CheshireTom

Sukhothai and Ayutthaya provide the best settings for the historical theme of the festival. Given a choice of Bangkok or Pattaya, I would probably opt for Pattaya because it is more compact and the whole length of Beach Road is an eyeopener as literally hundreds of Thais are involved in making the krathongs during the day prior to the festival proper in the evening. Tom

BigDUSA, SQ struggtled to get slots at JFK for the non-stop service at the times they wanted - that is why they go into EWR. I would imagine that TG will come up against the same problem so it would be no surprise if they also go into EWR rather than JFK. It will be interesting to see what seat configuration TG comes up with - circa 17 hours in economy doesn't sound like fun at all. :crying Tom

A couple of years since I stayed there but there was a 25m covered training pool at the Thai Garden Resort on North Pattaya Road. According to the website it looks like it is still there. Thai Garden Resort Tom

bj1, Not quite sure what you mean by "hi-so crowd" - sounds a bit like the Bangkok Tonight board ............... Upper class Thais do exist in Pattaya - we even have our own Thai princess in residence (I think she lives next door to Hilly!). You can regularly spot her driving around in her VW Beetle ...... Tom

The Sabai Group markets the Lodge as a resort hotel and the Inn as a boutique hotel, a distinction that seems to work for them. They appear to have big plans for the refurbishment of The Weekender (some of the Lodge staff will move there) and it will be interesting to see what standard the refurbishment brings the place up to. Location wise it would be hard to beat. Personally, I prefer the Inn, especially in the more humid months, where I can enjoy sport on TV, snooker or pool and of course afternoon tea in air-conditioned comfort. Tom

SoCalGuy, The three nearest are all on 2nd Road at the junction of Soi 3 (Sabailand), Soi 4 (Thai Palace Hotel) and past Soi Zero outside Tiffany Show. Tom

papalazarou, Firstly, I am speaking off the top of my head here so I could be completely wrong but I will check tomorrow (Mon) to see what the score is. First of all TG announced the upgrade of the 747 fleet including new style seats in First and Business. They added that personal IFE would also be installed - I assumed that would only by in the new seats as there was no plans to change the economy seating to incorporate personal IFE. TG then appointed consultants to carry out a full review of their corporate image including aircraft paint jobs and internal designs. As far as I am aware the new "image" has yet to be unvieled. There are several folk on the airlines boards asking the same questions but nobody seems to have any definitive answers at the moment and the subject seems to have disappeared off the radar as far as TG's public information and press releases go. I would assume that they will have to have at least one aircraft fitted out to launch their new image so maybe the whole thing will run on time. I think they picked up three 747s a coupler of months ago which would allow them to take aircraft out of service for the refurb. As I said, I will try and get some info tomorrow. Sorry if that's not very helpful. :crying Regards, Tom Edit: This is the full text of the press release in Feb so, in the absence of anything to the contrary, it may be that they are working to schedule: THAI announces strategy on identity and service improvement and signs agreement with Interbrand 24 February 2004, at Thai Airways International's Head Office, Prof. Dr. Chai-anan Samudavanija, member of THAI's Board of Directors and Chairman of the airline's Corporate Identity Committee, presided at the press conference on "THAI's strategy on identity and service improvement towards being first choice carrier" and the contract signing ceremony between THAI, by Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI's President, and Interbrand Thailand Inc., by Mr. Chuck Brymer, Interbrand's Group Chief Executive Officer, to develop THAI's new corporate identity. THAI's new corporate identity development is another of THAI's corporate strategies according to Prof. Dr. Chai-anan Samudavanija, THAI Board member and Chairman of the airline's Corporate Identity Committee. THAI's new corporate identity aims to support the government's policy to combine public and private sector efforts as well as the general public to compete in the global market, and to create sustainable development for society. The new identity will be evident at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, in the cabin refurbishment which is expected to be completed by December 2004 as well as the new Airbus 340-600 to be delivered in 2005. THAI issued Terms of Reference (TOR) for various design consultants, both local and international, on 2 May 2003, and six consultancies submitted proposals. THAI's criteria for selection included : Concept and strategy, Reputation and experience, Creativity, Quality and Comprehensiveness of Proposal, and Practicality. Interbrand was the final choice to help develop THAI's new corporate identity. Its High Trust World Class and Thai Touch concepts will add an international aspect in the Contemporary Modern Thai Style that will cover all the five senses. The concepts will apply to all aspects of the corporate identity from Basic identity such as Logo and Colour, Aircraft Fuselage, Cabin decoration: colour of seats, walls, carpets, atmosphere, inflight utilities from crockery to printed material and inflight entertainment, Decoration of service stations at Bangkok International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, such as check-in counters, airport, lounges and departure areas, Decor of sales offices and THAI offices, THAI vehicles, and Signage. Mr. Abhiradee announced that it was necessary to maintain an edge in the competitive global aviation industry. THAI's campaign "Towards Asian Leadership" aims to make the airline a regional leader as well as one of the top five airlines in the world. The strategy puts THAI on the offensive in this competition, putting creativity and customer delight at the forefront of the strategy. In the past, THAI has constantly upgraded the quality of its services and introduced new services for the convenience and benefit of its customers. These include: THAI's Ground Service Improvement include : · Call Centre service to provide direct dial information to customers. · Royal e-Service including Royal e-Booking, Royal e-Ticket and Royal e-Check-in using modern information technology for THAI passengers · Royal Transfer in a new Mercedes Fleet for First Class passengers between the airport and their hotels/residents in Bangkok. · Providing Premium Customer Service to Royal First Class and Royal Executive Class passengers from the moment they step into the airport until they reach their final destination, with dedicated staff to handle luggage, assist with check-in and immigration procedures, use of special Royal Orchid Lounges and Royal Transfer to the departure gate. · Enhanced decor for the Royal First Class and Royal Executive Class Lounges with an emphasis on Thainess and modern amenities. THAI's Inflight Service Improvement include: · Improving seat comfort in Royal First Class to decline at 180 degree and 170 degree in Royal Executive Class on THAI's 9 Boeing 747-400s aircraft and 8 Boeing 777-200s aircraft. The installation of new seats on these aircrafts is expected to complete by the end of 2004. · Improving Inflight Entertainment System with Audio VDO on Demand with Touch Screen and Handset with a wide variety of movies and songs on THAI's 9 Boeing 747-400s aircraft and 8 Boeing 777-200s aircraft. The installation of new system on these aircrafts is expected to complete by the end of 2004 and the installation of Airbus A340 will be complete within 2005. · Special Inflight Meals, THAI will selected popular dishes from destinations to which THAI operates. In addition, special menus prepared by guest chefs from leading restaurants and pre-ordered meals as well as a comprehensive Thai menu for Royal First Class passengers. · Cabin Crew Training, THAI will be introducing proactive training program for cabin crew to enhance their ways of thinking and become even more service-ninded. THAI has also introduced the "Fly THAI with Thai Artists" campaign where First and Business Class passengers can have their portraits drawn on daylight flights between Bangkok and London, Paris and Frankfurt.

flighty, They are commencing Gatwick flights 3 times a week from 1 Sep and daily from 12 Oct. I'm not sure on connections to/from BKK at the moment but will check them out when they release full details of their winter schedule. Tom

riceboy, Wasn't it the "good old American Marriot" that got bombed in Jakarta? Tom

Gus, Not as much as Evergreen or economy. From what I recall, you have floor mounted bins running the length of the upper cabin (for sticking reading materials, blankets, shoes etc) so the seats are offset into the cabin a bit more rather than flush against the fuselage. Regards, Tom

Gus, The Dynasty upgrade is the full business class product less the baggage allowance and mileage accumulation i.e. business class food and service, lounge access at Amsterdam and Bangkok and business class seating but only 20 kgs baggage and economy mileage accumulation.. A lot of guys seem to book through Gazelle Travel and give them the thumbs up - their contact details are: Newcastle Office: 27 Ridley Place Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8JN Telephone:0191 261 8616 Fax:0191 261 8624 Email:newcastle@gazelle.co.uk They have a website but it wouldn't work for me: Gazelle Travel Website The total cost incl the Dynasty upgrade is approx UKP 750-760 from the UK regional airports on KLM UK. Seating can be allocated 90 days in advance of travel through China Airlines London Office (they are particularly helpful with any queries) on 0207 436 9001. There are two variants of the 747 that they use, however, in both cases the best seats are in row 10. The seating maps are below: China Airlines 747 Seat Maps Hope this helps. Regards, Tom

Gus, The full pax 380 and 386 seat configurations are identical to the combi in the first two sections i.e. from the nose to the front door and from the front door to the front galley. However, you are correct in that any of the full pax configurations can be used on the LHR route and so any pre-assigned seat allocation becomes a bit of a lottery. The various seat maps are below: Eva Seat Maps - 747 I would agree that going on the "combi days" makes sense if you are flexible in your planning. IMHO the uncertainty of the EVA seat configuration from LHR makes the China Airlines option via AMS a better bet for the northern-based guys who have to make a connecting flight to LHR anyway (and the stewardesses are cuter). Regards, Tom

Etihad are currently around GBP 375 incl tax ex LHR from most agents from 1 Sep up to 31 Oct. They are commencing Gatwick services (3 days a week) from 1 Sep, increasing to daily flights from Oct 12 so I would imagine their prices for Nov will be around the same mark. They should haves released their full winter schedule and prices by the Aug Bank Holiday weekend. Tom

landy2a, I have a Rolex Cellini with the transparent workings even although I believe Rolex have never made a transparent watch! That said, it is a very good dress watch. Basically, they are kinetic automatics and the reverse is transparent. They (or similar makes - Gucci, Dior etc) can be had from Decar or St Louis on 2nd Rd for circa 2-2.5k baht. PM me if you need photo directions or any pics of the actual piece. Regards, Tom

ting_tong, And I bet Mr Wong hasn't stopped laughing since! Tom

sabaidii2, Thanks for that. Tom

drpaul, Got to disagree with you. The baby basinets are located at row 20 next to the forward bulkhead in Evergreen Deluxe and are normally allocated to families with infants. Rows 20-22 should be avoided unless you enjoy the sounds of crying babies. Several other of the "favoured seats" (Row 26 and the exit seats on Row 27) are only allocated at the airport and priority is normally given to Gold and Silver Card members of their FF programme. They can, however, be put "on request". Seats 27 D and G are normally the only two seats with extra legroom that are available for free allocation at the time of reservation. IMO having the removable PTV is a bonus as you don't have to keep adjusting it when the passenger in front reclines their seat. Tom

jacko, Dynasty Class is business class. The fare from Gazelle and others is a Dynasty Class upgrade from economy. You now get all the Dynasty Class perks less the enhanced baggage allowance and you only earn economy class miles. With China Airlines you can pre-allocate your seat 90 days in advance. Row 10 on the upper deck gives you lots of extra leg room regardless of the version of the aircraft they are using on any particular day. See below for the seating plans of both the 747 configurations used on the AMS-BKK route. China Airlines 747 Seating Plans Regards, Tom

step, EVA has four different seat configurations on its 747s, all of which appear on the London-Bangkok route. The different seating plans are shown here: EVA 747 Seating Plans You can pre-select your seat up to 100 days in advance by calling their reservations on 0207 380 8300. Regards, Tom

jacko, The Dynasy Class upgrade on China Airlines is excellent value from Manchester (or anywhere in UK for that matter) if the flight timings suit you - Thai cabin staff on the AMS-BKK leg is an added bonus. Other than them, Swiss at circa GBP 1,300 (make sure it's Swiss and not the Thai codeshare) and Qatar at around another 100 quid both have new aircraft (A340/A330), good cabin staff and good IFE. Tom

Emil, All good news for the guys that prefer N. Pattaya IMO. I also read on another thread/board? that the Regent Marina Hotel on Soi Zero had bought up the whole street opposite the old bus station and was actively marketing the area and letting the units; again, good news. Tom

bouncer, You can knock 90 Baht off their web price and elect to forego their breakfast(s). High season (Feb) would therefore be 800 Baht per night for a single/double room. They generally do not discount, even for walk-ins, except for long stays i.e. 1 month or more. You need to specify that you do not want breakfast. If you do a walk-in you would be likely to be allocated an inside room which are very dark and a bit noisy at times. You should specifically request an outside standard room. I can't see that they will piss around with their rates too much for this coming high-season as both the 100 room extension at the Sabai Lodge and their renovation of the Weekender will be complete by then. Tom

BongoBill, Qatar's fleet of A330s is a mixture of some fitted out in a three class configuration (first, business and economy) and some fitted out in a two class configuration (business and economy). However, some of their routes, e.g. Manchester - Doha - Bangkok are scheduled for two classes but have a three class aircraft allocated to one or more of the flight segments. When I travelled in April I booked business class but was ticketed in first class on the Doha - Bangkok - Doha segments but with a business class service i.e. meals/baggage allowance/lounge access. It may be that your seat allocation on one or more segments is actually in the business class cabin with economy service. Qatar does not have a premium or enhanced economy product per se. As an aside, when I received my itinerary it showed Qatar departing from Terminal 1 at Manchester - they go from Terminal 2 and it is a long walk between the two. Also, when you check-in at Manchester make sure to ask for an application form for their Frequent Flyer programme and get them to input your temporary membership number into their computer system. You may not use them again, but if you do the miles will come in useful at some point. Regards, Tom

Hub, I travelled on the A330 (A330/340 are the same fuselage) with Qatar in April of this year and the difference in the cabin comfort as compared to the 747 is huge. The Airbus is in a 2-4-2 configuration in economy as opposed to 3-4-3 and the aisles seem just that bit wider so that you are not continualy being hit by the trolley dollies doing their rounds and the overhead bins seem to tuck away into the roof as opposed to hanging down as on the 747. Although on Cathay the seat pitch is 32", they are new style seats which actually give more legroom than that offered by the likes of EVA and Thai in their old-style 34" seat pitch seats (seat pitch and legroom are not the same thing). The site below will give you a decent idea of the cabin ambience in economy, business and the premium economy offered by Singapore. If I was travelling, and my choice of golfers was better , I would happily opt for the Cathay flight in economy but avoid seats 62C and H which are on an angle and have slightly restricted legroom. Rows 64-66 seem ideal for taking some time out to chat to the FAs when you get bored. The in-flight entertainment on both Cathay and Singapore is the best there is so nothing to choose between the two on that score. A330/340 Virtual Tour Hope this is of some help. Tom