Transport

Thailand's major international airport is Suvarnabhumi (Soo-wan-a-poom) International airport, with connections to most of the outlying regions. Why did they choose a name for an international airport that non-Thais find so hard to pronounce? Well, the name was chosen by late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The name literally means 'Land of Gold', and refers to a hypothetical land in Asia mentioned in many ancient sources.

For events held outside Bangkok, you may have the option of flying direct to one of Thailand’s other international airports but, with the exception of Phuket, international connections are very limited and schedules sparsely populated. It is worth exploring which major cities (other than Bangkok) you could use for connecting flights. For example, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong have frequent direct flights to Phuket. See Thailand's airports

Who wants to queue? Well, you can take away the pain - and the waste of valuable time - by utilising one of the many fast-track services available at Thailand’s major airports. You'll be met as you get off the plane, escorted to a special VIP immigration lane, through baggage reclaim and customs to your transport outside the arrivals hall. Most companies offering this service offer 'deals' for groups based on number of pax - and customised services can be arranged for big groups. Prices vary, but the 'basic' service for an individual travelling alone will cost up to US$34 per person. TCEB may offer or arrange this service for large groups; it's worth checking with them as things do change and new ideas/services crop up from time-to-time. For example, TCEB did set up a dedicated MICE lane at Suvarnabhumi airport; however, it seems to come and go - so always worth checking. http://www.businesseventsthailand.com

Suvarnabhumi airport is about one hour by road (depending on traffic) from central Bangkok. If event delegates are arriving as a group, then it makes sense to pre-arrange group transfer by VIP bus to your hotel. If arriving independently, a meter-taxi is the best option to get into the city, except at rush hours. The taxi system is efficient and you will pay what is on the meter + US$1.50 + the cost of tollways if you opt for the fast road. Prior to getting into a taxi at the airport, you will be given a ticket – which includes a complaints phone number. Total cost of the trip, including a tip, will be about US$12.

There is a skytrain service from the airport into Bangkok, which may be the best way to go at rush hours, but the terminal is outside the main city centre business areas and you will need a taxi to complete the journey to your hotel. The city line service, with several stops, takes about 30 minutes. The hourly express service takes just 15 minutes. The fare is in the region of US$5. On the return journey, the skytrain has the advantage that you can check in for your flight at the city terminal.

There is really only one option for independent travellers – taxi. It will take anywhere between 1-2 hours and cost up to US$46.

Unless your destination has an airport with reasonably regular flights, your only option will be taxi (for independent travellers) or VIP coach/bus for groups. Even if flights are available, many of these will depart from Bangkok's other airport, Don Muang. Transfer time between the two, whether by taxi or free shuttle bus, is usually around 1 hour, but allow for longer if travelling during rush hours.

The only sensible option is by air. To avoid the long transfer time between airports, we recommend that you fly into Bangkok and out at the same airport, if possible. All international flights to Bangkok, except Air Asia, arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport. Airlines operating domestic routes out of Suvarnabhumi airport are Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. Air Asia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air operate out of Bangkok’s second airport, Don Muang. Air Asia operates domestic and international routes, the others domestic only. So if you’re flying into Thailand on Air Asia, choose Air Asia, Nok Air or Thai Lion Air for the onward journey. If you’re arriving on any other international carrier, choose Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways.

While Thailand boasts 4,000 km of track, the reality is that the service is slow and unreliable. In addition, recent years have seen a spate of derailments, mostly resulting from poor track or rolling stock maintenance. Government currently plans to invest major sums over the next several years in improving the rail network, including double-tracks, new routes (including Phuket) and modern rolling stock. When this comes about, rail travel throughout the kingdom will be a viable and interesting alternative to VIP buses or even, in certain circumstances, domestic air travel. In the meantime, for delegates looking for adventure before or after their business event, the trains are worth a try and offer some fascinating glimpses of life off the beaten track - especially in the first or second class sleeper carriages; third class carriages are not recommended. Note that in 2014 the sale and consumption of alcohol on trains in Thailand was banned.

Scheduled bus services are not recommended for groups or delegates travelling independently. Privately chartered VIP buses are one of the few options to reach some destinations. Service and facilities on these buses is usually of a reasonable standard. We advise checking out the bus company’s track record before booking, as well as insisting on more than one driver for long routes. This is advisable even if using a local DMC to make the actual booking. Safety standards need careful monitoring!

Transport by ferry is an option if holding an event on Koh Samui. This can avoid the very expensive domestic airfares for travel to Samui airport. Koh Samui ferries are large, fairly well appointed and frequent. Ferries are an element of the means of transport to both Koh Chang and Koh Lanta – both of which can cater for modest business events.