mickjn

Going to Thailand I use Thai direct to Bangkok.I have used Jetstar in Australia and had problems.Other relavites and friends also have had problems with Jetstar,afraid I cannot recomend them.

Best Wishes,

Mick

Arrived by private taxi from Pattaya at the new airport, hit some heavy traffic about 10 km out, total travel time was 2 hours exact. Upon arrival at departures the situation appeared worse than D.M. with several cars deep of departing passengers.

There are plenty of luggage trolleys available and I entered the main building. First impressions are mixed. It seems very new and large but with poor signposting. Eventually found Emirates check in desks at 'T'. The business class check-in had one computer terminal down, so much waiting during check in.

I noticed men specifically employed to manage the bags on the conveyor; it seems the conveyor does not 'work' properly.

There are several exchange desks in this area, before check-in. Siam Commercial and Thai Military Banks. Both offer same rates of exchange. However only Siam Commercial could offer new £50 notes British currency, TMB had only used 10 and 20's important if you are changing large amounts of cash.

The temperature in this enormous area was fairly constant, except for when I went up in a glass lift to a restaurant level. The lift was 100 degrees. A restaurant on this 5th floor looked clean and quiet and expensive. There is another Siam Commercial Bank with an ATM on this level.

There are ATM's next to the exchange counters, on the main check in level, but hidden from view. The toilets are small and hidden from view. O.K. for a quick wazz, but you will queue for a long time to pass solids.

After check-in, pay 500 baht tax, (when does it increase to 700?) and forward into impressive shopping mall. Lots of choices, luxury items, Burberry, Dunhill, Omega watches all top price, hardly a saving. One small book shop imaginatively titled 'Folio Books' if Dan Brown is your cup of char?

There is a lot of work noise from unfinished units; at the far end is an eating section with bars, the temperature is higher here, you will sweat whilst eating your burger in Burger King. There are only two rows of 25 metal chairs in this whole massive area, unless you sit at a bar or eaterie. Toilets and fire escapes are hidden. However suited male and female airport staff are everywhere to help you find your way.

Temporary? Signs point to gate numbers; some confuse. Then onward to an X-ray and search and through to the gate proper. All very dim, but as you descend to the gate, the temperature drops markedly. When you sit at your gate, with your back to a steel framed chair, you will feel chilled.

Boarding is strange. The boarding tunnels sway.

Overall, I give it the thumbs up, it is clearly not yet finished and I expect in 2007 it will be much improved. Who buys duty free? Bulgarians or Nigerians?

As you point out very hard to get a seat but I got on and was not going to leave it.Companion went shopping in got 2 one litres of Bacardi for $30au in toto not each.Would have cost me at least $80 here.Not many duty free baragains there but I happened to snare one,

Best Wishes,

Mick

Staying there 10 nights in October would appreciate any reports,good or bad,

Thank you

Mick

Hi,

I am making my first trip to Phuket in October.I will be staying at the Banthai resort and spa in Patong Beach I was wondering if anyone could recommened a money changer in the area as that is where I will make my first serious exchange,or are there ones in the area to avoid,

Thanks,

Mick