ManInSurat

Apparently hit the unmanned control tower. 'UNMANNED' gives you a great deal of confidence !

Whilst I appreciate you are trying to be humorous (bad taste?) with this post, I believe there are 2 control towers at Samui and this tower houses the emergency services for the airport as can be seen in the numerous photos in the thread. The main control tower has been unaffected in this accident from what I can gather.

Listening to the interview with the airline's owner/spokesperson he was asked why the flight was not diverted to Surat Thani, being the closest airport capable of accommodating the flight and it appears that the weather was deemed to be suitable to land in at the time of approach and flights had completed similar landings without incident. I can only assume that there must have been a very very freak wind shear to blow the plane off the runway

The deceased captain had 19 years experience of flying with the company.

The injuries appear to be lots of concussions and broken limbs with the nationalities I heard being Swiss, German and Swedish from the TV reports.

The airport will be closed for 3-4 hours minimum, with no maximum time given for its reopening.

For those that can understand Thai, the airline's owner is giving an in depth explanation of the events and injuries and nationalities of those injured right now on CH7.

Anyone have any idea how long the airport might be closed. Bangkok Airways website seems to be down. Suvarnabhumi real time departures currently (4.50pm) has no cancellation to Samui with two flights expected to leave at 5.00pm and then one at 6.30pm

I think George already said that the airline's owner is due to give a press conference starting right now, so I think more information about the accident itself and any knock on effects will become clear over the next few hours.

I find it hard to believe that anything will be landing in Samui for several hours, but again this is an assumption and I do not have all the facts.

For those that want some more information, CH7 are covering the accident in some depth with digital reconstructions of the accident, videos and reports from those at the scene, admittedly all in Thai.

From Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

This photo quite clearly shows it crashed into an unmanned control tower as the BBC is reporting.

There have been conflicting reports of it crashing into the fire station at the airport.

Which is true? Or is the unmanned control tower doubling up as a fire response station?

Thanks for uploading this photo.

When weather is forecast to be worse than a given set of conditions they dispatch the aircraft with an alternate airport in their flight plan.. and with enough fuel to get there...

Thanks for an articulate and informed reply, all of what you say makes a lot of sense.

//Edit: reduced quoted text. No need to quote the entire, lengthy post with multiple nested quotes. - Maestro

Suratthani airport a few years back 92 or so dead, remember?! Bad waether .......

You're thinking of Phuket there in 2007.

The Surat crash was in 1998 and 101 died, and there was some controversy about cellphones and their influences on landing situations, although in the Surat accident the pilot made 3 approaches at landing.

.

Water is softer then a runway,  when did you last land one full of people.  My cardo doc is just fine and Thai.  It could be a case of the get there syndrome.  Push the conditions a bit to much because you don't want to take 70 people some place else and hear them bitch about it.

I echo this sentiment and that of those that have already mentioned it.

I bet the pressure on the pilots to land is huge, who with all their massive experience, must be terrified landing in those conditions and do the best they can. Someone already mentioned this airlines particularly good safety record.

I've asked already, and it would be interesting to find out. In these situations, especially on a small island like Samui, what are the contingency plans when weather is so bad that a landing could bring about an accident. What can they do?

I would assume they have enough fuel on board to make it to another airport... I really would like to know.

go to an alternate airport - surathani, very close.

I think you're right, I live in Surat and at the same time there were cloudy skies, but little heavy wind and or rain.

I sincerely hope this isn't a case of ground control providing clearance in unsuitable conditions just trying to stick to their schedule. Such a shame.

[quote name='RKASA' post='2918930' date='2009-08-04 16:06:28'Water is softer then a runway,  when did you last land one full of people.  My cardo doc is just fine and Thai.  It could be a case of the get there syndrome.  Push the conditions a bit to much because you don't want to take 70 people some place else and hear them bitch about it.

I echo this sentiment and that of those that have already mentioned it.

I bet the pressure on the pilots to land is huge, who with all their massive experience, must be terrified landing in those conditions and do the best they can. Someone already mentioned this airlines particularly good safety record.

I've asked already, and it would be interesting to find out. In these situations, especially on a small island like Samui, what are the contingency plans when weather is so bad that a landing could bring about an accident. What can they do?

I would assume they have enough fuel on board to make it to another airport... I really would like to know.

What would have been an alternative course of action for the pilot?

I am sure there are contingency plans for these kinds of situations.

Is there any clarity on the number of casualties? (Why is there such a massive breakdown in communication about these things?)

My thoughts go out to all involved in what must be an extremely traumatic experience and also to the families of the casualties.

Following the One 2 Go crash in Phuket in 2007, which was also landing in extremely windy and wet conditions, not dissimilar to this, surely something must be addressed here, or is a case of, as someone already said, it's a hazard that you accept when using the air as a method of transport and these accidents will continue to happen. I'm not sure what to think.

One thing that is for sure, Thailand, whilst still being a 3rd world country has a much better safety record than its neighbours, most specifically Indonesia.

Sincerely hoping the best for all involved.

Perhaps to add some more light to an already confusing issue:

My Russian friend entered LOS at BKK, I was under the impression that the VOA he got was for 15 days. I was then told otherwise, i.e. that it was 30 days under a bilateral.

We travelled to the south as this is where I live, and when the time came we went to the Immigration office in Sadao (Malay border) there were no issues pertaining to him having stayed longer than 15 days. He entered Malaysia came straight back and was stamped in for a further 30 days - evident by the date stamp showing how long he can stay for in his passport.

So the LB link given further up here does have conflicting information in it and I would say is potentially inaccurate.

I'm going to try and see if I can get my friend to get any official word from the Russian Embassy in BKK and report any concrete information I find in here.

Thanks for all the replies, so far.

Thanks for all the replies. Great community here, as always.

visarunner - Most interested in your reply... so effectively, Russians can stay indefinitely, providing they do a 'visa run' every 30+/- days. Which is how it was for the majority of Europeans before Taksin changed the regulations?

Can anyone else verify this? Very interesting...

Thanks in advance.

Hi Guys,

Will try and give you as concise information as possible.

My Russian friend has been over for a month and a half. He came in on a normal 30 day tourist visa, we then travelled to Malaysia 2 days before expiration for another 30 days, we will be going to Myanmar for a further 30 days, and that will be his 2 visas runs up.

I understand you can get an extension on top of this, effectively giving you a further 30 days in addition to the 2 'visa runs'.

Can anyone confirm that this is the case and if so, what is the correct procedure for doing it would be from Surat.

Trying to get all the info I need as early as possible so as to avoid any problems!

FYI Russians experience identical visa regulations to most of Europe (i.e. UK, Germany, Scandanavia, etc etc)

Many thanks for your answers.

ManInSurat

Yes the humble mosquito is the most dangerous killer in the insect world, but I'm sure you were aware what the OP was trying to find out, rendering your pointless posts, frankly - pointless.

Ta-khabs are poisonous centipedes. Sting would be comparable to a very nasty bee/wasp/hornet sting. Deaths normally occur from an allergic reaction. They also are found in South America and Africa.

Apart from these my list of Thai 'nasties' or animals I would not want to run into on a dark night on a country road would be:

Cobras

Vipers

Scorpions

Hornets

Spiders

Any of these without due mdeical care and attention could cause some serious suffering and perhaps even (in the most exteme cases) death.

Having been here for a while the animal I have seen most in its natural environment is the snake, sufficed to say I dont go anywhere near them.

"Why It Is So Difficult?, to assume that a foreigner can marry a nice thai girl!"

It isnt.

A sensible OP would have probably received a more sensible answer.

Does anyone out there have any links to any real information about this Yadong moonshine that is popular on the streets?

I have a friend - previously girlfriend - who in addition to drinking regular alcohol too much, also drinks this to excess on a daily basis in order to cope with her life (as she puts it)

I can see her physical condition deteriorating. As is common with those abusing alcohol she is in denial about it (or kind of grudgingly accepts it - but says she needs to in order to work) and continues on.

Normally, having unfortunately run into this a lot, I would have left the person to figure out for themselves. But she was a heavy drinker before we met ( I did not know til later just how heavy) and stopped completely until we separated, so it seems she is perhaps capable of controlling herself (we were together over 2 years).

This moonshine I think is probably toxic and the quantities she drinks amount to slow suicide from what I can see, but I would like to know if anyone has some facts on this stuff.

Thanks

I am familiar with Yadong and visit my brother-in-law once every 2 weeks or so to share a bottle.

It is not 'moonshine' in the sense that the alcohol used in it is illegally produced and not monitored by the authorities.

Ya-dong, as I understand it, is mixed herbs in an empty and sealed bottle that can be purchased at most pharmacies. I read Thai and the label on the bottle my brother-in-law uses confirms what he told me, that the original idea was put forth by either a pharmacist or physician. The fact that the main word is Ya or Yah (meaning medicine - as in Ya-ba or 'crazy medicine) backs this up.

Added to the bottle and the herb mixture is any amount of Lao Khao (White Spirit) you choose and honey. The mix is left to 'ferment' for about a week and then a cloth filter is fixed over the bottle opening with an elastic band or string and the drink poured into a shot glass.

The taste is hard to describe, it is not particularly over-powering but it is pretty potent, with the ABV being somewhere in the region of 35-40% dependant on the Lao Khao used. It tastes (as you would imagine) of herbs with a touch of menthol and quite sweet.

It is in no way illegal or toxic - AS I EXPERIENCE IT - I cannot give an opinion on what your girlfriend drinks/uses to make it or who she buys it from as these factors will detemine how stong it is and how much it affects her.

Any form of alcohol from beer to brandy, whisky to wine can seriously deteriorate your health if not taken in moderation and responsibly.

I extend my sympathies to you and hope the current situation improves and that this may help you in some way.

Best of Luck.

Excuse me... does anyone perform any kind of thread moderation here? Many of these posts are completely irrelevant to the OP and as happens on many threads at TV, some trolls degenerate into their own grammar and spelling derisory olympics. WHAT PURPOSE DOES IT SERVE? It is so mind-numbingly banal and embarrassing to read.

Anyway, what on Earth is this?

-----

Yaba is a typical Northern and Central-African drug, same as marijuana. Morocco is a big producer together with the Sahel countries. It was traditionally used by Bedouin and African tribes against fatigue and hunger. Its very popular and widely used all over Africa. In fact its a part of daily life in Africa.

Heroine is mostly produced in Afghanistan (90 % of world production) and is controlled by the Taliban and exported via the the old USSR republics and Pakistan. The trade is mostly organised by Muslims.

Cocaine is a party drug mostly used by Yuppies.

Stopping the use drug's can only achieved by fierce measures. Simply to give death penalty by overdose to every user or dealer, regardless the amount of drug's in his possession. Because their is not any reason who can justified the use of drug's.

And by drug's I also mean amphetamines, XTC or any other chemical drug.

-----

What drivel you talk. Of anyone I have ever listened to trying to inform the masses about the production/trafficking/consumption of illegal drugs - you sincerely have no idea what you are talking about. I do not profess to be an authority on such things, but you clearly are not either - in any shape, manner or form.

Can we please get back to what the press release is about? How is Japanese drug culture in any way relevant to this?

My opinion - yes, like a*seholes; we all have one - the original press statement is some moderately xenophobic rhetoric from a newly re-appointed Pol Lt Gen, trying to give assurances that the ONCB will actually do some work in stopping the drugs trade in the tourists resorts by targeting non-Thai drug trafficking operations.

As is already succintly pointed out, the ONCB has conveniently failed to realise or acknowledge the fact that these "foreign drug dealers" must have some assistance from Thais within Thailand to continue to operate with relative impunity, probably reaching up to high authorities.

The most probable thing to happen next is - nothing. Less likely is that some busts are made in the tourist resorts and miraculously no Thais are implicated in any way. 'Nothing' is still a winner for me here.

There are better things the ONCB could be doing with their time - but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be interested in what I, or anyone else at TV has to say on the matter.

For some of its 'misgivings'; I still love Thailand. It's my adopted home. Why do the "moaning minnies" who constantly deride every aspect of this country bother to live here, if they do? Go somewhere else and try to make those countries much better with your half-assed, armchair-bred, beer-stained policies.

---------------

Gentlemen of the spelling/grammar police - bear in mind this is a multi-cultural forum, English is not necessarily the first language of all members and if you can't - I suggest you arrange a spot to meet at and compare car values and pen*s lengths.

Some relevant posts would be warmly welcomed.

ManInSurat Out.

Well, I have been using DTAC GPRS to connect to the internet through my mobile, which, as I'm sure you can all imagine or have experienced can be very slow and unpredictable. I get a maximum speed of 27 kbps d/l at the very fastest.

Most aircards are useless to me due to my location and still do not offer the speeds I would like to have.

I have been waiting for what feels like an eternity to get an ADSL connection even with having the mia do all the talking and it being set up in her name. I've pretty much given up the idea of getting a phone line any time before the next millennium celebrations.

The only real alternative I think I have is IP Star.

What I was wondering if there's anyone that uses the service on a daily basis. I have my own home-run business and the most important aspect of the connection I have is its reliability.

Given that IP Star is via a satellite and that satellites are affected by weather, does this mean that the service is likely to be knocked out by adverse weather conditions? Thailand is a notoriously rainy country!

Also could anyone tell me the prices for IP Star. The installation fee, monthly fees and any other associated fees would be a big help. I do have an IP Star office in Surat, just that I don't really have the time to make a visit at the moment.

Do you have to have a receiver dish on the outside of your home?

All answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated.

ManInSurat Out

Easier way to pronounce eun:

Take the English work "burn" and take off the "b".

Or just say "urn".

God I miss Morcambe and Wise.

ManInSurat Out.

Its should be your branch. Not a centralized branch. As that's where your account name and number is held. They don't transfer internationally to that branch. Its goes to the bank and the credit is presumably added digitally.

The swift code is the name of the bank. Not the branch. i.e.

Kasikornbank (Thai Farmers Bank)

Swift Code - TFBSTHBK

I'm British, live in Thailand and have done this regularly for the last 5 years.

You just need a Thai bank account to transfer to. Plus these details before you call the bank in the UK.

Name and Address of Thai bank (your Branch)

Account holders name

Account number

Swift code

This transfer is done on the phone from Thailand to your UK bank in a 5 minute phone call.

I call "phone Bank" and ask to do an "International Money mover" this is probably Lloyds TSB's own terminology but it shouldn't different much from one bank to another.

The maximum I can send is 5,000 GBP at a time. Lloyds TSB policy. Thai banks have restrictions I believe its million a day but you'd need to check.

The fee is about 30 GBP

Takes 2 - 3 days

The rate i get is normally pretty good. The Thai banks rate on the day.

Its that simple. You call the Bank in England and you pull the money out the hole in the wall over here.

30 GBP for a transfer!!!!!

That's a complete rip-off Pui.

My Santander account in Spain charge 12.5 (8 GBP appx) Euros for transfer into Thailand and BBL charge 390 Baht (5 GBP appx) for transfers out!

Also Natwest in the UK do it for 12.5 GBP, I'm sure.

You might want to have a chat with them about that.

Greedy b*stards.

ManInSurat Out.

Hi Dob,

I'm sure I can help you with this as I have performed lots of transfers out of Thailand using BBL.

If you are sending from a farang account then you need to go into a branch to do the transfer, also you will need to take the relevant identification docs with you, i.e. passport.

Ask to speak to the person in charge of foreign remittances or TTs. If you are in a local branch then it will probably be the bank manager as it is in my case. If you're going into the head office, then they will more than likely have a whole department/office dedicated to this service.

You will need to fill out a form stating all the normal details:

Bank Name & Address

Bank Address

Account No./IBAN

Swift Code/Sort Code

Reason for trasnfer

They will perform a currency transfer in the bank first. In BBL they do not have the option of sending the transfer in Baht and allowing the foreign bank to complete the exchange.

BBL has a current in-branch charge of B390 for the service, which will, more than likely, be reflected in other Thai banks.

Transfers take a stated 2-3 days, but normally it's there within minutes after the transfer is made, it all depends on how long it takes the Thai bank to make the transfer and subsequently the Foreign Bank to locate the incoming transfer and credit the funds to the relevant account.

I think this is the whole process covered, if I've missed anything out guys then please correct me.

ManInSurat Out.

Just come back from my 1st Loy experience which was great!

Did mine in Surat Thani.

Things I learned this eve:

1. You add a personal finger-nail clipping, hair-clipping and toe-nail clipping and place it in the krathong to rid yourself of bad luck.

2. When the krathong is in the water if it floats happily away - Good Luck is coming.

3. When the krathong is in the water if it stays near the shore - Bad luck is afoot.

4. If krathong capsises and candle is extinguished - Bad luck is a-comin'.

5. Just how many times can a simple farang be expected to stand to attention for the birthday celebration anthem!??

Overall opinion:

A colourful, crowded, uplifting experience.

It was a beautiful sight to see all the krathongs in the dark floating away like tiny beacons of hope....

ManInSurat Out

Many thanks for the replies.

I will proceed with putting my Surat branch address and let it be handled by BBL in the aforementioned way.

On a side note, I am also an ex-ex-pat in Spain and have bank accounts there too.

I ordered a transfer to my BBL bank account from Spain, in Euros to my (then) farang limited savings account which has to be registered in BKK and I got the transfer within 1 day.

I was really impressed with that, let's hope this will be reflected with this transfer!

Again, thanks for your time.

HAPPY LOY EVERYONE, WHEREVER YOU'RE FLOATING (as long as it's not face-down in the Chao Praya!)

Well this should hopefully be straight forward...

I am making a transfer from my UK Bank Account to my Thai BBL Account -

I live a bit out in the sticks (ban nok jing jing!) and I am under the impression that if I give the BBL head office address this will help expedite the transfer procedure.

The reason being that those at the head office are more familiar with handling foreign transfer, than their counterparts in the countryside.

Is this correct.

If I give the address as the head office (333 Silom Rd), although my local branch is in Ampur Surat Thani, will it still get to me?

Many Thanks in advance.