Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - In Flight Shopping (Model Planes)

I'll be flying TG HKG-BKK-FCO in a couple of months. I'd like to buy a model of the plane I'm flying (B747). I've checked the duty free catalog on TG's website, but I can't find any model plane, or any other TG-branded product. Since you probably fly this airline most often, and therefore you have access to the actual hard-copy catalog, do you know if they sell such products?

I've seen that they sell them at the Thai-Shop, but I'll be flying on Saturday, and the TH Shop at BKK is open Mon-Fri, so I don't think that's an option.

Thanks.

I've looked in the catalogue this week, no model planes I'm afraid. I think it's something they should add!

I've looked in the catalogue this week, no model planes I'm afraid. I think it's something they should add!

Agree! IIRC, I think you buy them at BKK airport in various shops - I would check a few out to see if you can snag one!

Cheers,

AG. :-:

I've looked in the catalogue this week, no model planes I'm afraid. I think it's something they should add!

Thanks, Dazz. They still have a couple months to add them to their catalogs. :D


Agree! IIRC, I think you buy them at BKK airport in various shops - I would check a few out to see if you can snag one!

Cheers,

AG. :-:

Airgroovin, thank you. I hope I'll be able to get one from BKK. Unfortunately I'll be there right in the middle of Songkran, so I'm afraid most stores might be closed.

Don't bother buying onboard or at the airport as you'll end up with a low quality plastic model (and pay too much). The models at the TG ticketing office aren't much better.

For a very good quality model in the THB2,100 to THB2,500 range, here's the drill:

Catch the train (express or regular) from the airport to Phaya Thai
At Phaya Thai, switch to the BTS (http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/web/imgcontent/Image/Routemap-110510.jpg) and take the Sukhumvit line to Siam
At Sian, switch to Silom line to National Stadium
Exit the BTS at National Stadium and enter the MBK Centre shopping mall (connected right to the station, 2 minute walk)
Go to Toy Studio (http://www.toystudiobkk.com/?lang=en) (stay on the same level when you enter MBK Centre) - this places specialises in aircraft models
Reverse process back to airport


Toy Studio has a huge range of models... from the 1:500 diecast variety to 1:100 polymer resin models. It's these that you're after - they're the industry models you see on the desks of airline execs! I recommend a 1:140 TG 747-400 (comes boxed and it suitable for carry-on).

Allow 30 minutes to clear immigration from when your plane lands, 1 hour to get to Toy Studio, 15 minutes for shopping, 1 hour back to the airport, planning to be there 1 hour before your flight. That's 3:45 hours. Another 1 hour for contingency, and you'll need a total of 4:45 between flights to make this work.

Happy travels.

Don't bother buying onboard or at the airport as you'll end up with a low quality plastic model (and pay too much). The models at the TG ticketing office aren't much better.

For a very good quality model in the THB2,100 to THB2,500 range, here's the drill:

Catch the train (express or regular) from the airport to Phaya Thai
At Phaya Thai, switch to the BTS (http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/web/imgcontent/Image/Routemap-110510.jpg) and take the Sukhumvit line to Siam
At Sian, switch to Silom line to National Stadium
Exit the BTS at National Stadium and enter the MBK Centre shopping mall (connected right to the station, 2 minute walk)
Go to Toy Studio (http://www.toystudiobkk.com/?lang=en) (stay on the same level when you enter MBK Centre) - this places specialises in aircraft models
Reverse process back to airport


Toy Studio has a huge range of models... from the 1:500 diecast variety to 1:100 polymer resin models. It's these that you're after - they're the industry models you see on the desks of airline execs! I recommend a 1:140 TG 747-400 (comes boxed and it suitable for carry-on).

Allow 30 minutes to clear immigration from when your plane lands, 1 hour to get to Toy Studio, 15 minutes for shopping, 1 hour back to the airport, planning to be there 1 hour before your flight. That's 3:45 hours. Another 1 hour for contingency, and you'll need a total of 4:45 between flights to make this work.

Happy travels.

Thank you. I have a 10hr layover, so I was already planning on going into town. My fear, though, is that all stores will be closed, since I'll be there on the second day of Songkran.

I was actually thinking of the MBK store too. It was a great place the last time I went. I'm only commenting now though because I came across another model shop at Terminal 21 (Asok) on the Istanbul floor. The store is called "Tom Jerry" (I think). It seems to sell the major brands of models, but I didn't get to stop by nearly long enough.

In the basement of Central Lad Prao i found what i was looking for a couple of years ago.
Maybe to far from Suvarnabhumi, i dont know.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/lamai64/ft/central1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/lamai64/ft/central2.jpg

In the basement of Central Lad Prao i found what i was looking for a couple of years ago.
Maybe to far from Suvarnabhumi, i dont know.


Magnus, is it hard to get there from Suvarnabhumi?

To all Thai friends, would any of the stores that have been recommended be open on the afternoon on Saturday of Songkran?

Magnus, is it hard to get there from Suvarnabhumi?



I really dont know because i told my driver to go there before my final destination ;)

I think it's on the way to Don Muang but not that far.

You will for sure get a much better reply when someone who knows Bangkok reads this!

Magnus, is it hard to get there from Suvarnabhumi?

To all Thai friends, would any of the stores that have been recommended be open on the afternoon on Saturday of Songkran?

If all else fails, you could buy them online, there are a number of websites that sell and ship diecast models.

Cheers,

AG. :-:

if you are HKG based there are likely shops there that sell them as well. I assume you are looking for something like the GeminiJets 1:400 scale models. I have a couple of TG models, but only A346 and A345.

Here's a list of shops in HK that sell GJ planes
http://www.geminijets.com/retailers/index.php?t_country=Hong+Kong/China

Assume they would carry other manufacturers too like DragonWings, Phoenix, etc

In the basement of Central Lad Prao i found what i was looking for a couple of years ago.
Maybe to far from Suvarnabhumi, i dont know.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/lamai64/ft/central1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/lamai64/ft/central2.jpg

From Suvarnabhumi, you can take the airport rial link to Makkasan station and change to MRT (Phetchaburi Station) to Phahonyothin Station. Central Lad Prao is about 200 metres from this station.

To all Thai friends, would any of the stores that have been recommended be open on the afternoon on Saturday of Songkran?

The business is usual in the tourist areas and shopping centres.

Thank you. I have a 10hr layover, so I was already planning on going into town. My fear, though, is that all stores will be closed, since I'll be there on the second day of Songkran.

You will have plenty of time, it is business as usual during any/all the festivals in Thailand.Eeither get your taxi to MBK, the new Terminal Shopping centre, both of which have been mentioned, and I have seen the model planes at other shopping centers, so you will be able to buy one. You will be able to arrange for your driver to wait for you whilst you shop, so you will have a spot for your luggage. If you need a newer car, hire a limo and driver from the arrival hall, they do not cost very much.