<![CDATA[Transportation & Travel Latest Topics]]>https://www.thaiway.com/forum/27-transportation-travel/enIn and out in a day: The longboat to Myanmarhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/4283-in-and-out-in-a-day-the-longboat-to-myanmar/The release of Aung San Suu Kyi in late 2010 and the more recent easing of social, political and economic restrictions in Myanmar have turned the long-isolated nation from the pariah of Southeast Asia to the region's hottest travel destination.

Around 425,000 foreigners visited Myanmar last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism, with the number projected to grow to 640,000 in 2012.

But foreigners based in Thailand have long been traveling to Myanmar's deep south -- and just for one day. Strictly for visa runs as opposed to tourism, the trick allows them to skip across an international border and apply for a new 30-day tourist visa on return.

Accomplished by longboat, the journey crosses the mouth of the Pak Chan River, a broad estuary that marks the maritime border between Thailand and Myanmar.

On the Thai side sits Ranong, a prosperous provincial capital. On the other side lies Kawthaung, the southernmost point of mainland Myanmar and a key transit point on the Singapore-Calcutta shipping lane.

http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/escape/longboat-myanmar-982788

]]>4283Sat, 22 Sep 2012 04:43:25 +0000Thailand native takes route from Mississippi to Marshallhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/4263-thailand-native-takes-route-from-mississippi-to-marshall/Korn ‘Gone’ Simsiriwong is a freshman biological sciences major from Narathiwat, Thailand. Important factors about Simsiriwong are her extracurricular activity and where she comes from.

Simsiriwong is a member of Marshall University’s women’s golf team. Originally born in Thailand, she moved to Starkville, Miss. at an adolescent age.

“It was my dream to play division one golf since I was very young,” Simsiriwong said. “Even though I am only a freshman, and it’s only been a little over a semester, I have gained so much from just experiences here at Marshall University.”

Her parents wanted their daughters to grow up in the United States in order to live a much better life. Simsiriwong said she wouldn’t be anything without her families support.

http://www.marshallparthenon.com/news/thailand-native-takes-route-from-mississippi-to-marshall-1.2721097#.T3TT-o6jInA

]]>4263Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:42:55 +0000A Truly Top Shopping Complex in Chiang Mai with Top North Grouphttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/918-a-truly-top-shopping-complex-in-chiang-mai-with-top-north-group/A Convenient Shopping Complex in the Chiang Mai City Centre

When visiting the north of Thailand, Top North Group’s shopping complex Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai provides a central base for shopping, sightseeing and much more

Known as the cultural capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike. Its cooler weather, beautiful natural scenery and host of activities to do all come together to make this a city that should be visited at least once. For a place to stay while you are here, Top North Group has the perfect accommodation option. Located close to everything, their shopping complex Chiang Mai best choice for any tourist. Featuring tropical gardens, a full-sized swimming pool, and sun terrace, this is a guest house which provides all the relaxation options which you could ever need.

Not only this, but it is situated close to a range of attractions such as the Night Bazaar, Phra Singha Temple, and Tha Phae Gate. Regardless of whether you wish to go shopping or sightseeing, this is a great place to stay. The rooms are basic but still come with everything that the traveller needs, with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and single or double beds. The television also features English-language channels in case you wish to spend a quiet night in. The rates are quite affordable too, and one will be hard pressed to find a cheaper shopping complex Chiang Mai which offers so many facilities. There is even a free pick up for visitors from the airport if you book prior to arriving in the city. More information can be found on our website or by contacting our helpful staff.

]]>918Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:50:15 +0000A Taste of Thailand - Excellent Package Dealhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/890-a-taste-of-thailand-excellent-package-deal/If you are considering a trip to Thailand, this is an excellent package.

A Taste of Thailand - Discount Travel Vacation Packages By Friendly Planet

]]>890Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:20:30 +0000Check with Your Embassyhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/888-check-with-your-embassy/Some of the embassies in Thailand are now lifting their travel warnings about Thailand. Thailand is now a safe travel destination, but many medical insurance companies will not pay if something happens while you are traveling in a country in which travel warnings are in effect. For that reason you might want to check with your embassy prior to traveling to Thailand.

]]>888Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:42:31 +0000Another Air Asia Salehttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/198-another-air-asia-sale/20% off in Oct and Nov if you book before the end of Sept.

Mods, please move to whichever sub-forum is most appropriate.

]]>198Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:36:12 +0000Travel Quizhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/773-travel-quiz/For those of you wanting to test your travel IQ, here are a few links that may interest you.

Travel & Cultures -- National Geographic scroll down and click on Quizzes

The Traveler IQ Challenge™

Travel quiz - by travel authority Howard Hiilman

Incompatible Browser | Facebook

]]>773Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:06:32 +0000Runway Shutdownhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/772-runway-shutdown/Hard to believe shutting down one runway at JFK airport will lead to higher ticket prices and problems at other airports. That is what this article states:

By SAMANTHA BOMKAMP, AP Transportation Writer NEW YORK – One runway, a whole lot of problems.The main runway at New York's John F. Kennedy International will be closed for four months starting March 1. Millions of travelers will experience delays — including some not flying anywhere near the Big Apple.

JFK runway closure to rattle nerves, wallets - Yahoo! News-

]]>772Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:30:03 +0000JAL Rejects Delta's Offerhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/727-jal-rejects-deltas-offer/JAL is a big player in the Asia market. No wonder Delta offered big money to JAL.

By TOMOKO A. HOSAKA and HARRY R. WEBER, Associated Press Writers TOKYO – Japan Airlines, wooed for months by Delta Air Lines with promises of cash and a broad global network, spurned the world's biggest carrier and opted to keep its alliance with American Airlines.The Japanese carrier said in a statement Tuesday it will strengthen its partnership with American and the two airlines will jointly ask the U.S. and Japanese governments for antitrust immunity on trans-Pacific routes.

The decision brings to an end a fierce tug-of-war over Japan's ailing flagship carrier, which is restructuring under bankruptcy but offers the U.S. airlines access to lucrative Asian routes.

In an aggressive courtship, Delta and its partners offered JAL $1 billion to leave oneworld. American and its partners said they would give JAL as much as $1.4 billion to stay. There was no mention in JAL's statement Tuesday of money being part of the deal.

Delta in a statement didn't directly address JAL's choice of American, instead asserting it remains a big player in Asia.

"With recently announced plans to invest $1 billion in our product, Delta remains committed to providing a leading option for travel across the Pacific," the airline said.

American, based in Fort Worth, Texas, said in a statement it believes JAL made the right choice. It reiterated that American and its oneworld partners plan to deliver to JAL roughly $2 billion in ongoing and incremental revenue over three years.

"American and JAL will now focus on building a joint venture that can offer JAL significant revenue growth beyond the stability that oneworld offers today," American said.

Its victory seemed improbable just a few weeks ago when Japanese officials, convinced of the long-term revenue benefits, were pushing JAL toward Delta and its SkyTeam partners. But after taking over last month, new JAL chairman Kazuo Inamori insisted that management would re-evaluate both proposals from scratch.

JAL's loyalties swung back to American in the end as executives decided an alliance switch would do more harm than good during a restructuring that is expected to take three years.

"The biggest reason for our decision to strengthen our alliance with American is to avoid inconvenience to our customers as much as we can," Daiji Nagai, senior vice president of corporate planning, told reporters.

Also, antitrust immunity — the key to a closer revenue-sharing relationship between U.S. and Asian carriers — would likely have been difficult for JAL to achieve with Delta because of competition concerns.

American and Delta were vying to keep pace with the Star alliance, which includes United Airlines, Continental Airlines and JAL rival All Nippon Airways. Star alliance has 31 percent of U.S.-Japan market share.

United, Continental and All Nippon Airways have applied for antitrust immunity so they can form a joint venture and work together more closely on flights across the Pacific. Delta would have submitted its own application if it landed Japan Airlines. But it will be American, part of the oneworld alliance, taking on that task now.

A joint venture allows airlines to share costs and revenue on certain flights regardless of which airline owns or flies the aircraft. It differs from a codesharing agreement where one airline bears all the cost but another airline might get a share of the revenue for booking a customer on a flight.

JAL President Masaru Onishi said the Tokyo-based company analyzed the issue "in great detail."

He said management "firmly believe that the advantages of this development with American Airlines can strongly support JAL at a time when we are striving toward the revival of our business, which we are determined to achieve."

There is no guarantee American and Japan Airlines will be able to get antitrust immunity, either. But JAL in the end wasn't willing to take the risk of moving to Delta.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100209/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_airlines_american

]]>727Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:02:35 +0000Full body scanshttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/752-full-body-scans/Has anyone had the pleasure of one of these at all on their travels? I believe they are testing one at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi although it is on a purely voluntary basis.

One wonders how many people chose to be subjected to this and whether the numbers were sufficient for a valid trial. Perhaps they will need a further period of testing with

slightly more bias on the 'random compulsory'.

An interesting and contentious subject this considering all the issues with regard to privacy etc. Any thoughts?

]]>752Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:47:10 +0000Thai International non-stop to LAXhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/630-thai-international-non-stop-to-lax/Have any members flown non stop BKK to LAX via Thai international/ Was it worth the extra money?

]]>630Sat, 02 Jan 2010 09:53:45 +0000Frequent Flyer Mileshttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/213-frequent-flyer-miles/Sometimes the first time visitor doesn't pay attention to frequent flyer miles but these are very important as it's quite easy to get free trips to Thailand this way.

]]>213Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:53:44 +0000EU Airline Blacklisthttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/238-eu-airline-blacklist/Here's the EU Airline balcklist. 1-2-Go is on it.

Name of the legal entity of the carrier State of the operator

Ariana Afghan Airlines (AFG)* Afghanistan

Aerojet Angola

Air26 Angola

Air Gemini Angola

Air Gicango Angola

Air Jet Angola

Air Nave Angola

Alada Angola

Angola Air Services Angola

Diexim Angola

Gira Globo Angola

Heliang Angola

Helimalongo Angola

Mavewa Angola

Rui & Conceicao Angola

Sonair Angola

Aero Benin Benin

Africa Airways Benin

Alafia Jet (IGA) Benin

Benin Golf Air Benin

Benin Littoral Airways (BLA) Benin

Cotair Benin

Royal Air Benin

Trans Air (TNB) Benin

Siem Reap Airways International (SRH) Cambodia

Air Koryo (KOR) Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Africa One (CFR) Democratic Republic of Congo

African Air Services Commuter Democratic Republic of Congo

Aigle Aviation Democratic Republic of Congo

Air Beni Democratic Republic of Congo

Air Boyoma Democratic Republic of Congo

Air Infini Democratic Republic of Congo

Air Kasai Democratic Republic of Congo

Air Katanga Democratic Republic of Congo

Air Navette Democratic Republic of Congo

Air Tropiques Democratic Republic of Congo

Bel Glob Airlines Democratic Republic of Congo

Blue Airlines (BUL) Democratic Republic of Congo

Bravo Air Congo Democratic Republic of Congo

Business Aviation Democratic Republic of Congo

Busy Bee Congo Democratic Republic of Congo

Butembo Airlines Democratic Republic of Congo

Cargo Bull Aviation Democratic Republic of Congo

Cetraca Aviation Service (CER) Democratic Republic of Congo

CHC Stellavia Democratic Republic of Congo

Comair Democratic Republic of Congo

Compagnie Africaine D'aviation Democratic Republic of Congo

Doren Air Congo Democratic Republic of Congo

El Sam Airlift Democratic Republic of Congo

Entreprise World Airways Democratic Republic of Congo

Espace Aviation Service Democratic Republic of Congo

Filair Democratic Republic of Congo

Free Airlines Democratic Republic of Congo

Galaxy Kavatsi Democratic Republic of Congo

Gilembe Air Soutenance Democratic Republic of Congo

Goma Express Democratic Republic of Congo

Gomair Democratic Republic of Congo

Great Lake Business Company Democratic Republic of Congo

Hewa Bora Airways (ALX) Democratic Republic of Congo

International Trans Air Business Democratic Republic of Congo

Katanga Airways Democratic Republic of Congo

Kin Avia Democratic Republic of Congo

Kivu Air Democratic Republic of Congo

Lignes Aeriennes Congolaises (LCG) Democratic Republic of Congo

Malu Aviation Democratic Republic of Congo

Malila Airlift (MLC) Democratic Republic of Congo

Mango Aviation Democratic Republic of Congo

Piva Airlines Democratic Republic of Congo

Rwakabika Bushi Express Democratic Republic of Congo

Safari Logistics Sprl Democratic Republic of Congo

Safe Air Company Democratic Republic of Congo

Services Air Democratic Republic of Congo

Sun Air Services Democratic Republic of Congo

Swala Aviation Democratic Republic of Congo

Tembo Air Services Democratic Republic of Congo

Thom's Airways Democratic Republic of Congo

Tmk Air Commuter Democratic Republic of Congo

Tracep Congo Aviation Democratic Republic of Congo

Trans Air Cargo Services Democratic Republic of Congo

Transports Aeriens Congolais Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga Air Charter Democratic Republic of Congo

Wimbi Dira Airways (WDA) Democratic Republic of Congo

Zaabu International Democratic Republic of Congo

Cronos Airlines Equatorial Guinea

Ceiba Intercontinental (CEL) Equatorial Guinea

Egams (EGM) Equatorial Guinea

Euroguineana De Aviacion Y Transportes (EUG) Equatorial Guinea

General Work Aviacion Equatorial Guinea

Getra - Guinea Ecuatorial De Transportes Aereos (GET) Equatorial Guinea

Guinea Airways Equatorial Guinea

Star Equatorial Airlines Equatorial Guinea

Utage – Union De Transport Aereo De Guinea Equatorial Guinea

Ecuatorial (UTG) Equatorial Guinea

Air Services Gabon

Air Tourist (Allegiance) (NIL) Gabon

Nationale Et Regionale Transport (Nationale) (NRT) Gabon

Nouvelle Air Affaires Gabon (NVS) Gabon

Scd Aviation Gabon

Sky Gabon (SKG) Gabon

Solenta Aviation Gabon Gabon

Air Pacific Utama Indonesia

Alfa Trans Dirgantata Indonesia

Asco Nusa Air Transport Indonesia

Asi Pudjiastuti Indonesia

Atlas Delta Satya Indonesia

Aviastar Mandiri Indonesia

Balai Kalibrasi Fasitas Penerbangan Indonesia

Cardig Air Indonesia

Dabi Air Indonesia

Deraya Air Taxi (DRY) Indonesia

Derazona Air Service Indonesia

Dirgantara Air Service (DIR) Indonesia

Eastindo Indonesia

Ekspress Transportasi Antar Benua Indonesia

Gatari Air Service (GHS) Indonesia

Indonesia AirAsia (AWQ) Indonesia

Indonesia Air Transport (IDA) Indonesia

Intan Angkasa Air Service Indonesia

Kal Star Indonesia

Kartika Airlines (KAE) Indonesia

Kura-Kura Aviation Indonesia

Lion Air (LNI) Indonesia

Linus Airways Indonesia

Manunggal Air Service Indonesia

Megantara Airlines Indonesia

Merpati Nusantara Airlines (MNA) Indonesia

Metro Batavia (BTV) Indonesia

Mimika Air Indonesia

National Utility Helicopter Indonesia

Nusantara Buana Air Indonesia

Nyaman Air Indonesia

Pelita Air Service (PAS) Indonesia

Penerbangan Angkasa Semesta Indonesia

Pura Wisata Baruna Indonesia

Republic Ekspress (RPH) Indonesia

Riau Airlines (RIU) Indonesia

Sampoerna Air Nusantara Indonesia

Sayap Garuda Indah Indonesia

Smac (SMC) Indonesia

Sriwijaya Air (SJY) Indonesia

Survei Udara Penas Indonesia

Transwisata Prima Aviation Indonesia

Travel Ekspress Aviation Service (XAR) Indonesia

Travira Utama Indonesia

Tri Mg Intra Airlines (TMG) Indonesia

Trigana Air Service (TGN) Indonesia

Wing Abadi Nusantara (WON) Indonesia

Air Company Kokshetau (KRT) Kazakhstan

Atma Airlines (AMA) Kazakhstan

Berkut Air/Bek Air (BKT) Kazakhstan

East Wing (Airline) (EWZ) Kazakhstan

Sayat Air (SYM) Kazakhstan

Starline KZ (LMZ) Kazakhstan

Air Manas (MBB) Kyrgyz Republic

Avia Traffic Company (AVJ) Kyrgyz Republic

Aerostan (Ex Bistair-Fez Bishkek) (BSC) Kyrgyz Republic

Click Airways (CGK) Kyrgyz Republic

Dames (DAM) Kyrgyz Republic

Eastok Avia Kyrgyz Republic

Golden Rule Airlines (GRS) Kyrgyz Republic

Itek Air 04 (IKA) Kyrgyz Republic

Kyrgyz Trans Avia (KTC) Kyrgyz Republic

Kyrgyzstan (LYN) Kyrgyz Republic

Max Avia (MAI) Kyrgyz Republic

S Group Aviation Kyrgyz Republic

Sky Gate International Aviation (SGD) Kyrgyz Republic

Sky Way Air (SAB) Kyrgyz Republic

Tenir Airlines (TEB) Kyrgyz Republic

Trast Aero (TSJ) Kyrgyz Republic

Valor Air Kyrgyz Republic

Silverback Cargo Freighters (VRB) Rwanda

Air Rum, Ltd (RUM) Sierra Leone

Destiny Air Services, Ltd (DTY) Sierra Leone

Heavylift Cargo Sierra Leone

Orange Air Sierra Leone Ltd (ORJ) Sierra Leone

Paramount Airlines, Ltd (PRR) Sierra Leone

Seven Four Eight Air Services Ltd (SVT) Sierra Leone

Teebah Airways Sierra Leone

Air West Co.Ltd (AWZ) Sudan

Aero Africa (RFC) Swaziland

Jet Africa Swaziland (OSW) Swaziland

Royal Swazi National Airways Corporation (RSN) Swaziland

Scan Air Charter Ltd Swaziland

Swazi Express Airways (SWX) Swaziland

Swaziland Airlink (SZL) Swaziland

One Two Go Airlines Company Limited (OTG) Thailand

Motor Sich Airlines (MSI) Ukraine

Ukraine Cargo Airways (UKS) Ukraine

Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines (UKM) Ukraine

Volare Aviation Enterprise (VRE) Ukraine

]]>238Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:02:24 +0000Ko Larn Ferryhttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/239-ko-larn-ferry/I know there's a 20 baht ferry that goes from Pattaya to the main pier on Ko Larn.

But I heard there is a 20 baht ferry that will take you to one of the main beaches.

Can anyone verify? Times?

]]>239Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:58:42 +0000A Question about New World Perks Delta Medallion Tiershttps://www.thaiway.com/topic/236-a-question-about-new-world-perks-delta-medallion-tiers/I have 120,000 miles with NWA/Delta this year. I have been Platinum for many years. I need 5k more miles to reach the new Diamond Tier. I don't see that much of a difference between the two. I wonder if I am better off letting my 45k miles above Platinum roll over to next year and count toward Platinum next year. This would mean one trip to Thailand and I'd be Platinum again. Are the extra benefits worth it the new Tier? Or, is my thinking logical?

]]>236Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:23:22 +0000