TRANSPORT Air travel

The most convenient means of travelling to is by air. International carriers serve direct from Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States. The Suvarnabhumi Airport is about 30 kilometres from the centre of Bangkok. There are plenty of limousines and taxis carrying passengers into the city centre, but newcomers should only use designated taxi stands, limousine counters or hotel shuttle buses. There have been occasional robberies and violence when passengers have engaged unlicensed taxis.

Transportation from the airport to downtown areas can be as follows:

Type Expenses Contact point Airport Limousines Charter rate Limousine Counter, Level 2, Baggage Hall and Arrival Hall Metered Public Taxis Metered taxi fare plus Taxi Stand, Level 2 50 baht airport (Arrivals), in front of surcharge (toll Entrances 3, 4, 7 and 8. way fees are

additional) Airport Express Buses 150 Baht per person Airport Express Counter, Route AE1 Suvarnabhumi – Silom per trip, operates from Level 1, near Entrance 8. (by expressway) 5.00 am to midnight

Route AE2 Suvarnabhumi – Khao San Road (by expressway) Route AE3 Suvarnabhumi – Sukhumvit – Wireless Road Route AE4 Suvarnabhumi – Hua Lampong Railway Station (by expressway) Airport Rail Link Express Line 150 Baht Basement Level per person

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Roads

The road system in Bangkok has been much improved in recent years with the construction of elevated highways, but the average Bangkok commuter still spends more than two hours in traffic daily. Traffic drives on the left and most of the traffic signs are in English as well as Thai. In spite of the daily traffic jams, nearly all foreigners use a car, not only because there is no adequate mass transportation system, but also because of the convenience of door-to-door transportation in an air-conditioned, quiet environment. A Thai driving licence is required, but the office can arrange this if a valid and current national driving licence is held by the staff member, without the need for a practical driving test. Under United Nations Staff Rules and according to Thai law third-party risk insurance is compulsory, but it is recommended that full comprehensive cover be taken out through one of the local car insurance companies. The agents of these companies come to the United Nations Building.

An extensive network (40,000 kilometres) of good highways exists throughout the country. Care needs to be taken when driving in Thailand. Truck drivers work on a commission basis so they frequently take amphetamines to stay awake and reach their destinations in the shortest possible time. This leads to very dangerous driving. Thai law stipulates that motorcyclists wear safety helmets. Staff members with teenage children should insist that their children wear safety helmets when renting motor cycles at beach resorts, as fatal accidents have occurred, or when riding pillion on a motorcycle taxi in Bangkok. Pedestrians should be aware that they have very few rights in Thailand. Motorists will not stop for people on a pedestrian crossing.

Railways

There are two elevated rail lines (BTS) and one underground rail line (MRT) in Bangkok.

Bangkok’s BTS “” and MRT “subway” are quick, efficient and air-conditioned means of travel, high above or way below the traffic. They are useful for the centre of the city, but the network has yet to be extended to suburban areas nor is there a station near the United Nations building. Passengers can conveniently connect from the skytrain to the underground or vice versa at interchange stations, separate fares and fare cards are required, since the two operations are run by separate organizations.

A railway system connects the major regions of the country and is linked to the railway system in Malaysia. Although slow, there are air-conditioned carriages and it is certainly safer than travelling by bus.

Bangkok Transit System (BTS – Skytrain)

A map of the public transportation system can be found at the web page of the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (www.bts.co.th). It allows you to click on each individual station for a more detailed map of the surrounding area. The BTS currently has two separate lines. The interchange for the two lines is the Siam station.

(i) The “Sukhumvit,” line is the Mo Chit to Bearing station.

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(ii) The “Silom” line is the – National Stadium station. The lines are open from 6:00 am to midnight.

The highest fare is 52 Baht per trip. One-time only trip cards can be purchased at a staffed counter or automated machines at each station; change is provided at the staffed counter. You can purchase a day pass and stored value plastic card (Rabbit Card) at the staffed counters. For Rabbit Card, please see website for more details (www.rabbitcard.com).

Bangkok Mass System (MRT)

Bangkok’s MRT is the first underground line in Thailand. There are 18 stations and three interchanges with the BTS lines. The main train station, Hua Lamphong, is at one end, while the station, Bang Sue, is to the north, near Chatuchak market. (For Chatuchak market, exit MRT stations Chatuchak Park or Kamphaeng Pet.)

The MRT costs 16 to 40 Baht per trip. You may purchase individual tickets or passes at the staffed counters or at machines.

Other Methods of City Transport

Buses

Buses are the cheapest way to get around, but are more complicated than other type of transport. About half of buses are air-conditioned. Minibuses operate on smaller streets. Bus routes are available on the Bangkok Mass Transport Authority (BMTA) website(http://www.bmta.co.th

Travel by bus, although very cheap, is not easy for foreigners as buses are over-crowded, unpredictable and routes are difficult to understand. However, there is a detailed bus map, the Bangkok Bus Map published by the Bangkok Guide Company, which is invaluable for getting around the capital. There are air-conditioned as well as non air-conditioned buses.

Taxis

Taxi rides are relatively easy, with vehicles in decent condition, honest and friendly drivers , and inexpensive fares. Few taxis have seat belts in the back seats. The meter begins at 35 Baht. If you call a taxi to pick you up, a 20 Baht surcharge is added to the fare. Locals normally do not tip, but instead round up the fare.

Metered taxis are plentiful in Bangkok and are distinguishable by their yellow number plates and roof-mounted taximeter signs. Until newcomers have learned some rudiments of the language, it is helpful to have one’s destination written down in Thai.

Public Taxi Services

Phone: 1681 or 1661 Calls for pick-up may be done in advance. This is convenient for early morning rides to the airport.

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Tuk Tuks or Auto-Rickshaws

Tuk tuks are usually a tourist experience rather than an actual transport option. They are a perfect option in crowded touristy areas, especially near the royal palace and popular temples. Otherwise, they charge similar rates to safer and air-conditioned taxis. Fees are set with the driver before the ride begins.

Motorcycle Taxis

Motorbike taxis are tempting for short journeys during rush hour, but are not recommended for safety reasons. Helmets, if provided at all, are not necessarily in good or clean condition.

River Ferries

The river ferry pier connects to the BTS line at the Saphan Taksin station. Ferries are a lovely and very inexpensive way to see the city. Visitors will love the trip. Full information about and where to catch these boats is available at www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com

River boats can be the quickest way around Bangkok. For example, a trip from the to the Silom district could take over an hour by taxi whereas a boat ride will only take 15 or 20 minutes. The fares vary slight according to the destination but currently cost only between 15 and 30 baht.

The river boats go up and down the Chao Phraya river, and there are around 20 main stops. They are usually coloured white with a red stripe. Boats come every 20 minutes, starting at 5.30 in the morning with the last boat leaving each end at 6 in the evening.

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