Samui Coconut

Does anyone know of any details about taking the Thai driving test in Surat? Is BKK the only option for non Thai speakers? Just to clarify - I don't hold a UK license so I am not just talking about getting a Thai license - I need to do the full driving and theory test.

Any help appreciated!

Not sure about other places, but I do know you can take the full test ( Written/accuity/driving skill) in Samui at the govt driving centre in Lipa Noi. However whether you are qualified to hold a Thai drivers license depends on your status. ie. Work permit holder/director of a Thai company/householder etc.

Language is not a problem in taking the test in Samui.

Not sure if you need driving skill in Samui. Just a good nerve and a lot of luck.

You will need a Non Imm Visa to apply. Yes can do in Samui. I did not have to take any test, but by all accounts it is not difficult.

I did not pass the theory at the first time, only second time with help from the old tester lady.....god bless her

AVIATION / BANGKOK AIRWAYS' STRATEGY

Samui airport to become second international flight hub

BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA

Bangkok Airways, the country's largest privately owned carrier, plans to turn Samui Airport into a second international air hub after Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in the next one or two years.

The airline would launch more direct international flights for medium-haul routes through the small resort airport. The plan falls under Bangkok Airways' growth plan and the mandate of the Samui Property Fund.

Also in the pipeline are plans to offer direct flights from Samui to Dubai, Shanghai, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur. The airline already has scheduled flights to Hong Kong and Singapore.

Being instrumental to the launch of the direct international flights from Samui is the arrival this year of additional A319s boost capacity for the longer flights, said Bangkok Airways vice-president M.L. Nandhika Varavan.

The first of the six A319s that Bangkok Airways has ordered is already operating, while three more are due for delivery this year with the rest gradually joining the fleet until Nov 2009.

''The definite launching dates of these international flights has yet to be decided, but are unlikely in the very near future,'' M.L. Nandhika said. That depends on the four-year marketing plan Bangkok Airways is finalising, she added.

The bulk of Bangkok Airways' flights originate from Suvarnabhumi and a substantial number of its passenger traffic is between Bangkok and Samui. Bangkok Airways carries about 600,000 passengers a year through Samui Airport.

With a limited number of international flights, Samui Airport is largely classified as a domestic airport, flying mostly foreign tourists from Bangkok to Samui.Aside from Bangkok Airways' own international-bound services, Samui serves a handful of international flights from Malaysia by the low cost carrier Firefly and Selangor-based Berjaya Air.

Part of the problem is environmental restrictions on the number of flights and operating hours, with a total of 36 flights per day currently allowed.

But Bangkok Airways is eager to make Samui Airport its second traffic base to support the airport's new 500-million-baht passenger terminal that was completed early last year.

The new terminal is four times larger than the old one and can handle 16,000 passengers a day. It is intended to cope with surging foreign tourist traffic to the island over the next 10-years.

Meanwhile, air traffic through Samui last year slowed from the previous year.

According to the Department of Civil Aviation, total passenger throughput dropped 15.71% to 1.18 million from 1.40 million in the previous year while combined aircraft movements also fell 15.87% to 15,783.

I was looking for fligh tschedules and ran across this. Apparently Sawadee.com provides a transfer seervice. Not sure if it's free or just for people who book through them.

http://samui.sawadee.com/airport/transfer.html

Transfers are not free and meant for Sawadee bookings only.

Whatever the final outcome, you are right it would make a good story! For sure, it will not come back to Samui and I would lay odds that it will end up in Australia one day. (It must have been interesting/frightening to see the F16s trying to keep station with the Caravan at 140 knots!).

Probably feels like parking mode for the F16 pilot

I don't think there are too many private planes on Samui ? Coco had a sea plane some time ago !

The sea plane is still at the airport (rusting away), I rather think it has something to do with a guy who lives in Singapore but has 2 resorts here.......

Are you sure its still there? There is only one C208 based at Samui.

I stand corrected:

'Singapore panic' flight was by Australians

Singapore (dpa) - An Australian-registered plane caused a 50- minute shutdown of Singapore's airspace to commercial aircraft while 16 flights circled, aviation officials said Thursday.

Two Australians were aboard the Cessna 208 Caravan float plane, which approached Tuesday night without an approved flight plan, prompting two Air Force F16 fighter jets to scramble during Changi Airport's busiest period.

The single-engine aircraft, which can land on water, began its flight from Thailand's Koh Samui island.

The Singapore Air Force tracked the plane as it flew toward the city-state. The two missile-armed fighters intercepted the Caravan and signalled the Australians to land at the central runway at 8pm, The Straits Times account of the incident said.

The two Australians were escorted away by police, who are investing the incident.

The plane was bought this month by Mary Cummins, who co-owns a tourist adventure flight company with Rhys Thomas, a former pilot with Australian airline Ansett, the newspaper said. The plane had previously been flown by an airline in Koh Samui.

Aviation experts said the air force has been operating an enhanced defence against airborne terrorists 24 hours a day since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

Altogether, the shutdown of commercial airspace affected 23 aircraft, disrupting flights in and out of Changi.

Thousands of dollars in fuel was lost as the airliners circled Singapore while awaiting permission to land.

Plane to Singapore was trying to reach Samui

Singapore (dpa) - An Australian-registered plane that disrupted commercial traffic by causing a shutdown of Singapore's airspace was on a test flight and expected to return to Thailand's Koh Samui island, authorities said on Saturday.

More details have been unveiled about the Cessna 208 Caravan float plane that approached Tuesday night without an approved flight plan, prompting two Air Force F16 fighter jets to scramble during Changi Airport's busiest hours.

The flight with two Australians aboard was supposed to last 50 minutes. It "went off the air" two-and-a-half hours later, despite repeated calls by air-traffic controllers at Koh Samui Airport, The Straits Times said.

The 50-minute lockdown of Singapore's airspace ended at 8 pm.

The plane was registered to Mary Cummins on January 8, the report said. She and business partner Rhys Thomas co-own Kimberley Extreme, an adventure tourism company based in the Australian town of Broome.

Thomas, a pilot who used to fly with the now-defunct Ansett airline, was reported to have been one of the Cessna's pilots.

Police have been questioning the two Australians. The duo have not been charged and are not in custody, but their passports have been impounded, the newspaper said.

The plane previously carried Thai registration and was used by the Coco Seaplanes Company, believed to be defunct.

Sixteen flights were forced to circle while the drama unfolded.

The air force tracked the plane as it flew toward the city-state. The two missile-armed fighters intercepted the Caravan and signalled the Australians to land at the central runway at 8 pm.

The shutdown of commercial airspace affected 23 aircraft, disrupting flights in and out of Changi.

seascape beach resort, next to poppies, great beach and very reasonable nice rooms

Tried them. Full too Waiting to here from Montien.

Would anyone happen to know anywhere with definite availability?

Have a look here . Lots of hotel info.

http://samui.sawadee.com/

...or tray www.latestays.com ......can only book 14 days in advance, however, you can see exactly what is available and at what rate......some are full due to Chinese New Year I guess.

p and p ,op bungalows ,montien house, all under 2000b all on the beach

Try Buri Rasa, now low rates due to construction next door, lovely place on the beach.....

Poppies also, yet a bit steep....

You can take it here

Tidetables2008

Very useful, thanks.

I don't think there are too many private planes on Samui ? Coco had a sea plane some time ago !

The sea plane is still at the airport (rusting away), I rather think it has something to do with a guy who lives in Singapore but has 2 resorts here.......

Are you sure its still there? There is only one C208 based at Samui.

I stand corrected:

'Singapore panic' flight was by Australians

Singapore (dpa) - An Australian-registered plane caused a 50- minute shutdown of Singapore's airspace to commercial aircraft while 16 flights circled, aviation officials said Thursday.

Two Australians were aboard the Cessna 208 Caravan float plane, which approached Tuesday night without an approved flight plan, prompting two Air Force F16 fighter jets to scramble during Changi Airport's busiest period.

The single-engine aircraft, which can land on water, began its flight from Thailand's Koh Samui island.

The Singapore Air Force tracked the plane as it flew toward the city-state. The two missile-armed fighters intercepted the Caravan and signalled the Australians to land at the central runway at 8pm, The Straits Times account of the incident said.

The two Australians were escorted away by police, who are investing the incident.

The plane was bought this month by Mary Cummins, who co-owns a tourist adventure flight company with Rhys Thomas, a former pilot with Australian airline Ansett, the newspaper said. The plane had previously been flown by an airline in Koh Samui.

Aviation experts said the air force has been operating an enhanced defence against airborne terrorists 24 hours a day since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

Altogether, the shutdown of commercial airspace affected 23 aircraft, disrupting flights in and out of Changi.

Thousands of dollars in fuel was lost as the airliners circled Singapore while awaiting permission to land.

I am looking for a bar restaurant on a quiet beach in koh phangan to cater for wedding in july. Nothing fancy - want to have a ceremony on the beach and then have a barbeque and party with dj after. Ideally a small beach bungalow resort would be perfect. Budget is around 40,000 baht for food and drinks for 40-50 peeps and if there is accomodation there too it would be a big plus! Any suggestions anyone?

Try Baan Panburi in Tong Nai Pan Noi....fits your description perfectly.....they also have bungalows for rent and the Panviman Resort is somewhere on the same stretch I believe. Haven't been there for a while now, but if memory serves right, it should be okay.....

Can anyone explain how I am supposed to add a review on the 'PINNED: HOTELS IN KOH SAMUI' topic. It appears that I cannot update it through this forum and if I try to register on the sawadee.com forum it will not let me register.

Because that topic is closed, only Admin can enter (I guess)

I don't think there are too many private planes on Samui ? Coco had a sea plane some time ago !

The sea plane is still at the airport (rusting away), I rather think it has something to do with a guy who lives in Singapore but has 2 resorts here.......

Singapore air force intercepts Thai plane

Singapore (dpa) - Singapore's airspace was shut down for nearly an hour while two air force F16 jets were scrambled to intercept a civilian plane without an approved flight plan, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

The single-engine turboprop Cessna 208 "was heading towards Singapore airspace," said the ministry's statement. The plane was escorted to Changi Airport.

The two "fighters were scrambled to intercept (the) civilian aircraft" at 6:42 pm Tuesday, the ministry said.

Police were investigating the incident.

The plane was reportedly flying from the Thai resort island of Koh Samui. The shutdown of commercial airspace affected 23 aircraft, disrupting flights in and out of Changi. It ended at 8 pm.

Sixteen incoming flights and six departing flights were delayed between 15 and 40 minutes each, said the Civil Aviation Authority.

One inbound aircraft was diverted to Senai Airport in southern Malaysia. The plane arrived at Changi later.

Aviation experts said the airport has been operating on an enhanced defence against airborne terrorist threats 24 hours a day since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

White Cloud (former New Horizon L); it's length was extended.

It is still in Bangrak Bay, behind the small island next to Koh Som......in shelter. Will be leaving today after provisions are secured.

.....After the Captain has sent the boys down the road to Tesco !

Shopped at Colibri

Never heard about if before, but clicked on one of the advertisers here (Rocky) and saw that a 1% provincial tax is added on the total? Is this correct, I've never been quoted this on Koh Samui before, or any other province in Thailand ... anyone know the (tax)law?

Correct, hotels/resorts/ should pay 1% to governemnt. It is up to the operator to add to guest bill or not. Most don't, but Poppies i.e. has 1% incl. in their internet rates.

Greetings all. I have a friend going to stay on Samui and is looking to rent a house long term. Hes hoping to get something around Bangrak if possible. Any of you knowledgeable Samuians know the going rate and where to look. Cheers in advance

OOPS should read house to rent not for rent. Maybe mods can change Sorry

Try Pathong Residence near the old airport. In the curve leading up to the airport coming from Big Buddha.

Approx. 30 houses (older and new)....communal pool, gym, peaceful, secure.....many expats stay there too

White Cloud (former New Horizon L); it's length was extended.

Monaco: The owner is not on board; out for lunch with the chopper....

It was spotted in Phuket 12-16/12-2007 and 30/12 in Singapore; so Samui quite possible.

http://www.yachtspotter.com/ysp2_ycard.php?foo=20060324

LaoPo

It is still in Bangrak Bay, behind the small island next to Koh Som......in shelter. Will be leaving today after provisions are secured.

last i heard they were all super fights, best of the best,best fight of the year, top sport of the world.

supa figh! supa figh! champ uh the cham! get yo sea erlee-uh! tonigh...tonigh!

at Chaweng Sa-tadium.....

Me and a friend of mine are planning a trip to see the F1 in KL.

We plan to fly to Penang and go by buss/car to KL.

Departure Samui 21 March and return Samui 24 March.

Right now the only thing I have checked is the return ticket to Penang ( Bt4790)

I am saving for S'pore, but KL is great fun and you will enjoy.

4 days ago, a couple with a child asks to us if we know an available room in a hotel.

We drove them into a place which we know well but the following day, the couple informs us that during their absence something has been stolen in their room.

The door was closed with a padlock and only the person who does the housework entered during their absence.

They spoke with the owner about this disappeared but the owner didn't appreciate and after that she asks the couple to leave her resort.

The following day, the owner called me at my office for threatening me to do something with her friends and also with the local police, if we inform the tourist police and the T.A.T. or if we create any problems to her.

What do you think about that ?

You have already created more awareness than if you would have informed TAT or tourist police.....

Just not send any more guests in the future......

There are several organizations on Samui that might be able to offer you advice or assistance.

The Rotary Club and the Sisters on Samui Club are two that I can think of off the top of my head.

Contact the Rotary Club who can forward all collected to the club in Chiang Mai/Rai for distributions.....

The Samui Club meets every Wednesday at the Chaweng Regent Resort at 18.00pm.

ast week i saw Elvis in Chaweng, can this be possible?

Yes, Elvis has been here a long time (has a German accent though)..

That's not a German accent, that's a Bavarian !

I'd rather leave from Bang Rak due to high waves than Mae Nam and get wet.

Agreed SBK, but not after driving to Maenam first to find out they have changed to Bangrak yet again.....and missing the boat....

Lompraya left from Bangrak again today due to high waves.

Hi

Anyone applied for a tourist visa for China at the PDRof China embassy in Bangkok?

Easy or problems?

Any info appreciated.

TBWG

Very easy indeed, just be there at 9.00am, pick a number, present passport and application form, pay your dues (I think 2,500 for same day issuance, an da bit less for next day) and you're on your way to spending some hard earned RMB.