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A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand
- Thread starter Leongsam
- Start date
Google translate I still cannot understand:
Beans burning Douqi
Beans in the kettle sobbing
This is the same root
Fratricidal
Closest to tah mee in LOS, on Thonburi side. Regular of this ah Pah (aunty), very old school stall. Can even see flood water mark on walls (from few years back). Handmade kaew, all for princely sum thb40 piset (special) and generous servings or only S$1.60. She even does marketing herself, putting her hubby to shame with push cart
Found a new cozy Italian restaurant yesterday. Very small and trattoria style and family like. More importantly food was great. Its located at the very end of the busy Sukhumvit at Soi 60.
T's Cafe by Gianmis
The kitchen
Dining
Cold cut with cheeses - very fresh one of the best
Fettuccine with pork shoulder in tomato sauce
Steak
Prices is very very reasonable
T's Cafe by Gianmis
The kitchen
Dining
Cold cut with cheeses - very fresh one of the best
Fettuccine with pork shoulder in tomato sauce
Steak
Prices is very very reasonable
Copy cat sinkie edu system? 
EDUCATION
Thai academic lauds S'pore system
Contant training of teachers is key to its remarkable success, educator from Chula says
A THAI EDUCATOR has described constant teacher development as a crucial factor behind Singapore's remarkable educational success.
"In Singapore, teachers receive training and opportunities to gain additional knowledge, for example from academic forums, on a regular basis," said Asst Prof Athapol Anunthavorasakul from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Education.
"Singaporean teachers get educational and training support not just during their years as students at teacher-producing institutes".
Athapol said Singapore had clearly placed strong emphasis on teacher development, with its National Institute of Education (NIE) actively acting as a key link between schools and all relevant agencies.
NIE has worked closely with the Ministry of Education in formulating policies, conducting research and exploring methods to improve teaching and learning.
Athapol received his insight into Singapore's education, which ranks among the world's best, after attending an international conference on "Redesigning Pedagogy…leader values and citizenship in 21st Century education." NIE organised the event, which attracted more than 2,000 observers from around the world.
After returning to Thailand, the Thai academic shared the information with participants at a recent seminar hosted by PICO (Thailand).
He pointed out that teachers in Thailand were mostly on their own in trying to juggle between teaching and administrative work. Singaporean teachers, he said, were free from administrative burdens and managed to gain a clear focus on how to develop both their skills and their students' potential.
"Singapore monitors its teachers' performances and promotes their development," he said.
He also bemoaned the fact that when new policies or guidelines are launched, most Thai teachers are left to find a way to carry them out themselves.
"For example, when a new curriculum is launched, teachers have to implement it. Teacher-training institutions are not engaged to help in this part," Athapol said.
He said Thailand's educational sector has suffered the impact of a 'missing link'.
In Athapol's eyes, Thailand should learn a lesson from Singapore and engage more teacher-training institutions to facilitate the constant development of teachers.
"The development of Thai teachers should include close collaboration between teacher-training institutions and schools".
He said today, fresh graduates from these teacher-training institutions are expected to do everything on their own after completing not many of hours teaching during their internship. Without guidance, some young teachers would lose their faith in their career rapidly after encountering bad experiences.
"It's therefore necessary that teachers receive constant support and training. They need to be inspired and trained too," Athapol said.
Athapol agreed with the initiative by universities and the Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) to develop a coaching network. For example, the Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Education had agreed to take care of and guide more than 30 Obec-run schools in their teaching/learning.
"The quality of teachers will translate into the quality of students."
Athapol placed a strong emphasis on collaboration and participation by institutes in teacher development, describing it as a key factor to improve Thailand's educational services.
He insisted that teachers should not be left alone in trying to respond to various policies announced by the Education Ministry, particularly when the country has a new education minister.
"When you introduce policies, you should make every effort to ensure that teachers get the right understanding of the policies and their expectations so that the implementations proceed accordingly," he said.
Athapol said the government should encourage and support teacher-training institutions to step in and help.
"Form a network for constant teacher development. It's a key for educational reform," the academic said.
According to Athapol, research is also a fundamental basis of Singapore's outstanding educational success. NIE has conducted a number of studies and their findings are being applied to shape policies, design curriculum and plan preparations for Singapore's educational services.
In Thailand, Athapol said, many research studies have also been conducted - but their findings are little used.
"Singapore has taken an evidence-based approach. Thailand, meanwhile, tends to introduce new ideas every now and then without solid back-up information," Athapol said.
According to the biggest-ever global grading of education quality, Singapore emerged as having the best brains in the world, while Thailand was rated number 47. Compiled by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the survey was based on the performance of 15-year-olds on maths and science tests, the ranking covered 76 countries.
EDUCATION
Thai academic lauds S'pore system
Contant training of teachers is key to its remarkable success, educator from Chula says
A THAI EDUCATOR has described constant teacher development as a crucial factor behind Singapore's remarkable educational success.
"In Singapore, teachers receive training and opportunities to gain additional knowledge, for example from academic forums, on a regular basis," said Asst Prof Athapol Anunthavorasakul from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Education.
"Singaporean teachers get educational and training support not just during their years as students at teacher-producing institutes".
Athapol said Singapore had clearly placed strong emphasis on teacher development, with its National Institute of Education (NIE) actively acting as a key link between schools and all relevant agencies.
NIE has worked closely with the Ministry of Education in formulating policies, conducting research and exploring methods to improve teaching and learning.
Athapol received his insight into Singapore's education, which ranks among the world's best, after attending an international conference on "Redesigning Pedagogy…leader values and citizenship in 21st Century education." NIE organised the event, which attracted more than 2,000 observers from around the world.
After returning to Thailand, the Thai academic shared the information with participants at a recent seminar hosted by PICO (Thailand).
He pointed out that teachers in Thailand were mostly on their own in trying to juggle between teaching and administrative work. Singaporean teachers, he said, were free from administrative burdens and managed to gain a clear focus on how to develop both their skills and their students' potential.
"Singapore monitors its teachers' performances and promotes their development," he said.
He also bemoaned the fact that when new policies or guidelines are launched, most Thai teachers are left to find a way to carry them out themselves.
"For example, when a new curriculum is launched, teachers have to implement it. Teacher-training institutions are not engaged to help in this part," Athapol said.
He said Thailand's educational sector has suffered the impact of a 'missing link'.
In Athapol's eyes, Thailand should learn a lesson from Singapore and engage more teacher-training institutions to facilitate the constant development of teachers.
"The development of Thai teachers should include close collaboration between teacher-training institutions and schools".
He said today, fresh graduates from these teacher-training institutions are expected to do everything on their own after completing not many of hours teaching during their internship. Without guidance, some young teachers would lose their faith in their career rapidly after encountering bad experiences.
"It's therefore necessary that teachers receive constant support and training. They need to be inspired and trained too," Athapol said.
Athapol agreed with the initiative by universities and the Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) to develop a coaching network. For example, the Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Education had agreed to take care of and guide more than 30 Obec-run schools in their teaching/learning.
"The quality of teachers will translate into the quality of students."
Athapol placed a strong emphasis on collaboration and participation by institutes in teacher development, describing it as a key factor to improve Thailand's educational services.
He insisted that teachers should not be left alone in trying to respond to various policies announced by the Education Ministry, particularly when the country has a new education minister.
"When you introduce policies, you should make every effort to ensure that teachers get the right understanding of the policies and their expectations so that the implementations proceed accordingly," he said.
Athapol said the government should encourage and support teacher-training institutions to step in and help.
"Form a network for constant teacher development. It's a key for educational reform," the academic said.
According to Athapol, research is also a fundamental basis of Singapore's outstanding educational success. NIE has conducted a number of studies and their findings are being applied to shape policies, design curriculum and plan preparations for Singapore's educational services.
In Thailand, Athapol said, many research studies have also been conducted - but their findings are little used.
"Singapore has taken an evidence-based approach. Thailand, meanwhile, tends to introduce new ideas every now and then without solid back-up information," Athapol said.
According to the biggest-ever global grading of education quality, Singapore emerged as having the best brains in the world, while Thailand was rated number 47. Compiled by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the survey was based on the performance of 15-year-olds on maths and science tests, the ranking covered 76 countries.
Slice of thai honest mango today
Mother of bank robber returns cash
THE MOTHER of fugitive Sattra Suksom, who was allegedly involved in the June 19 money truck robbery in Bangkok, has returned Bt496,000 to police because she suspected it to be ill-gotten gains and directed the police to impound her son's brand-new car.
The car was parked inside Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.
Sattra was implicated in the crime by three arrested alleged accomplices, who claimed he was one of the two armed motorcycle-riding thieves who stole more than Bt10 million, as the truck was delivering cash to a branch of Kasikornbank inside Tesco Lotus Rama I.
After Chalita Pattarawanon returned the money on Wednesday night, police seized Sattra's Honda Civic sedan early yesterday morning and searched Sattra's Bang Bua apartment.
Chalita told police that her son left her the money, which he claimed to have earned from gambling, on July 4, before he travelled overseas on July 6.
After learning from the media that her son was wanted for his alleged involvement in the robbery, Chalita said her son admitted to her that he was involved in the crime, so she told him to come to Thailand and surrender to police soon.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt-General Sriwara Rangsipramanakul said Sattra's June 29 car purchase for Bt900,000 cash was done under Chalita's name.
Sriwara urged anyone in possession of ill-gotten assets connected with the robbery to return them to police or face prosecution.
In related news, police and the Bank of Thailand have established a centre for fake banknote crime prevention and suppression at the police force's head office as part of proactive measures, said police spokesman Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri.
He said that at a meeting of the new entity yesterday measures aimed at preventing robberies in various forms, including money-truck robberies were discussed.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Mother-of-bank-robber-returns-cash-30264124.html
Mother of bank robber returns cash
THE MOTHER of fugitive Sattra Suksom, who was allegedly involved in the June 19 money truck robbery in Bangkok, has returned Bt496,000 to police because she suspected it to be ill-gotten gains and directed the police to impound her son's brand-new car.
The car was parked inside Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.
Sattra was implicated in the crime by three arrested alleged accomplices, who claimed he was one of the two armed motorcycle-riding thieves who stole more than Bt10 million, as the truck was delivering cash to a branch of Kasikornbank inside Tesco Lotus Rama I.
After Chalita Pattarawanon returned the money on Wednesday night, police seized Sattra's Honda Civic sedan early yesterday morning and searched Sattra's Bang Bua apartment.
Chalita told police that her son left her the money, which he claimed to have earned from gambling, on July 4, before he travelled overseas on July 6.
After learning from the media that her son was wanted for his alleged involvement in the robbery, Chalita said her son admitted to her that he was involved in the crime, so she told him to come to Thailand and surrender to police soon.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt-General Sriwara Rangsipramanakul said Sattra's June 29 car purchase for Bt900,000 cash was done under Chalita's name.
Sriwara urged anyone in possession of ill-gotten assets connected with the robbery to return them to police or face prosecution.
In related news, police and the Bank of Thailand have established a centre for fake banknote crime prevention and suppression at the police force's head office as part of proactive measures, said police spokesman Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri.
He said that at a meeting of the new entity yesterday measures aimed at preventing robberies in various forms, including money-truck robberies were discussed.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Mother-of-bank-robber-returns-cash-30264124.html
A crappy beef rendang. 5.90 for this shit and $1 for the ice lemon tea
DROUGHT
Farms face threat of going dry as water cut
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Farms-face-threat-of-going-dry-as-water-cut-30264392.html
Dams to reduce water released for irrigation to avert tapwater crisis
THE Cabinet will consider a plan today that seeks to avert a tap-water shortage crisis - by cutting the volume of irrigation water from dams and barring farmers from diverting water from public channels to their farmland.
If the plan goes ahead, about 3.2 million rai of farmland will face the threat of a lack of water - if there is no rain.
At present, dams are releasing 28 million cubic metres of water a day. But the plan aims to reduce the volume to just 18 million from Thursday onward, to reserve water for household use.
Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda unveiled the plan yesterday after a meeting with agencies including the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) and the Royal Irrigation Department.
"We believe the measures will ensure the country has raw water for piped-water production until August," he said.
The meeting took place after several areas adjacent to Bangkok suffered a tap-water shortage.
Officials at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) insisted yesterday that latest assessments showed the capital would not experience any tap-water disruption - though water levels in some canals in its eastern zone have dried up.
Anupong asked farmers yesterday not to pump water for their crops during this period as it is needed first for domestic use.
The order has passed down to local levels, with Pathum Thani provincial governor Pongsathorn Sajjacholaphan requesting farmers along Raphipat Canal not to pump water from the canal for three days: July 12 to July 14.
The water use restriction also applies along the Chai Nat- Pasak canal. Raw water from the Chao Phraya will be used to supply the raw water pumping station in Lop Buri first, then water will be distributed to farmers.
"The Royal Irrigation Department confirmed that if there is no water taken out of the system, it can supply water until rain arrives in August," Anupong said.
On the Royal Irrigation Department's irrigation water reduction plan, water released from Bhumibol Dam will be cut from 8 million cubic metres to 5 million cubic metres - and Sirikit Dam from 17.27 million cubic metres to 11 million cubic metres.
According a report by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, 3.2 million rai of farmland will suffer some crop damage due to the cut in irrigation water.
"Up until now the MWA and Royal Irrigation Department can work properly without a problem, while I still haven't received the PWA information yet, but I believe there will be no severe disruption than the minor tap-water shortage in some areas," he said.
Parts of Pathum Thani have faced a tap-water shortage for three days.
PWA governor Ratana Kitchawan revealed that the tap-water production at PWA Thanyaburi office has started again and tap-water was ready for distribution from yesterday evening.
Water supplied by the Irrigation Department from the Pa Sak River reached the production site yesterday morning and is expected to be sufficient for tap-water production until August.
"In case the irrigation water is not enough for tap-water use, the alternative source of water is from Chaipattana Foundation's pond, Phra Ram Khao pond and artesian wells," Ratana said.
In regard to the impact of drought on the tap-water service in the Bangkok area, MWA governor Thanasak Watanathana said the water shortage in parts of Pathum Thani was not affecting Bangkok because raw water for piped water production was from the Chao Phraya River. In Pathum Thani the raw water for tap-water production came from the Pa Sak River.
From Royal Irrigation Department figures yesterday, the available water in Pa Sak Jolasid Dam - which supplies water in the Pa Sak River - had only 5 per cent of overall capacity. Bhumibol Dam and Sirikit Dam, which supply water to the Chao Phraya, had 29 per cent and 33 per cent of overall capacity respectively.
Overall, 601 villages in Phrae, Chon Buri, Sukhothai and Pathum Thani have been declared emergency drought zones by the National Disaster Warning Centre. The office said 1,401 villages in six provinces had been affected by drought.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged everyone to save water because the available supply is low. He also ordered provincial governors to mediate with farmers.
Farms face threat of going dry as water cut
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Farms-face-threat-of-going-dry-as-water-cut-30264392.html
Dams to reduce water released for irrigation to avert tapwater crisis
THE Cabinet will consider a plan today that seeks to avert a tap-water shortage crisis - by cutting the volume of irrigation water from dams and barring farmers from diverting water from public channels to their farmland.
If the plan goes ahead, about 3.2 million rai of farmland will face the threat of a lack of water - if there is no rain.
At present, dams are releasing 28 million cubic metres of water a day. But the plan aims to reduce the volume to just 18 million from Thursday onward, to reserve water for household use.
Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda unveiled the plan yesterday after a meeting with agencies including the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) and the Royal Irrigation Department.
"We believe the measures will ensure the country has raw water for piped-water production until August," he said.
The meeting took place after several areas adjacent to Bangkok suffered a tap-water shortage.
Officials at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) insisted yesterday that latest assessments showed the capital would not experience any tap-water disruption - though water levels in some canals in its eastern zone have dried up.
Anupong asked farmers yesterday not to pump water for their crops during this period as it is needed first for domestic use.
The order has passed down to local levels, with Pathum Thani provincial governor Pongsathorn Sajjacholaphan requesting farmers along Raphipat Canal not to pump water from the canal for three days: July 12 to July 14.
The water use restriction also applies along the Chai Nat- Pasak canal. Raw water from the Chao Phraya will be used to supply the raw water pumping station in Lop Buri first, then water will be distributed to farmers.
"The Royal Irrigation Department confirmed that if there is no water taken out of the system, it can supply water until rain arrives in August," Anupong said.
On the Royal Irrigation Department's irrigation water reduction plan, water released from Bhumibol Dam will be cut from 8 million cubic metres to 5 million cubic metres - and Sirikit Dam from 17.27 million cubic metres to 11 million cubic metres.
According a report by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, 3.2 million rai of farmland will suffer some crop damage due to the cut in irrigation water.
"Up until now the MWA and Royal Irrigation Department can work properly without a problem, while I still haven't received the PWA information yet, but I believe there will be no severe disruption than the minor tap-water shortage in some areas," he said.
Parts of Pathum Thani have faced a tap-water shortage for three days.
PWA governor Ratana Kitchawan revealed that the tap-water production at PWA Thanyaburi office has started again and tap-water was ready for distribution from yesterday evening.
Water supplied by the Irrigation Department from the Pa Sak River reached the production site yesterday morning and is expected to be sufficient for tap-water production until August.
"In case the irrigation water is not enough for tap-water use, the alternative source of water is from Chaipattana Foundation's pond, Phra Ram Khao pond and artesian wells," Ratana said.
In regard to the impact of drought on the tap-water service in the Bangkok area, MWA governor Thanasak Watanathana said the water shortage in parts of Pathum Thani was not affecting Bangkok because raw water for piped water production was from the Chao Phraya River. In Pathum Thani the raw water for tap-water production came from the Pa Sak River.
From Royal Irrigation Department figures yesterday, the available water in Pa Sak Jolasid Dam - which supplies water in the Pa Sak River - had only 5 per cent of overall capacity. Bhumibol Dam and Sirikit Dam, which supply water to the Chao Phraya, had 29 per cent and 33 per cent of overall capacity respectively.
Overall, 601 villages in Phrae, Chon Buri, Sukhothai and Pathum Thani have been declared emergency drought zones by the National Disaster Warning Centre. The office said 1,401 villages in six provinces had been affected by drought.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged everyone to save water because the available supply is low. He also ordered provincial governors to mediate with farmers.
Did a nice resort last weekend, Sampran Riverview. Very accessible, only 30kms from Bkk in Nakhon Pathom.
Recommended, 4 star quality with excellent reviews. Spotless, and well looked after 70 rai garden landscape. Won many industry awards. With traditional elephant, cultural shows and mini river market (if you into touristy thing).
Only thb2.5k for river view room (low season) with buffet bfast
Below pics from website
Recommended, 4 star quality with excellent reviews. Spotless, and well looked after 70 rai garden landscape. Won many industry awards. With traditional elephant, cultural shows and mini river market (if you into touristy thing).
Only thb2.5k for river view room (low season) with buffet bfast
Below pics from website
Also did the river market nearby Don Wai. Traditional style, nicer than the usual touristy places. Even better than Ayutthaya's.
BBQ banana anyone?
Am told the fruit juice has lotsa vitamin C
My fav khao soi in nearby spanking new Central mall in Salaya. Hear this is middle class area
BBQ banana anyone?
Am told the fruit juice has lotsa vitamin C
My fav khao soi in nearby spanking new Central mall in Salaya. Hear this is middle class area
Seem things are not looking good in Bangkok as the economy is suffering people are spending lesser and lesser. High end shops and restaurants are taking the brunt. Quite a few of these restaurants had closed down the survivors trying to change make prices more affordable to attract the mid-class people.
Went to Paris Bangkok restaurant last night
Starters
Lobster bisque
Escargots
French oysters
Pan fried foie gras
Mediterranean sole
With a bottle of Bordeaux $180 (this meal would have cost like $260 1 month ago). So looks like a good time to come Bangkok for shopping and eating.
Went to Paris Bangkok restaurant last night
Starters
Lobster bisque
Escargots
French oysters
Pan fried foie gras
Mediterranean sole
With a bottle of Bordeaux $180 (this meal would have cost like $260 1 month ago). So looks like a good time to come Bangkok for shopping and eating.
Appreciate all your personal anecdotal reports with nice pics on LOS which tempts me more and more to relocate to LOS sooner rather than later.Did a nice resort last weekend, Sampran Riverview. Very accessible, only 30kms from Bkk in Nakhon Pathom.
Recommended, 4 star quality with excellent reviews. Spotless, and well looked after 70 rai garden landscape. Won many industry awards. With traditional elephant, cultural shows and mini river market (if you into touristy thing).
Only thb2.5k for river view room (low season) with buffet bfast
Below pics from website
Bro Yinyang, mind sharing name of the resort. Looks very nice. Thanks.
Apologises, typed in wrong spelling of "Samphran". Thank you for the Infor.
Here you go. Last I looked at resellers (ie Booking.com or Expedia), garden view going for nett thb1800 (S$72) and river view thb2200 (S$88) including breakfast. Hotel webbie has less attractive pricing with "bundling" of cultural shows. Direct hotel promo package Aug sold out when I asked yesterday
Old name, maybe familiar to some is ex Rose Garden
Sampran Riverside
http://www.sampranriverside.com/about-us/tourist-attraction-around-bangkok/
Last edited:
Direct AA flights to Patts (for guys across causeway and ah tiongs) 
U-Tapao ready to become fully fledged commercial airport.
July 15, 2015 5:57 pm, Bangkok Post
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport on Wednesday announced its readiness to become a fully functional commercial airport that can facilitate AirAsia Group's flights, particularly those to to China which will commence later this year.
The airport has plans to add a new passenger terminal by February 2016, making it a major center for eastern tourism in time for the AEC.
Director Rear Admiral Wasinsap Chantawarin said that the airport welcomed the inaugural flight of AirAsia (Malaysia) AK 840 Kuala Lumpur-U Tapao serviced by an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 180 seats. The flight had a passenger load of over 85%, reflecting the airport's great potential as a commercial flight hub.
The airport's dimensions include a 3,505 meter long, 60 meter wide runway and its concrete parking area can accommodate up to 49 full sized airplanes. In 2014, the airport had a capacity of receiving 800,000 travelers.
The expansion plan is in full operation and includes the construction of a new passenger terminal set to be complete by February 2016. The addition will allow the airport to accommodate 1,500 more travelers at a time to serve up to 3 million people a year, in line with the plans of commercial airlines to begin service during the fourth quarter of 2015.
AirAsia Group is the airport's main focus at this time as AirAsia Berhad from Malaysia began regular service today of its direct U-Tapao-Kuala Lumpur flight, which will operate 4 times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) to a strong reception.
"We are confident U-Tapao will be a strong new base for flight operations for growing commercial airlines, especially because it will serve as a connection to economic zones in the East and because Pattaya is a rapidly expanding tourism center" Rear Admiral Wasinsap remarked.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, director of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, remarked that Thai AirAsia has targeted introducing routes from U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport to destinations in China by August and will begin regular flights in October. The airline is confident in the airport's readiness and the potential of the city of Pattaya and province of Rayong to attract travelers and investors.
U-Tapao ready to become fully fledged commercial airport.
July 15, 2015 5:57 pm, Bangkok Post
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport on Wednesday announced its readiness to become a fully functional commercial airport that can facilitate AirAsia Group's flights, particularly those to to China which will commence later this year.
The airport has plans to add a new passenger terminal by February 2016, making it a major center for eastern tourism in time for the AEC.
Director Rear Admiral Wasinsap Chantawarin said that the airport welcomed the inaugural flight of AirAsia (Malaysia) AK 840 Kuala Lumpur-U Tapao serviced by an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 180 seats. The flight had a passenger load of over 85%, reflecting the airport's great potential as a commercial flight hub.
The airport's dimensions include a 3,505 meter long, 60 meter wide runway and its concrete parking area can accommodate up to 49 full sized airplanes. In 2014, the airport had a capacity of receiving 800,000 travelers.
The expansion plan is in full operation and includes the construction of a new passenger terminal set to be complete by February 2016. The addition will allow the airport to accommodate 1,500 more travelers at a time to serve up to 3 million people a year, in line with the plans of commercial airlines to begin service during the fourth quarter of 2015.
AirAsia Group is the airport's main focus at this time as AirAsia Berhad from Malaysia began regular service today of its direct U-Tapao-Kuala Lumpur flight, which will operate 4 times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) to a strong reception.
"We are confident U-Tapao will be a strong new base for flight operations for growing commercial airlines, especially because it will serve as a connection to economic zones in the East and because Pattaya is a rapidly expanding tourism center" Rear Admiral Wasinsap remarked.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, director of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, remarked that Thai AirAsia has targeted introducing routes from U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport to destinations in China by August and will begin regular flights in October. The airline is confident in the airport's readiness and the potential of the city of Pattaya and province of Rayong to attract travelers and investors.
Thank you.
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