Life Out East - back west for a month...

So now back in deepest darkest rural Herefordshire, near the Welsh border, where the sky is full of stars and the loudest thing at night is the silence. Having been awake for nearly forty-eight hours now I find that I'm suffering from one of my regular bouts of insomnia. So, it's time to catch up on some computer work whilst watching TV - the excellent Ronin is on.

Very good flight with Singapore Airways, up to their usual standards. My only complaint being that the children's meals, for the daughter, were full of junk food rather than anything substantial. The only other thing is that the planes seem to be getting old and are starting to look a bit tatty. But then I guess Airbus could be to blame for that by being late with the delivery of the new 19 A380 on order.

First time flying out of the new Suwarnabhumi Airport. Yep, it really is a shopping mall with planes in. Once you get through to departures it's just like being in Paragon or Emporium. Not a good feeling at all. Thankfully I was flying with Singapore Airways and not Thai Airways as the whole of the Thai Airways check-in area was in complete chaos with the biggest queues I've ever seen at an airport. I can see why so many people are complaining.

Anyone getting VAT refunds at the airport take note: you have to get your receipt and documents stamped outside near the check-in area and then receieve your refund inside, after you have gone through passport control. If you check-in and then pass through passport control without geting your stamp then the VAT refund will not happen. I'm sure I've heard of this happening all ready.

Life Out East - back west for a month...

Post Christmas come down, De-ja vu and Suawarnabhumi....

So everything has finished now. Presents have been given and received and there's a mountain of paper and boxes ready for recycling. Months of hype and now all over. In a few days there's the new year celebrations and then heads down for another 365 days.

Took the wife to see the new school for the daughter this morning. Went well. She's reasonably impressed by what she saw. Lots of renovations and improvements going on throughout the holiday ready for term start next month. I've requested information regarding the foreign teachers' backgrounds. Slightly paranoid maybe but I'd like to know who I'm entrusting my daughter with and if they're qualified to be teaching whatever subject they happen to be teaching. Interesting to see if they do provide what I'm after.

Went to see De-ja vu earlier. Hmm. Lets just say not the best film I've seen. Reasonable entertainment but so far-fetched that it's off the scale. I've never driven a Hummer, and wouldn't on environmental grounds alone, but just how tough are they? There's one scene where one gets smashed into half the cars in the town and then has a head on with an articulated lorry and drives away with not much more than the odd scratch. I wouldn't rush out to see it if you haven't already. There were three couples in the cinema, including us.

Not long now until we're leaving Bangkok and headed back to cold and foggy England. It's going to be a shock to the system even with the temperatures low here.

Bangkok's new Suwarnabhumi Airport is still making the press daily. Looks like a lot of the contracts given were dodgy and are in line for being scrapped. The build quality is such that there's talk of reopening Don Muang whilst they give Suwarnabhumi an over-haul. I'm sure common sense will eventually prevail and Bangkok will get two international airports.


Post Christmas come down, De-ja vu and Suawarnabhumi....

Taxi protest at Thailand's new Suwarnabhumi Airport and the new Thai government...

The latest news from Suwarnabhumi airport is of a taxi protest. If you take a taxi from the airport the deal is that you pay a surcharge of 50baht and then pay the meter fare for the taxi ride. The idea being to stop taxis from scamming newbie tourists and locals alike. In the old days at Don Muang it was common to get charged ridiculous fares above what they should have been.

The police have been trying to enforce this rule and have pulled a number of taxi drivers over who refuse to use the meter. Last night the police did just this. The taxi driver, feeling he'd been wronged, got his mates together and began a protest inside the airport. The crowd grew and it moved outside. One report says there were thousands of taxi drivers protesting which caused utter chaos at the airport and meant people arriving couldn't get away from the airport.

The taxi drivers are quoted as saying that they want justice from the police. Roughly translated this means they consider justice is the right to scam passengers. Hmmm, strange. Basically, if you are using a taxi to or from Suwarnabhumi airport then only get in once the driver has agreed to use the meter. No meter, no passenger. Simple. Alternatively there is a bus service and a limousine service. A limousine will cost 500-600baht from Suwarnabhumi to downtown Bangkok and they won't try to get a bonus for doing their job.

A new poll out shows that the new military installed government is gaining popularity. The poll shows an approval rating of just over 70%. Despite the nature of the government and the fact it goes completely against the idea of democracy I tend to agree, they do seem to be doing a good job. If they manage to achieve their own goals (fight corruption, improve governance, overhaul the justice system and accelerate political reforms) then they will probably go down as one of the best governments this country as had for quite a while. But what then? Should they stay or go? Who will replace them? Will there be a coup every time a government acts out of sorts with the wishes of wealthy Bangkokians? Time will tell.

It's going to be a long day. The daughter wandered in to our room during the night. This is normally the case at about 5.30am or later when she comes to wake us. However, this morning her clock was clearly out of sync and she began bouncing on the bed at 2am! She just couldn't understand why she was getting such a frosty reception.

Taxi protest at Thailand's new Suwarnabhumi Airport and the new Thai government...

Bodies and cracks at Bangkok's Suwarnabhumi Airport..

The papers are full of shocking news about Bangkok's new airport today. The Bangkok Post is fresh with the news that the new military government has decreed that the airport is not fit for opening for another six months! But hey, didn't it already open in September?

It turns out that the cracks on the taxiways and parking bays might be on the runway too. One of the two runways is mysteriously closed for four hours every evening. Hmmm! Having big cracks in the runway is not a good thing, this is quite worrying. Other causes for concern include sexual harassment of female staff by construction workers, lack of toilets, unfinished work, late or lost luggage etc etc etc and also it turns out that there might have been a not inconsiderable dollop of corruption when it came to awarding various contracts. Starting to get de-ja vu now.

One of the Thai papers has reported a body. Passengers claimed they could see a ghost near a large concrete pillar in the airport. Closer inspection has shown that the pillar does contain a body. And guess what? It's the body of a Burmese worker and so they decided that it wasn't worth removing. There are two stories from people in the know. One says that she fell and it was decided that removing her before pouring the concrete would be too much effort so they left her there, presumably dead already. The other story is that she was raped and thrown in before concrete was poured to prevent anyone getting into trouble. Hmm. I wouldn't trade anything to be a Burmese worker in Thailand. Poor sods get the shitty end of the stick all the time.

Usual Sunday of ballet and entertaining kids ahead. I've got a get out card for part of the day, have to meet someone later.

Bodies and cracks at Bangkok's Suwarnabhumi Airport..

Suwarnabhumi airport, flooding in Thailand...

[pics below]

Whilst complaints from tourists using the new airport seem to have abated new complaints from locals are coming with increasing volume. An old guy living 5km from Suwarnabhumi has died of a heart attack, allegedly brought on by the noise pollution from airplanes flying overhead every few minutes. Local villagers are united in their anger over the building of Suwarnabhumi and the fact nothing was done to make life beneath the flight path more bearable.

Surprisingly the government has agreed that there is a problem and said that there simply wasn't any consideration given to these guys in the planning process. Compensation has been approved. This willingness of the new government to make criticism of the Thai system when it is clearly necessary is very refreshing. I'm starting to think that maybe these guys in green will be good for Thailand.

The AOT, who are responsible for the airport, are obviously not in agreement. There statement said: "Airport noise can't kill people. It will only destroy their hearing.." Well that's nice. I'm sure the locals will be chuffed to bits when they read that one.

I've mentioned before that where we live seems to be free from rain while reports from all around suggest heavy rain and flooding. The flooding throughout Thailand has been very serious but we continue life with no effect from the rains. The Bangkok Post reported today that 118 schools around the country remain closed because of flooding. It's so easy to live in your little corner of the world and not notice what's going on around you.

Compensation has been mentioned for flood victims too. Whilst this is obviously a good thing me thinks that maybe Thailand is on the slippery road to the dreaded compensation culture that is eating up the UK.

I did find some signs of flooding when I was last out on the bike, before THAT accident. Here are a few pics.

Suwarnabhumi airport, flooding in Thailand...

Political uncertainty, Thai floods and the new airport....

All seemed quiet but now looks like there could be some of the smelly stuff hitting the fan after all. Ex-PM Taksin (or Toxin, Tax'in, Tax-swiz etc as he seems to be known) is rumoured to have moved closer, Singapore actually. Word is he might senak in across the border with Malaysia.

His wife has managed a meet with Gen Prem, much to the annoyance of many. Pro-Taksin literature and flyers have been doing the rounds, especially in the north and east where many still see him as a hero and the army have made movements - and then changed their minds. And what's left of his party in Bangkok is planning to get a thronging mass of people to the airport to greet him, should he opt for the air route home.

If he doesn't give up his passion for holding the keys to the till this could very well get ugly.

More letters in the Post slating the new airport. It seems there's an almost fool proof way to get in the country un-noticed. Fly in from abroad on a flight that stops somewhere else in Thailand first and then goes on to Bangkok. The flight will land in Bangkok as a domestic flight and there is no facility for immigration control in the domestic part of the new airport. See letters page of Bangkok Post for more.

According to Thai TV floods are all around us and chaos reigns. However, we've not had a drop of rain for a few days now, the sun is shining and it's bloody hot where we live. I guess we're one of the lucky ones. No flood, no rain.

Daughter has friends here this afternoon so I have an afternoon of loud noise and madness. Should be fun.

Political uncertainty, Thai floods and the new airport....

Bangkok, Trains, Library...

Latest on Suwarnabhumi here. Info on walking in Bangkok here.

After years of being in Bangkok I finally made the effort to visit the Neilson Hays Library today.
As the father of a three year old with an insatiable appetite for books it seemed a good idea to introduce her to a proper library.

Founded in 1869 by the Ladies’ Bazaar Association the library is still going strong. It's located on Surawong Road just down from the British Club. It's a beautiful old colonial style building with air-conditioning and an old world feel to it. The staff speak English and are very helpful. Membership is steep, for a library, at 2,800 baht for a year but necessary for the place to operate.

They have readings and drawing sessions for kids on Saturday mornings and there's a cheap coffee shop on the grounds. Glad I finally made the effort.

It always amazes me how Surawong Road (parallel with Silom Road) manages to stay in a timewarp whilst all around develops. With the exception of the odd building here and there and alterations and additions to the road infrastructure not a lot has changed since I first walked down the street in 1992. I'm not complaining, I like it. That part of town, like Chinatown, has a great deal of character and a good feel about it.

Whilst in the area we grabbed a tuk-tuk to Hua Lamphong station and got the regular commuter train back to Bang Sue. There is an underground station at both these locations and the ride between the two will set you back about 50 baht. the cost for the train was 2 baht! From a Thai point of view I can see why there are more people on the train than the underground system. Admittedly the 15.20 train didn't set out till 15.45 and there was no air-con and it lingered in Samsen for an eternity etc etc. But still, that's a huge difference if your daily wage is only a few hundred baht.

Bangkok, Trains, Library...

Return to Bangkok and Dodgy Airlines

[www.gretra.com]

Well, after my month-long spell in the UK I have returned to Bangkok. Oddly enough it feels nice to be back. I mean of course it's great being with my wife and daugther again but I actually feel happy to have 'returned' to Bangkok for a change. Normally I return here feeling wretched for a few days. Maybe I've just had a lucky first two days.

The military coup seems to have rapidly become a thing of the past. As far as I can tell the military presence has gone from the streets and normality has been returned. Or as normal as can be with a militarily appointed ex-general at the helm of the good-ship Thailand. Still no sign of old tax-dodger Taksin on these shores yet. I just hope he's forced to do a f###ing visa run to France every few months from the UK.

I flew back with Etihad. This was my first trip with Etihad (not sure if I mentioned this before). Normally I have loyalty to another airline that I consider to be the best, and no that isn't Thai Airways, but decided to try the airline that all have been raving about. Not too impressed to be honest. Reasons:

• Customer service from the Bangkok office is shit - rude and incompetent staff.
• When I got to the UK I discovered they had nicely taken for my flight TWICE!
• Staff in UAE offices are rude and made no attempt to help me recover the money thay had liberated from my card;
• Tried to change the return flight day and was told the flight was packed - it wasn't. In fact it was more like half capacity.
• Entertainment system was great, but only when it worked.
• Male staff and half of the female staff were rude and un-helpful on the return leg.
• Despite having pre-booked vegetarian meals for all legs of the trip they still managed to give me regular on one leg.
• Food is just not up to scratch and is limited in choice and quantity.

On the good side the staff in their London office were great and a girl there managed to get my money returned very quick and apologised, which no one in either Bangkok or the UAE bothered to do. The seat back TVs are large and there is a great system but, as mentioned above, it only seemed to work when it felt like it. The ground staff in the UK weren't much to write home about either, in terms of customer service.

Despite ther reputation for being a cheap airline they aren't always the cheapest and some of their flights come out quite high. If they've got a good deal on offer take it but don't pay over the odds for this lot. And don't trust their online booking system, it can be expensive.

The daugther is on half-term break next week so I have a week of child entertainment to look forward to. thinking of maybe heading up country for a few days to get some air. Though I'm not sure that rural Thailand has much to offer a three year old so it could end up being a beach.

There is serious talk now of us returning to the UK or settling in another country. Looks like next year could see us pulling up the roots and moving off these sandy shores in search of seomwhere to live. We, make that I, have been looking at various options, including France, Laos, Cambodia and even Vietnam but I would say the highest probability would be a move back to the UK. I've got mixed feelings about all this. It needs some serious thought. The romantic, idyllic option would be any of the above mentioned countries but the head says the UK - more money, good education and easy for all of us to live there with proper status (resident status).

Anyway, a lot to think about so I'm going to sit outside with a beer and listen to frogs/toads and crickets make a noise.

Return to Bangkok and Dodgy Airlines

Which Airline?

I'm going back to Thailand next week. Nice as it is I'm not really looking forward to landing at the new airport. If the news is anything to go by thery've managed to lose thousands of pieces of luggage since opening and generally shown a complete lack of organisational ability. Just hope the guys in that record breakingly tall control tower are organised and don't get things in a muddle, or get vertigo.


I'm a sucker for brand loyalty. Not becuase of any marketing spin or promo offers but because I think if a company is offering a good service then stick with them. unless the price is prohibitive. I make the pilgrimage back and forth between Thailand and England many times a year and I've tried many of the different airlines. I've come to the conclusion that Singapore Air is the best option. BA is usually too expensive and ditto for Quantas, Thai is overpriced rubbish, Malaysia is overpriced, Garuda is .... er, well, is Garuda.

There are many airlines making the journey direct or not and varying prices. I've tried lots of them and for average price, best service, best system you'll have to go some to better Singapore Air (SIA).

I strayed from my loyalty this time and tried Etihad, following many recommendations from friends. I booked from home and when I got to England found they'd decided to charge me twice. No apology and it took several calls and heated discussion to get the money back. The staff in London were very good but the staff in Bangkok and the UAE are very rude and couldn't give a toss. Their online system is a bag of shit and doesn't do half of what they say it will do and the food onboard is less than average. The price is ok but not that good that it is worth suffering for. This will probably be the last time I fly with Etihad.

Which Airline?