Bangkok Travel News Update

In this section we aim to bring you useful information about topical and newsworthy issues, happenings or developments that help shape the future of this dynamic metropolis - especially the kind of things that have an impact on visitors to the Thai capital.

Don Mueang to permanently re-open 

Bangkok's old airport is scheduled to reopen on March 25. The date for the reopening coincides with the beginning of the summer flight schedules, and is aimed at relieving the strain on five-month old Suvarnabhumi International Airport while parts are closed off for repairs. Don Mueang will serve three budget airlines, One-To-Go Airlines, Nok Air and PB Air, alongside the domestic services of Thai Airways International (THAI). Don Mueang will serve 77 flights a day: 25 Nok Air flights, eight of PB Air and 32 of THAI. (READ MORE

Suan Lum Night Bazaar: Facts and Friction 

Suvarnabhumi Airport Fact Sheet 

The latest symbol of national pride in Thailand, Suvarnabhumi International Airport is one of the most modern and sophisticated airports in the world. It is a showcase of airport systems advancements and technology, reflecting also the latest airport architectural design trends. Have a look at its very impressive fact sheet... (READ MORE)

Diary of a Suvarnabhumi Traveller 

The Political Situation 

Things are back to normal in Bangkok after the peaceful coup on September 19. City residents are back at work and its business as usual in the Thai capital. Meanwhile, it's been announced that all military and police forces are united, and have pledged their allegiance to H.M. the King, as well as a commitment to the election of a democratic government. Until then, an interim Prime Minister and government is expected to be appointed in the next two weeks. A credible poll also showed that more than 80% of the Thai people support the coup and current happenings. So, if you have any plans to visit Bangkok soon, you can do so with confidence. In this section we hope to answer all your questions... (READ MORE)

Suan Lum Night Bazaar: The final countdown 

Yes, it's true. Suan Lum Night Bazaar, one of the favorite night-time shopping areas in Bangkok, is closing down to make way for a yet-to-be-announced new commercial development. Vendors at Suan Lum have been given notice to vacate the premises by the end of April 2007 if they want to avoid legal action. Owned by the Crown Property Bureau, the land is set to be used for a new development that will consist of office buildings, a retail and entertainment complex, as well as a residential development.  The bidding process is currently underway, and the winning bid is to be announced in April next year. No announcement has yet been made whether the popular night market will be relocated to a different venue. The future of BEC Tero Hall, which is used for shows and exhibitions, as well as Thailand's only permanent puppet show, the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, is also in jeopardy. Meanwhile, it was announced that the popular Lumpini Boxing Stadium, which is on the same land, will be relocated to a new modern venue.

Looking for the perfect accommodation to suit your taste and budget? Have a look here.

Bangkok BTS extension gets the green light 

Following the huge success of the first phase of Bangkok's mass transit project, and in order to alleviate the city's chronic traffic congestion, the long-awaited skytrain (BTS) extension is finally going ahead in January 2007 at a cost of 3.8 billion baht. Or, at least, one of the three planned extensions; a 5.25 km stretch from On Nut station on the Sukhumvit Line to Samrong in Soi 107. There will be five stations on the On Nut-Sukhumvit 107 route, construction will take about 3.5 years and the route is expected to open for service by 2010.

To pave way for the construction of the skytrain route, The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) will start to remove trees from the street isle along Sukhumvit Road in August. This process is expected to take two months, after which infrastructures such as underground telephone lines and water pipes will be moved. The construction of infrastructure is expected to be finished in May next year, whereas construction of the skytrain extension itself will start in mid-January 2007. It will require closure of one inbound and one outbound traffic line in Sukhumvit Road, and people will be asked to divert to alternative routes. The BMC said it would announce a clearer traffic diversion plan later.

Meanwhile, the planned 4.5 km Silom Line extension from Saphan Taksin station over the Chao Praya River to Phetkasem, and another Sukhumvit Line extension from Mo Chit station to Kasetsart (5.1 km) is still on hold.

Looking for the perfect accommodation to suit your taste and budget? Have a look here.