籍梅州的侨胞。

《泰国世界日报》

Singaporeans can use passport scanners at Thailand's Suvarnabhumi airport

Singaporeans can use passport scanners at Thailand's Suvarnabhumi airport

Singaporeans flying to Thailand can now use the Automated Gate (Auto Gate) at Suvarnabhumi Airport to enter the country, the Royal Thai Embassy announced on Sunday (Aug 20).

This comes after the country said it will "start using Auto Gate to perform immigration check for foreign visitors to enter the Kingdom of Thailand by air".

The announcement posted on the embassy's Facebook page added that Singapore will be the "first country" to be allowed to use the service.

"Singapore is the first country to be allowed to use this Auto Gate at Suvarnabhumi airport. The Immigration Bureau of Thailand will consider adding other countries to the list for the Auto Gate in the near future.

"Singapore Travellers who wish to use the Auto Gate do not need to do preliminary register with the Thai immigration office. At the Auto Gate, the system will record passenger information and fingerprints for identification on subsequent trips. It can also be linked to airlines' check-in systems to verify passengers' identities," the announcement added.

The Auto Gate passport scanners which was reserved for Thai nationals can only be used by visitors who are entering Thailand for tourism purposes. For other reasons, visitors need to apply for a visa and go through the regular immigration checking process, the embassy statement added.

According to the embassy, the decision to allow Singaporeans to use the Auto Gate was based on "an analysis of security and on a reciprocal agreement, as Singapore is now considering allowing Thai nationals to use its automatic gates."

The Immigration Bureau of Thailand is considering expanding the use of Auto Gate to other airports, including Don Mueang, U-tapao and Phuket, it added.

~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~

Limo Bus from Don Meuang Airport to Bangkok city

清迈机场-市区空调巴士开通

清迈机场-市区空调巴士开通



简介：不用议价全程20铢，能为抵达清迈旅游的国内外游客提供便利，减少游客对私家车的依赖，缓解交通堵塞问题。

清迈市区「绕城观光巴士」路线23日正式开通，由民间业者经营红色21座冷气大巴，可从清迈机场搭乘进入市区。

清迈市区23日新开通「绕城观光巴士」路线，由民间业者经营红色21座冷气大巴，可从清迈机场搭乘进入市区，并途经清迈市中心多处主要街区，为观光客带来方便。该观光巴士收票费仅20铢。

清迈运输局主任参猜及当军方、警方和民营企业代表昨天主持新的「绕城观光巴士」服务启动仪式，由民间业者运营的红色空调巴士「冷气10线」正式投入运营。该巴士从凌晨5时半起发车，一直运营至晚上10时，每天服务，每10分钟发出一趟车。初期有8辆21座型冷气空调中型巴士投入服务，运营路线为﹕挽侃元、昌堪路、诗东猜路、清迈城门市场、清迈国际机场、清迈-航东公路，全程票价统一20铢，学生及僧侣收15铢。

参猜表示，这条巴士服务将能为抵达清迈旅游的国内外游客提供便利，减少游客对私家车的依赖，缓解交通堵塞问题，而且不用议价全程20铢，又是冷气空调车，是观光客往返机场与清迈市区的便利选择。未来还将增加服务车辆班数，并实现每5分钟发出一辆车，满足更多游客需求。

～以上新闻转自世界日报～

廊曼机场第2航厦全面启动

廊曼机场第2航厦全面启动

曼谷廊曼机场第二航厦于昨天(8日)正式启用,泰国机场公司(AOT)总裁尼迪奈主持启用仪式以及廊曼机场建设102周年纪念日活动。

尼迪奈表示,去年廊曼机场每天接待游客数量高达2000万人次,或每年约2900万人次,平均每天升降620个航班,这可谓是已经超出机场接待乘客的承受能力。廊曼机场第2航厦的全面启动,足以应对日益剧增的客流,预计该航站楼每年可接客4000万人次。

廊曼机场第2航站楼占地面积约10万6000平方米,3层机场服务楼提供服务,即第1层为抵达大厅、第2层为机场办公大楼、第3层为出发大厅和270多家商店。

不管怎样,预计启动第2航站楼后将为廊曼机场带来额外收入,将不仅仅是每年约10亿铢的航空业务收入,或计为每年增长20%,促使使用廊曼机场服务的乘客增加到3000万人次。至于今年泰国6座机场的经营成果,预计乘客数量可扩大16-18%。

泰国机场公司董事会主席帕颂表示,廊曼机场第3期发展计画和整修第1航站楼枢纽通道,以联通至机场大楼和廊曼机场捷运站,进而兴建可容纳3000多个停车位的停车楼。廊曼机场是全球低成本廉价航空进驻最多的机场,如果机场第3期发展计画施工完成后,将可提升机场的接待能力,有望每年突破4000万人次。

~以上新闻转自世界日报~

Staying safe from MERS

Staying safe from MERS

Southeast Asia is now on alert for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, the coronavirus known as MERS as cases in South Korea continue to climb. First detected in the Middle East in 2012 and transported to Korea by a businessman returning from the Middle East, travel-associated cases have also been identified in several other countries including China, Egypt, France, Germany, the UK and the US.

The MERS outbreak in South Korea has led to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan warning nationals about travelling to South Korea. Singapore Airlines is waiving cancellation fees and administration fees for refunds, rebookings and reroutings for customers holding tickets on the airline's flights to or from Seoul's Incheon International Airport.

For its part, Thailand is following the WHO guidelines and has not issued a "red alert" warning against non-essential travel to South Korea - which is one of the most popular destination among Thai tourists. Here we review the guidelines of WHO and Thailand's Bureau of Epidemiology, and what you should know about MERS before heading to the airport.

>> What is MERS?

MERS or Middle East respiratory syndrome is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (MERS-CoV).Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The MERS virus is considered a deadlier but less infectious cousin of SARS.

>> Where are the risk areas?

The virus appears to be circulating throughout the Arabian Peninsula, primarily in Saudi Arabia, where the majority of cases have been reported since 2012. As people are travelling across the globe every day, several cases have been reported outside the Middle East.

>> How could you get it?

According to the WHO, the virus is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted from animals to humans and also passes from person to person in close contact. The origins of the virus are not fully understood but camels are likely to be a major reservoir host for the virus and an animal source of infection in humans.

>> Define "in close contact".

Situations like health care officer providing unprotected care to an infected patient, people visiting MERS patients or staying in the same close environment of a patient, working together in close proximity or sharing the same classroom environment with a patient, travelling together with a patient in any kind of conveyance or living in the same household as a patient are all examples of in close contact.

>> How long is the incubation period?

The incubation period of the disease is generally less than one week, but can be as long as 14 days.

>> What are typical MERS symptoms?
The symptoms of MERS range from no symptoms, mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory disease and death. A typical sign is fever, cough and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is a common finding, but not always present. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea, have also been reported.

>> Who is prone to the disease?

It appears to hit most severely people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and lung disease.
>> Is there any vaccine or medication specifically for MERS?

No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. Treatment is supportive and based on the patient's clinical condition.

>> Is there any way to lower a risk of getting the virus while travelling?

Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. Avoiding close contact with live farm or wild animals. Avoiding undercooked meats, unsafe water, raw fruits and vegetables unless they have been peeled. When going to public venues with large crowds, wearing a mask also help.

>> What to do if I develop symptoms during travel or after my return from countries where MERS is known to be circulating?

You are encouraged to seek medical attention and to share your history of travel. People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).

~News courtesy of The Nation~

Airports on alert

Airports on alert

Three thermoscan inspection points are in place at Suvarnabhumi Airport as the nation gets ready for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Phet Chancharoen, director of Airport Department, Suvarnabhumi Airport, said that the inspections have started since June 2. Medical supports are also ready.

Today, the airport officials had a meeting with disease control officials.

Thai health officials confirmed there is zero MERS case in Thailand but the country is on alert for travellers from risk countries. Officers stand by at Muang Thong Thani where some 4,000 Korean nationals are attending a conference.

At Chiang Mai International Airport, officers are instructed to pay special attention to those travelling from South Korea and China.

Travellers whose body temperature is above 38 degree Celcius will be quarantined.

During May 1-June 4, a number of 66,865 visitors from South Korea and the Middle East entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport.

Monruedee Ketphan, director of the airport, said that no passenger showed symptoms.

The World Health Organization said Friday it would soon call an emergency meeting on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) as the death toll from the virus rises in South Korea.

South Korea has suffered the largest outbreak of the virus outside Saudi Arabia.

A 72-year-old woman became the latest fatality on Friday after being infected by a MERS patient at a hospital, the health ministry said, taking the death toll in the country to 11.

So far, 126 cases have been recorded in South Korea since May 20 when the first case surfaced.

Currently, 3,680 people are under quarantine. A total of 1,249 people have been released from quarantine.

WHO’s "emergency committee will meet soon" to discuss the crisis, spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told reporters in Geneva, without specifying a date.

He stressed that "the number of new cases is decreasing," but warned: "we have to monitor the situation."

The committee will determine whether the current outbreak "constitutes a global health emergency crisis," he said.

MERS symptoms range from flu-like aches and pains to pneumonia and kidney failure.

The virus is considered a deadlier cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which appeared in 2003 and killed more than 800 around the world.

Globally, some 1,200 people have been infected with MERS and some 450 have died since the virus first emerged in 2012.

~News courtesy of The Nation~

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus Service

Public Bus Service

24 hour public bus service is provided from the Bus Terminal at the Transport Center. Take a shuttle bus (Express route) to theTransport Center

Bus fare is 35 baht.

Public Bus Service to Bangkok and area.

Bus Number 549 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Minburi

Bus No.549 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Minburi via Ladkrabang Road, taking a right turn to Rom Klao Road, cutting left to Sihaburanukit Road, taking left turn to Seri Thai Road. End the route at Bangkapi.

Bus Number 550 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Happy Land

Bus No.550 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Happy Land via Ladkrabang Road, On-Nut Road, turning right to Sri Nakarin Road, turning left to Ladprao Road and turning right to Happy Land.

Bus Number 551 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Victory Monument (Expressway)

Bus No.551 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Victory Monument via New Bangkok - Chonburi expressway to Srirat expressway for exit at Rama 9 toll gate to continue further along Asoke-Dindang Road and Rachawithi Road for the final stop at the Victory Monument.

Bus Number 552 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - On Nut BTS station

Bus No.552 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to the On-Nut sky train station via Bangna-Bangpakong Road, taking a right turn to Sukhumvit Road until the On-Nut sky train station.

Bus Number 553 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Samut Prakan

Bus No.553 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Samut Prakan province via Ladkrabang Road, taking a left turn to Kingkaew Road, turning right to Bangna-Bangpakong Road, turning left to Sri Nakarin Road, turning right to Sukhumvit Road, turning left to Sai Luad Road until Samut Prakan.

Bus Number 554 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Don Muang Airport (Expressway)

Bus No.554 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Muang Airport via New Bangkok-Chonburi expressway, turning right to the eastern ring road, taking a left turn to Ramintra Road, Changwattana Road, turning right to Vibhavadi Rangsit Road until reaching Don Muang Airport.

Bus Number 555 - Suvarnabhumi - Rangsit (Expressway)

Bus No.555 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Rangsit via Department of Employment - PTT Don - Muang - Vibhavadi Rangsit Junction - Rangsit.

Bus Number 556 - Suvarnbhumi - Southern Bus Terminal (Expressway)

Bus No.556 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Southern Bus Terminal via Yommarat - Democracy Monument - Thammasat University - Pata Department Store - Southern Bus Terminal.

Bus Number 557 - Suvarnabhumi - Wongwien Yai

Bus No.557 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Wongwien Yai via Rom Klao Junction - Chalarat Hospital9 - Technology Business Administration School, Samut Prakan - Chalarat Hospital 4 - Rung Chareon Market - Suksawat Road - Ratburata Hospital - Wat Sawetchat - Wongwien Yai.

Bus Number 558 - Suvarnabhumi - Central Rama 2

Bus No.558 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Central Rama 2 via Central Park Hospital - Chalarat Hospital 1 - Ramkamhaeng 2 Junction - Srinakarin Junction - Bang Na - Soi Lasan - Rung Chareon Market - Suksawat Road - Lotus Bang Na - Bang Pakaeo - Bhuthabucha Junction - Bang Mod Hospital - Central Rama 2.

Bus Number 559 - Suvarnabhumi - Future Park Rangsit

Bus No.559 connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Future Park Rangsit via Dream World - Ek Prathum Hospital - Future Park Rangsit.

Public Bus Service to other provinces.

Bus Number 389 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Pattaya
Bus Number 390 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Talad Rong Kluea
Bus Number 825 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - NongKhai

Immigration fast-track for honeymooners

Immigration fast-track for honeymooners

Honeymooning couples will be fast-tracked through immigration this month, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said yesterday. The initiative is to promote Thailand as a honeymoon destination and celebrate the spirit of Valentine's Day, a TAT spokeswoman said.

Couples arriving at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport or in Phuket during February will be able to get a commemorative ticket and cut the immigration queue. The capital's Don Mueang airport that serves low-cost and domestic airlines will not be part of the promotion.

~News courtesy of The Nation~

曼谷机场严防伊波拉

曼谷机场严防伊波拉

曼谷机场目前已架设起照相机，筛检来自非洲的入境旅客。机场内也张贴说明广告，伊波拉病毒无法通过空气、饮水或者用餐传染，盼民众不必恐慌。

（美联社）

Costs, lack of demand delay Phuket Airport Bus service to Karon

Costs, lack of demand delay Phuket Airport Bus service to Karon


Lack of demand has delayed the launch of the bus service to Kata-Karon until at least the end of October. Photo: Gazette file

High costs and lack of demand has forced the operators of the Airport Express Bus service to push back the launch of its new route from Patong to Kata-Karon until at least October.

However, bus company chairman Prakob Panyawai is working on adding two more bus stops in Patong, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) chief Terayout Prasertphol confirmed to the Phuket Gazette today.

Mr Prakob initially planned for his “hop on, hop off” bus service to run from Phuket International Airport to Kata-Karon, but fear of violent reprisals from local tuk-tuk and taxi drivers necessitated terminating the route in Patong .

He later had revived his plan to roll out a new final stop in Karon by mid-August, after Col Somchai Ponatong of the Army’s 41st Military Circle promised to ensure the safety of the bus drivers and passengers (story here).

“We met with Mr Prakob earlier this week. He tested running the bus from Patong to Kata-Karon to see if it was worth it,” Mr Terayout said. “The answer was no. It costs too much because of the hills.”

Undaunted, Mr Prakob is working on how to make the service viable.

“He is trying to come up with a new plan to launch the service and make sure the company will not suffer by losing money,” Mr Terayout said.

Among the strategies under consideration are using a larger bus from the airport during peak passenger times, but using vans when there are fewer passengers.

“The finalized bus route, stops and travel times are set to be launched by the end of October,” explained Mr Terayout.

“However, the bus operators may need to focus more on improving their marketing, because not as many passengers are using the bus service as expected.”

Since the launch of the decades-in-waiting Airport Express Bus service in March last year (story here), the operators have revised the schedule several times to better target passengers.

The buses currently depart Patong for the airport nine times each day: the first bus leaves at 8am and the last one at 7pm. Meanwhile, the first bus departs the airport for Patong at 8:15am, while the last bus from the airport leaves at 8:45pm (timetable here).

The bus service also offers one of the cheapest – and safest – modes of transport on the island, both critical factors for all tourists and residents alike.

As agreed with the PLTO, the bus fares from Phuket Airport to the Boat Lagoon in Koh Kaew costs 60 baht, the Tesco Lotus shopping mall on the bypass road costs 80 baht, and all the way to Patong costs 120 baht. The same fares apply in the opposite direction (fares here).

In the Gazette poll last month, nearly 20 per cent of the 4,544 respondents voted that they were willing to pay “less than 300 baht” for a taxi fare from the airport to Patong, the cheapest option available in the poll.

The strongest call for the cheapest fares came from Thai nationals, with 34 per cent voting for “less than 300 baht”.

~News courtesy of Phuket Gazette~

免签证费上路 5机场盛迎中国客

免签证费上路 5机场盛迎中国客 

中国驻泰大使馆、泰国旅游部、泰国旅游局、泰国旅游员警署以及泰中旅游同业商会五大部门，于本月16日在中国游客输送量较多的五大机场联合举办宣传推广「免签证费」的活动。五大国际机场分别是清迈、清莱、素汪那普、廊曼和普吉机场。此次活动由泰国机场（AOT）主办，泰中旅游同业商会积极配合，出人出力，安排细节。中国驻泰大使馆也积极​​回应，以期扩大影响力。

 当日，机场方面安排了一系列欢迎活动，期间正好迎来广西南宁至曼谷的南方航空CZ655航班。机场入口处，工作人员早已夹道而列，手持印有「泰国欢迎您」的宣传小扇子，准备迎接这批来自中国的游客。当第一位游客露出身影时，机场工作人员说时迟那时快地启动背景音乐。不远处还站有一排美丽的泰国姑娘，她们身穿泰式传统服饰，笑容可掬，在身着红色唐装的主持人介绍下，游客们纷纷上前与之合影留念。

据记者了解，这批游客大都来自广西南宁，团客与散客皆有，在泰游玩时长6-10天不等，主要目的地多为曼谷、芭提雅及清迈等地。游客们表示，对此次欢迎活动非常惊喜，也很开心。

 同时，他们对泰国局势并无太多担忧。这趟航班还载有几名在广西上大学的泰国留学生，他们同中国游客一样满脸喜悦，操着一口流利的普通话向记者问好。

 在机场入境口附近，设有一小型展台，上满放有各种宣传册和服务指南：（中国公民）海外安全常识，中国领事保护和协助指南，机场地图和机场公共服务汽车灯专供中国游客使用的中文版图册。在机场各层服务台处还有泰国旅游员警（泰国专门为游客设置的安全维护机构）的介绍手册，提醒游客各类注意事项，游客遭遇事故时可拨打1155寻求帮助。

~以上新闻转载自世界日报~

Phuket airport bus to drive to Karon

Army protection from mafia gives Phuket airport bus owner confidence to drive to Karon



Buses, and sometimes vans, will start taking passengers to Kata-Karon this month. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: The Phuket Airport Express Bus is prepared to push through Patong as its owner looks to roll out a new final stop in Karon by mid-August.

Airport Express Bus owner Prakob Panyawai is working out the final details of the new route, which will terminate at Karon Municipality. The airport bus was initially planned to run to Kata-Karon, but fear of violent reprisals from local tuk-tuk and taxi drivers necessitated scaling back the route to terminate in Patong, Mr Prakob noted earlier this year (story here).

The news of the public transport breakthrough follows a meeting between Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officers, Mr Prakob and Col Somchai Ponatong of the Army’s 41st Military Circle.

“Col Somchai promised that he would ensure the safety of our drivers and passengers. He made it clear that we didn’t have to worry about violent attacks from tuk-tuk cartels or the taxi mafia,” Mr Prakob told the Phuket Gazette.

“We are also determining, from our past statistics, when the demand for the service will be lower, so we know when we will be able to use vans instead of buses.

“At this stage, we cannot afford to send the big bus to Karon every time.”

The idea to use vans for the extended route to Karon was announced last month (story here) after an Army-bolstered campaign battled illegal “mafia-style” taxi groups on the island (story here).

Mr Prakob also mentioned that he is waiting to launch the service after receiving final approval from the Airports of Thailand (AoT) to open an Airport Express Bus counter on the first floor of Phuket International Airport.

~News courtesy of Phuket Gazette~

Alternative access to and from Don Mueang Airport

Alternative access to and from Don Mueang Airport

Airports of Thailand (AOT) has provided alternative road maps to and from Don Mueang airport to get around traffic problems caused by the demonstration beginning on January 13.

Passengers are also advised to reach the airport three hours in advance for international flight check-in and two hours for domestic to ensure smooth departures.

Don Mueang general manager Chaturongkapon Sodmanee said there are alternative roads to Don Mueang airport which the travelling public are advised to take if the two main roads - Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road and the Don Mueang Tollway - became problematic.

From the inner Bangkok, the public should take Chaeng Watana Expressway, exiting at Sri Saman, then heading towards Song Prabha road till its end, turning left to Cherd Wuthakat road, straight on till a three-way junction, turning right crossing the railway tracks to take the U-turn bridge where the sign of Don Mueang can be seen, onward to get into the in-bound Vibhavadi Rangsit road and to get to the airport through ``Tor Dor Mor 3’’ and ``Tor Do Mor 4’’ channels.

The other access to the airport is through the out-bound Kanchanapisek Road heading towards Bang Pa-In, keeping left to exit at Lamlukka. Then, follow the Phaholyothin sign to get to the Lamlukka Road for about 400 metres, turning left to cross a canel. At the end of the road, turn left and taking a U-turn with the ``Rangsit’’ sign, keeping left to enter Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road before taking "Entrance 3" and "Entrance 4’’ channels.

In addition, Don Mueang Airport has set aside areas within the cargo terminals and the 5-storey car park (situated between cargo terminals #2 and #3 with the capacity of 1,500 cars) where members of the public affected by the demonstration can park their vehicles for free.

AOT has coordinated with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to also provide free regular shuttle bus services between the cargo terminals to Don Mueang train station to offer an alternative transportation mode to get into and out of inner Bangkok.

For information and assistance, call Don Mueang Coordinating Centre at 02 535 3861.

~News courtesy of The Nation~

Protesters promise no airport, bourse seizure

Protesters promise no airport, bourse seizure

The anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) on Tuesday gave assurances that they would not seize the airport, key transportation systems and the stock market, but would continue demonstrating to pressure caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign.

PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan told a press briefing on Tuesday morning that the "Bangkok Shutdown" had received positive feedback from the public.

He said the protesters had today scattered to rally at some 10 state building compounds, while protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban is scheduled to visit his supporters at several rally sites including Lumpini Park, Asoke intersection, Ratchaprasong intersection and Lat Phrao 5way intersection.

Akanat said the PDRC would prolong its "Bangkok Shutdown" indefinitely until the caretaker government meets the group's demands, which include resignation from the caretaker position and carrying out national reforms before holding a general election.

The spokesman said that reports that some antigovernment protesters plan to seize the airport, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, the train stations, public transport system and the Stock Exchange of Thailand were groundless and the PDRC would not do this.

He reasoned that the PDRC wants the public to be least affected by its movement and is giving them other options for commuting.

If the PDRC allies decided to close the key transportation system, Akanat said the group would negotiate with them but it was unlikely that they would make any move that went beyond the PDRC resolution.

Akanat also confirmed that the PDRC will not join Wednesday’s talks as proposed by the caretaker premier regarding the election postponement, saying it is the duty of the Election Commission and the caretaker government to find a solution.

~News courtesy of The Nation~

普吉机场旅客破1100万大关

普吉机场旅客破1100万大关

普吉府尹迈迪昨天（7日）表示，2013财政年度期间，共有近1100万名游客使用普吉机场的服务，而在接下来的旅游旺季当中，该府各机构目前正在积极准备迎接不断增多的客流量，不管是机场还是医院方面，都将为游客提供贴心、周到的服务，给来普吉观光的游客留下深刻的印象。

迈迪指出，2013财年期间（2012年10月1日-2013年9月30日），通过普吉机场进入普吉观光的游客共达1097万5000人人次，比2012财年的916万人次增长了19.85%。据对当地酒店业者的调查发现，前往普吉的游客人数还将持续增加，截至目前当地沙滩周边的酒店客房最高预订率高达80-85%，市中心酒店的客房最高预定率达70-75% 。因此，普吉必须就各方面做好充足准备，包括为游客提供周到的服务，保障游客在普吉府的人身和财产安全。

在保障游客安全方面，当地相关安全机构已在全面执行和落实，包括出动警力维护社会秩序、完善从游客下飞机直到下榻酒店的交通便利以及各旅游景点便利服务等。但为了确保上述工作切实展开，迈迪指出，他将到各地进行视察，以芭东医院为起点，视察该医院的紧急医疗准备和医护人员的服务情况，之后再前往重要旅游地区警署与警署负责人会面，视察和了解警方的执行工作计画。

迈迪表示，此外，他还希望当地警方能加强预防犯罪，整顿载客摩托车和计程车市场秩序，相信只要这一方面工作做好了，普吉的旅游形象也将随之获得改善。

~世界日报~