spidermike007

The southern Muslim should have some gratitude to the Thai people and especially the <reference removed>. Thai people take them in, provide shelter, and protection from the Malay bandit. Thai people even allow Muslim to buy land (unlike Farang), and allow them 100% freedom to settle in Thailand with equal voting rights as Thai people (go ask a Kurd or Tibetan if they can vote). Give them an inch, and now they want a foot. What's next? A mile? ? ? Just imagine this story. A man was on his way back from market spot a helpless and homeless dog ran over by a bus. He pick it up, carry him home, nurse it, feed it, and provide a small shelter at the back of the house for the poor dog. He even provid it the freedom to roam around at will; unlike the chicken & pigs the owner kept. The dog survived and grew stronger everyday due to the celestial love given by the owner of the house. However, the dog think to itself. If I can chase the owner away, I will have the whole house to myself and all the food from the fridge, plus be a master of the chickens and pigs. So it began to bite the owner, trying to chase him off the house. This is no Aesop Fables or George Orwell, but kind of similar to the situation in Southern Thailand right now.

History is not your strong point. There might be no country called Thailand without these "Dogs you spoke of". They helped stop Thailand from becoming "The People Republic of Siam" and got stabbed the back for it from the Thai's, USA and UK. I just see a sad story getting sadder every day.

Yes, history is something that does not even enter the realm of your consciousness, does it? Thailand conquered the northern Malay provinces back in 1902, when they were referred to as the Pattani Sultanate. Has anyone ever given any serious thought to the idea of returning Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, and Songkla to the Malaysians? Though it would be a potential "loss of face", what about the upside? Let Malaysia deal with their factions, and their extremists. No longer Thailand's problem. Think of what the country could achieve with lasting peace, and the potential prosperity that would ensue from it. What would they lose really?

The fascinating thing about inflation, is that there are two kinds. First, there is the real inflation that is driven by an increasing costs of commodities. Then there is the recent Thai kind of inflation, where the local people use external forces to drive prices up, and of course once those external forces disappear, the prices remain up. We are seeing historic inflation in food prices here in Samui. Difficult to find oranges for less than 70 baht per kilo. This has happened within the past 6 months of so. It has been awhile since I have seen watermelon for under 20 baht per kilo, though I realize it is not the top growing season now. Same with vegetables, bananas, etc., etc. I presume some of this is real, but alot of it seems manufactured.

i can see this working and being implemented ............ not

i hope samui doesn't inherite the BIG ( boys in Green ) that bangkok has that are purely there to extort tourists out of money .......

The reality is that there is absolutely no enforcement whatsoever on Samui, with regard to the no-smoking laws in effect throughout the country. When I travel, I see it being enforced in Pattaya, Bangkok,

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chaiyaphum, Ayutthaya, and so many other spots. Why not in Samui? Why such laxity? I know of only one restaurant on the island that even posts a sign. At least if there were signs

posted, those of us who chose not to indulge, could point the sign out to those who choose to offend. I walk into restaurants and ask for the non-smoking section, and the answer I get is: "No problem, you

can smoke anywhere". It is very frustrating, and there feels like the average person can do little about it. Many of us have contacted the Mayor's office, and complained, and they promised something would be

done, and that inspections commence. That was a very long time ago. I have a rather strong allergy to cigarette smoke, and it makes eating around it very unpleasant. I am always forced to sit on the periphery,

or in an area where nobody is seated, or occasionally compelled to move once of twice, during the meal. With so many parts of the world getting on board with the no-smoking laws, Samui is becoming seriously out of

step with other resort areas.

How could you possibly say they do not do it in a restaurant? When was the last time you were in Samui? I see it every day. I cannot find a place where there are not smokers indoors. Please speak only of that which you have knowledge.

this is what makes samui more sepcial than anywhere else. the more freedome. i used to smoke. gave up 11 years ago. though i don't care about people smoking as long as it is not in a resturant of in a public place but then they don't do it anyway. out doors i am not fussed

Yes, the link with China will generate additional tourism in the region. But, what can Thailand do to generate tourism within Europe, and the US? Getting rid of the scam operators, would be a good start. Taming the increases of the baht would be another good place to start. Getting the police in line, and having them treat tourists with some respect, would be better. There are countless ways they can make this place more attractive to tourists from around the world. But, it is going to take some introspection to figure out how to fix some of Thailand's ills.

Perhaps on past and current performance and tourism issues , they have decided a better class of tourist with less issues can be sourced from the asian market . Coupled with the rise in the Chinese currencies , the fall and likely failure of the US dollar as a leading currency combined with the European financial status and its failing economy the western markets are no longer seen as financially attractive or worth the associated cultural issues and problems generated by this type of tourist . perhaps on stepping back and taking in a full view of the world and its current issues , Thailand does not have anywhere near the problems in the US and Europe . In fact after travelling there many times in the last 2/3 years they generally present as great people unlike many of the western tourists .

You very well may be correct. Perhaps it is deliberate? I would like to think the planners are that sharp. Certainly we are going to see the growth in Asia, and it makes sense to develop this with their neighbors. No doubt the Thais are lovely in comparison to the consistently foul humored and ill tempered westerners you run into in the US, Europe, and the rest of the world. I think in general they are having a hard time coming to terms with the decline of their empires. Oh well. Better for Asia in the long run, and better for those of us to choose to be here.

Yes, the link with China will generate additional tourism in the region. But, what can Thailand do to generate tourism within Europe, and the US? Getting rid of the scam operators, would be a good start. Taming the increases of the baht would be another good place to start. Getting the police in line, and having them treat tourists with some respect, would be better. There are countless ways they can make this place more attractive to tourists from around the world. But, it is going to take some introspection to figure out how to fix some of Thailand's ills.

This is the most stupid article I have ever seen on ThaiVisa. Of course it is going to hurt. How could it help? It is considered nothing but a sign of instability to the outside world. Thailand has to figure out a way to gain control of these parties, and their desire to demonstrate. Though Thaksin was disliked by many, he did figure out a way to reach the less fortunate amongst the Thais. Why are other politicians not able to figure this out? Holding early elections would have been a historic opportunity, for Abhisit, back in May. It would have required courage, but it would have been the right thing to do.

Yes, a Thai official complaining about conditions in a Cambodian jail is indeed humorous. The reality here, is that Hun Sen is playing Abhisit like a fool. He is doing this for publicity, concessions, and as a way of exerting control over his giant, far more powerful neighbor. Not sure what the solution is, but negotiating with a dictator, who disguises himself as a freely elected democratic leader, is a dead end. There is a reason why he has a 5,000 man personal security detail. Nobody knows the extend of his riches, and when it the last time you have read something questioning this, in the Thai press? There is a reason why Thailand is ranked 152, out of 178, in terms of press freedom, by reporters without borders, a very credible ogranization. So, what we are reading in the press is nothing. They are not covering the real issues. They do not want to discuss the real issues at stake here.

Are you talking to hear yourself.

You know as well as I do that the lack of freedom of speech is mostly for matters regarding one family.

They are covering the issues that will sell papers. The same as any news paper in the world. Perhaps you are confusing a reluctance to get into a situation where they can be sued for Libel with lack of freedom of speech.

Stop and think about it if they were restricted in what they can print other than on every thing the nation would not need strict laws against libelous comments or accusation's.

Are you honestly saying you do not thing censorship is in place here in Thailand? Is that what I hear? Why the ranking of 152nd? When is the last time you have seen an investigative piece on Thai politics, on the ineffectiveness of the anti corruption commission, or anything else that mattered? It takes me 4 minutes to read the Bangkok Post. Because there is little of substance in there. The only news you read that is of a critical nature, is news of the outside world. Real criticism of Thai institutions is not allowed. And I am not referring to the Monarchy.

i can see this working and being implemented ............ not

i hope samui doesn't inherite the BIG ( boys in Green ) that bangkok has that are purely there to extort tourists out of money .......

The reality is that there is absolutely no enforcement whatsoever on Samui, with regard to the no-smoking laws in effect throughout the country. When I travel, I see it being enforced in Pattaya, Bangkok,

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chaiyaphum, Ayutthaya, and so many other spots. Why not in Samui? Why such laxity? I know of only one restaurant on the island that even posts a sign. At least if there were signs

posted, those of us who chose not to indulge, could point the sign out to those who choose to offend. I walk into restaurants and ask for the non-smoking section, and the answer I get is: "No problem, you

can smoke anywhere". It is very frustrating, and there feels like the average person can do little about it. Many of us have contacted the Mayor's office, and complained, and they promised something would be

done, and that inspections commence. That was a very long time ago. I have a rather strong allergy to cigarette smoke, and it makes eating around it very unpleasant. I am always forced to sit on the periphery,

or in an area where nobody is seated, or occasionally compelled to move once of twice, during the meal. With so many parts of the world getting on board with the no-smoking laws, Samui is becoming seriously out of

step with other resort areas.

Yes, a Thai official complaining about conditions in a Cambodian jail is indeed humorous. The reality here, is that Hun Sen is playing Abhisit like a fool. He is doing this for publicity, concessions, and as a way of exerting control over his giant, far more powerful neighbor. Not sure what the solution is, but negotiating with a dictator, who disguises himself as a freely elected democratic leader, is a dead end. There is a reason why he has a 5,000 man personal security detail. Nobody knows the extend of his riches, and when it the last time you have read something questioning this, in the Thai press? There is a reason why Thailand is ranked 152, out of 178, in terms of press freedom, by reporters without borders, a very credible ogranization. So, what we are reading in the press is nothing. They are not covering the real issues. They do not want to discuss the real issues at stake here.

These troublemakers must be stopped at all costs. It is astonishing to me that whenever I get into a taxi, the driver is complaining about the lack or tourism. Where are the farengs, they ask? I never hesitate to point out that his beloved red shirts are scaring the hell out of them. Creating the appearance of instability. Thailand must stop these people at all costs. Though many have good intentions, and are hard working Issan folk, they are being used by the great dictator, and do not even realize it. Stop them at all costs. Do not allow this to happen. Shut them down from the start. Had they done that with a show of force in April, this whole episode may have only lasted a week or two.

Well, I would love to see this implemented, and enforced. Though the law has been on the books for some time, there are very, very few places in Samui which enforce it. As a non-smoker, I have a very hard time finding a seat in a restaurant, where I do not have to be subjected to the obnoxious smoke of those around me. I ask for the no-smoking section, and the response I get is "oh no problem, you can smoke anywhere". I would be both astonished and surprised if this is enforced. How about just making bars and restaurants put up signs, so that those of us who choose not to smoke, can point out the law to others? The only place I know of on Samui that even has a sign, is the Spa in Lamai. And they enforce it inside. Wow, what civility. The mayor here is extremely weak. He does very little for the people, such as using the budget allocated for the roads, to actually repave the ring road around the island, or enforce noise limits on the beachfront bars. Now, with the new chaweng beach pigs operating the newly expanded Ark Bar, the music can be heard from quite a distance. If you live on, or near the beach, or on the surrounding mountains, you can hear this noise for many kilometers. So, with the incompetence, and indifference being exhibited by Jaikwong, the Mayor, I am not sure anything is going to change, though I would love to see it, and so would thousands of others. The reality is that Samui is going to become a tourist relic, if the Thai people do not wake up soon. Prices are going up everywhere, laws are not being enforced, tourists are being ripped off by jet ski operators, restaurants, etc., and all of the Thai people just assume the world cannot, and will not live without Thailand, or Samui.

This ban will last 30 days. They imposed a ban on fishing in the gulf, and guess how long that lasted. Where is the enforcement agency that is going to police these dive operators? And I agree with some of the other posts that diving does not affect the reefs too much. I would guess the garbage, and oil from fishing boats has a far greater impact. The enforcement agencies and the police here are an embarrassment to the country. Nearly completely impotent.

How many people do you see fighting to get OUT of the U.S. of A.?

I know of a hundred Americans who would leave if they thought they could. Either they cannot afford to leave, or they have family obligations, etc. Many of my friends have left already. Do not make light of this. There is a fast growing discontent, and the US is no longer a pleasant place to live.

Great thread. Yes, I go back and forth, and the US feels very tired these days. I think there is no doubt that it is a bit like being in Rome, in the 4th century AD. The waning years of the empire. It has been 30-40 years since any real money has been spent on infrastructure, and it is showing. The place is getting a decrepit, third world quality. There is not a single mall in the US that rivals Siam Paragon. There is not a single cinema in the country that rivals the Siam Cinema. There is not a single bowling alley that rivals the bowling alley in Siam. No speed trains, deteriorating highways, a nearly completely dysfunctional government, broke municipalities, etc. But the real story is in the people. Partly due to being fed the line that we are the greatest, the most prosperous, the most influential, etc. for all of our lives, the current reality is something most people are having a hard time coming to grips with. It is creating alot of sadness, lost hope, desperation, and frustration. The average American right now is a sad, sad sight to witness. When I was back there 6 weeks ago, it was palpable. The fear, anxiety, and general lack of fulfillment back there is tangible.

Whereas doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and so on require degrees or licences to operate, someone without a normal or proper education can be a better journalist than university graduates as long as he or she is guided by a right conscience.

But maybe cannot be trusted to vote the educated way.

There is very, very little press freedom in Thailand. The country is ranked in the 150's, out of 178 countries, by reporters without borders, which tracks such things. It is ranked 153, just below Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. Two spots about Saudi Arabia. if you see an investigative piece here, it is always about the international community, and NEVER about Thailand. When is the last time you have seen an investigative piece about the corruption commission, or the Prime Ministers office, or about vote buying, or anything else, that is the slightest bit inward looking? It just does not happen. And I wonder if the press is manipulated to that degree, do they also have the power to plant false info in the press, such as how well the tourism sector is doing right now, or what the economic growth numbers look like? Food for thought?

You copied that from another thread. And of course neglected to print the part about not OK to talk about a certain Family residing in Thailand. Repeal those law's and you will see a rise to the top 50 in freedom of speech.

Ask yourself if Thailand was as bad as you want people to think would they allow papers like the nation to exist. Unless they wanted gobbledegook to represent news.

They limit the freedom of press to those dedicated to turmoil and rightfully so. We all should have the rite to pick up a news paper and read it with out trying to figure out what the truth really is what are they hiding. It is people like you who fight to take away our personal rights so that big business can do what they want. Maybe you should read some of the local papers. There is always some thing about the opposing party and it's corruption and ineptness. As viewed by the minority.

Wow. When jayjay0 says that Thailand would not let the Nation exist, if they were concerned with censorship, it shows how out to lunch this man truly is. The Nation exhibits very, very little press freedom. When they have one of their infrequent investigative pieces, it is ALWAYs about a foreign nation, or something happening outside of the coutry. And he mentions that lese majeste is the cause of the censorship. Talk about a lack of understanding. It is the inability of many of many Thais to engage in self criticism, that is the root cause of this problem. They are bad, and we are great. The monarchy has nothing to do with this. The King is beloved for good reason. The Nation is also extremely selective in printing reader editorials. More so, than most papers. Same with the Bangkok Post. I am not referring to those dedicated to turmoil. I am talking about a people's ability to look within for solutions. I am talking about self reflection, and the ability to root out problem areas, such as corruption, political incompetence, issues with the police being ineffective, etc. Get the message.

This is a real shame. I do not think the Thai people are inherently xenophobic. I have met so many that are genuinely friendly. Unlike Vietnam, where

the further you stray from the big cities, the more suspicious, and less friendly people seem to get, in Thailand I have encountered friendly, cheerful people

all over the country. I think some of the political parties, namely the shameless yellowhearted (appropriately named yellow shirts) have used politics to drum

up fear of foreigners, but only the simplest of minds seem to be buying into it. I am not saying the Thais are not somewhat afraid of outsiders. Just that the common

person does not buy into the nonsense. And of course it takes a real superfreak to think that by killing one of us he is accomplishing anything but bringing misery

to several families.

Whereas doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and so on require degrees or licences to operate, someone without a normal or proper education can be a better journalist than university graduates as long as he or she is guided by a right conscience.

But maybe cannot be trusted to vote the educated way.

There is very, very little press freedom in Thailand. The country is ranked in the 150's, out of 178 countries, by reporters without borders, which tracks such things. It is ranked 153, just below Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. Two spots about Saudi Arabia. if you see an investigative piece here, it is always about the international community, and NEVER about Thailand. When is the last time you have seen an investigative piece about the corruption commission, or the Prime Ministers office, or about vote buying, or anything else, that is the slightest bit inward looking? It just does not happen. And I wonder if the press is manipulated to that degree, do they also have the power to plant false info in the press, such as how well the tourism sector is doing right now, or what the economic growth numbers look like? Food for thought?

Fascinating stuff. Not sure what is worse, the arrogance of the Italians, or the Pizza Company creations. Yes, the cheese filled crust, and the crab

stick additions are pretty tacky, and surprising for a country that adores their food so much. But, for the "Pizza council" to take such offense? Have

they got no lives? Why such thin skin. Who cares? There is enough good pizza in the world. So what if someone is creating bad pizza. Get a

freaking life, for God's sake. is it not up to the individual to make a choice about whether eating gourmet or not is a priority for them? It is just

another pompous Italian making a declaration. The world needs to learn to start ignoring these fools, and their silly pronouncements. Who cares?

I am pretty sure that when Bangkok Airways originally invested a massive amount of money to build a commercial airport on Samui a lot of people were very happy, you could even attribute a large part of Samui's growth (wanted or wanted) to Bangkok Airways. They took the chance and it eventually paid for them, now they may seem overpriced, thats called business or reaping the rewards of the initial investment.

Your reply is both misguided, and ridiculous. Though it may have made sense for Thailand to allow Bangkok Air to build the airport at that time, it has not made sense, for many years. It is detrimental to the resort owners, restauranteurs, and all manner of people in tourism. There is no question that it holds down the number of people visiting the island, and causes great inconvenience to those that would prefer to fly, but cannot afford to. It flies in the face of a free market, and a democracy. It is the responsibility of the Thai government to correct this misguided decision, that was done due to the fact that a politician was paid off back in 1988. It is that simple.

Close friend of me and wife had a booth at the CM Night Bazaar. She had to shut it down because she was losing money every day she was open. Also know of 2 others there who had to do the same.

Have another friend who is manager of the massage facilities at a 5-Star. She told my wife today that they have almost no customers, and what few tour groups they get in are "Cheepo Charlies" who act like you're trying to rob them if they have to give the massage girl more than 10baht for tip. And some feel like they don't have to tip at all because the price of the massage is included in their tour package. They used to have 8-9 girls working all the time. Now they have 3.

Half of that hotel has been closed down to try and save money, but they are just barely able to pay the electric bill for the half that's open, and some employees haven't been paid in a couple of months.

Yeah, TAT, tell us another joke.

I live here in Chiang Mai in the Night Bazaar area. What you say was true. I couldent believe the number of stalls that were shut down. But now I see more tourists than in the last three years.

The difference being they don't spend like they did before.A friend of mine with a book store told me they are a different type now. A lot less family people and a lot more back packers. Hense the vacancy in the up scale hotels.

I am not sure of the numbers but when you compare them to other years they look hopeful. When they compare the numbers they use the same sources as every other year.

People are being led down the garden path by those who would for one reason or another criticize Thailand every chance they get.

Tourists are down because the world is in or coming out of a depression and people don't have the disposable cash they had five years ago.

Also as much as a lot of people would like to deny it Thailand is doing very good. Hence there money is worth a lot more today than it was five years ago. And yes the red and yellow shirts have hurt the tourist industry.

You obviously have no idea what a depression is. If you think what the world just went through was a depression, just wait until the worldwide unemployment

is closer to 50%! Wait until the dollar collapses, and the DOW is at 2000 again!

Phuket has shot its load .(.like many of the sex tourists who used to frequent the place!)If it wasn't for Jetstar flying direct flights into Phuket from Australia at the moment they would be even in a worse situation than they already are..Reason being is ozzie dollar is one of the few currencies holding up against the thai baht on a weekly basis right now so Australians are still better off than many nationalities because of this.TAT are living in a dream world at the moment and only have themselves to blame as they cut their advertising budget in Australia by 30% last year for example ..then after the red shirt debarcle asked the Australian travel industry for ideas and submissions for kick starting a campaign again to stimulate tourism from Australia to there !Meanwhile tourism numbers for Vietnam and Fiji kept on rising here along with even Bali increasing its numbers again.Thai airways didn't help by keeping airfares high for a prolonged period after the red shirt demonstrations and only offered discounts on all in package holidays..in what was supposed to be their 50th Aniversary campaign!All in all a marketing disaster and many agents are still smarting after the double wammy of last years airport lock down and as with potential /holiday makers..can you blame them?The Thai mentality of farangs will just keep coming back regardless as before sadly isn't the reality anymore,as other destinations compete and offer more affordable value for money alternatives.Challenging times ahead in many facets of the tourist industry in Thailand right now like it or not!

Very accurate comments. The TAT is DEFINITELY cooking it's books. Who are they fooling. Anyone can just look around and see that the tourists are not here. A friend mine is a GM at a 5 star resort here in Samui. He told me he spoke to a Thai gal who books cabaret events for the hotels in Samui. She had 8 bookings for Christmas week. All 8 HAVE CANCELLED! All 8 of the hotels said that their bookings were do far down from normal, they could not afford to do the show! That is normally the busiest week of the year. Who is the TAT fooling? Do we look stupid, or what?

These are honest, well intentioned Thai people, who have been completely misled, by the biggest fool that Thailand has ever produced. Every single time they go out into the streets, they are sabotaging their own country. They are destroying the image of law and order, and are killing the tourism sector. Bookings are down nationwide, during the peak holiday season, due to their earlier foolishness. Yes, it will be better if there are peaceful demonstrations, but any street action at this point looks like unrest for foreigners contemplating a trip to Thailand. And who knows, maybe the black shirts will hijack the proceedings again. The red shirts seemed to lose control before, so who is to say that will not happen again. They seem to be as incompetent as anyone out there. What these people do not understand is that their neighbors are losing their jobs in the tourism sector, as they protest. And for what? What is the end result? Abhisit missed a historic opportunity when he did not call snap elections back in May. He could have stolen the election. The big dummy Thaksin would not have had the time to prepare, and buy the vote. Had he called elections in 30 days, more than likely the democrats would have walked away with it all, and this may have been settled. Instead Abhisit showed a tremendous lack of courage, and did what all politicians do. He tried to buy time, and in the process showed a great lack of vision, which was exactly what Thailand needed at that time.

I am extremely skeptical of these numbers. All of the hotel operators I have spoken to this year are complaining. I have a number of friends who own restaurants, retail shops, and massage places, and one of my friends is the GM at a 5 star hotel in Samui. All of them say the same thing. Worst year in memory. So, if tourism is the same, where are all these people staying, eating, and spending their money? With the extreme level of censorship, how do we know that the government authorities do not have an equal ability to manipulate the media, and sites like Thaivisa? How can we consider this info reliable? Who do we believe? All I can look at is what I see on the ground. Right now, Koh Samui is slower than it has ever been, on Dec. 18th.

I'd pay 10k return for biz class no probs. On the food no need for any swearing on board just the chinese chicken and noodles like they used to serve will do nicely.

Now for my rant....mainly directed at 6am flights and frankly why would anyone want to do this to themselves in order to save 1000 Baht?

Yes a friend was asked to book us flights to Bangkok a while back and being the cheapskate he is I found myself waiting outside at 4.30am for the taxi which never showed up...cue a walk along Bophut until a taxi took pity and overcharged us for the 'pleasure' of not missing our flight....ahhh the stale cheese roll....the hangover....and arrival in Bangers before the pubs have even opened.

So I ask you is it really worth 1000 Baht? Well OP what's your opinion?

Bangkok Airways is really taking advantage of the monopoly that the government so foolishly granted them. By granting them this monopoly they showed a tremendous lack of vision. Thailand is the world's 22nd largest economy. You cannot convince me the government did not have enough funds to build this airport on their own. Also, the residence card is an absolute scam. I was originally told I would get 20% off all fares. After spending weeks jumping over hoops, and providing all kinds of paperwork, and then paying the fee, I finally got my card. After trying to book a flight, I was told that it only applied to the highest published fare. So, what good is this card? Just another example of the disrespect that this airline shows to it's frequent flyers. You would think they would see this as an opportunity to give their regular flyers a break on pricing. Not so. This airline is a good airline, no doubt about it. But, their pricing borders on extortion, especially when it comes to the Samui monopoly. Shame on the Thai government, and the TAT, for allowing this foolish robbery to continue. Samui desperately needs either a second airport, free from the monopolistic greed of BA, or the govt. needs to buy out their stake, and do the right thing, by allowing competitive travel in and out of the island. To allow things to continue is ludicrous. A round trip to Bangkok, from Samui is now $258. It is a 700 KM round trip. I can fly from 7,000 KM. in the US, for the same amount! Who is fooling whom?

EVA is pretty good, though the food, even in business class, is terrible, and they are very stingy with the alcohol.

I have been flying EVA from Bangkok to Los Angeles, twice a year, roundtrip, for the past 5 years. I have nothing but good things to say about this airline. Their prices have risen substantially in the past year, but that is the case with all of the airlines. Their premium economy is very good, and their business class is superb, for the money. The trick is to try to book only on their 777's, which are quite new, and beautifully equipped. I think their food is good, and the beverage service, and the service in general on their business class is great. If you fly enough, and get a gold card, you get generous luggage allowances, and use of all of their lounges. Also, their safety record is superb. I get one free round trip business class tickets, for every 8 round trips booked.I highly recommend EVA. I forgot to mention that all of the experiences I have had on Thai Air have been unsatisfactory. I have found the staff to have alot of attitude, have found the baggage handling to be slow, the food and beverage to be mediocre, and have found them to be very expensive, for what you get. I have not used Thai business class, so I cannot comment on that. But, I did pay for the upgrade to premium economy, and though it was more comfortable, the service was equally disappointing.