Does Bangkok Airways have any US-based partners that I can earn miles with?

I know Thai is part of an the Star Alliance - but they don't fly the domestic routes I need (i.e. fly in/out of Samui).

No

With all its monopoly routes, don't expect PG to chomp at the bit to offer miles. They probably figure that you need them more than they need you at this juncture, and it'll take some head-to-head competition to change that. They've got the Samui route so larded up with taxes and fees that it's often cheaper to do a RT from BKK to Singapore (if bought in BKK) than to Samui.

Just once I'd like to see the Thais able to develop a beach area without "losing" it. But Samui seems like Phuket 10 years ago or Pattaya 20 years ago, all down the same path. At least TG is hidebound and a bit bureaucratic. PG can add flights as long as someone will let them, and the results now compared to 5 years ago in places like Samui, Angkor and Luang Prabang are very visible.

Just flew USM-BKK yesterday (first time the number of insects I spotted around my seat outnumbered the number of crew members. ) According to a local magazine on Samui, TG were to recently start a couple flights daily into USM from BKK, but I didn't see any evidence of that at the airport (strangely reminiscent of Gilligan's Island set design) or on TG's website. The article made mention that TG's 737's far exceeded the rated runway load at USM, for which TG would be paying fines.

That's why PG uses 717s! Amazing airport at USM, though!

Pity no miles...

How true!

the landing at usm was awesome!!! my friends couldn't believe my pix of the airport and our cool painted 717. you could see the people working in gardens right next to the runway as you landed, with the whole thing surrounded by a million palm trees. so cool.

i thought that usm was a private airport and that's why TG doesn't fly there.

Did you have Siem Riep Airways 717 with Ankor Wat painted on it?

Now that you mention it, I believe USB is wholly owned by PG.

BKK Airways did indeed develop the airport -- TG is not restricted (by policy) from flying there, though -- the bigger problem was the runway length for TG 737s. Did I mention that BKK Airways was the one responsible for planning the runway's length?!?!

No miles with anyone on PG if I'm not mistaken. But that's not too bad, the flights aren't all that long anyway.

BTW: Yes, USM airport is fun, but remember that upon departure, you'll have to pay a departure tax in cash.

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truly yours. airOli.
March 1st 2004: Morgestraich Do!

They actually own several airports in Thailand. I know they developed Sukhothai airport (which is also very nice.)

Or by credit card. Visa, Mastercard and AmEx accepted, if memory serves.

Does anyone know what the departure taxes are? I know that in BKK it's 500 Baht, but what is it in the domestic airports - if you're flying domestic-domestic, is there a tax?

Also, on these smaller places (such as Ko Pha-ngan) are ATMs readily available everywhere or is it better to just carry a large amount of cash?

Thanks!

It was, in fact, a Siem Riep Airways 717 with Angkor Wat painted on it. On the way there, it was a Bangkok Airways 717 called the �Sukhothai,� with a picture of the ancient city painted on the plane.

I believe we paid 400 Baht (each) departure tax to fly from Samui back to BKK. We paid cash -- ATMs were plentiful on the island. In fact, I would carry as little cash as possible for security, since most places take credit cards. I also went to Khao Lak a few years ago (north of Phuket on the Andaman) and it was little more difficult (but not impossible) to find ATMs there.

We couldn�t figure out a way to earn useful miles on the flights but there was one perk � they did serve us a meal both ways. Oh, and free internet access and snacks in their private waiting area in the BKK airport.

Except for BKK Airways' 3 airports, the domestic PSC (tax) at Thai airport is Baht 50. It's included in the ticket, so no need to go to a counter to purchase a coupon -- only int'l pax still need to do this (Baht 500).