Suvarnabhumi : New Bangkok International Airport (Part 1)

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Welcome back to Free Zone, today we will bring you to Suvarnabhumi , the new Bangkok International Airport or Thailand’s premier international air transportation gateway and regional center for aviation.

From Nong Ngu Hao (“Cobra Swamp”)
Suvarnabhumi Airport comes with over 20,000 Rais of land. It is situated at Nong Ngu Hao (in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakarn Province , about 25 kilometers east of Bangkok) where used to be the great place for farming , fishing, and home to various kinds of reptiles and birds especially egrets. In addition, it was also a place to reserve water that let out from Bangkok. Back to 1960 , the Thai government commissioned a survey and town planning exercise to prepare a “Greater Bangkok Plan”. Among its recommendations was a proposal for a new commercial airport at a separate location from any air force establishment that would enhance the growth and development of the city.

From this recommendation, the government assigned the Ministry of Transport to conduct a survey to determine the most suitable site for a new airport, taking into consideration all relevant planning proposals for greater Bangkok’s future expansion.

Following the study, the Ministry recommended that the land and environment around Nong Ngu Hao in Bang Hpli district, Samut Prakarn province was the most suitable location for the proposed new airport.

Finally, on May 7,1991, the cabinet gave the “green light” for this area to be the site of Bangkok’s new international airport with the Airports Authority of Thailand (AAT) appointed the responsible agency.

To Suvarnabhumi
On September 29, 2000, His Majesty the King graciously bestowed the name “Suvarnabhumi ” which means "the golden land", specifically referring to the continental Indochina for Bangkok’s Second International Airport.

On January 19,2002, His Majesty the King performed the “Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony” at the king performed the Suvarnabhumi Passenger Terminal building.

The Passenger Terminal Complex was designed by the MJTA group of consultants, comprising Murphy Jahn Architecture and TAMS consultant (USA) and ACT Engineering consultant (Thailand), the passenger terminal complex (comprising the terminal itself as well as the concourse) covers an area of 182,000m².

Actually, the new Bangkok International Airport was scheduled to open in June 2006. However, this date has been delayed until 28th September 2006 for testing and validation by ICAO (The International Aviation Organization).

How to get to Suvarnabhumi ?
Car : There are 3 convenient routes to the airport.

1. Bangkok-Chon Buri Motorway (Highway No. 7)
2. Km.15 Bang Na - Trat Highway
3. Rom Klao Road

Taxi and limousine : services are available in the airport.

Bus : The state-run Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has also officially launched its bus service linking the new international airport with community areas in Bangkok and surrounding provinces since July 19.

Passengers can now rely on BMTA's 6-7 new routes, including

Bus no. 549 : Suvarnabhumi - Minburi - Bang Kapi

Runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport, passing Lad Krabang Railway station, Rom Klao road, before turning left to downtown Minburi and turns left to Serithai Road, passing Suan Siam, NIDA. After reaching Bang Kapi District Office, it turns right to go along Nawamin Road passingNational Housing Authority HQ (NHA HQ) and turn right to go along Sri Burapha road to pick up those who live in NHA housing. It will end up at NIDA intersection.

Bus no. 550 : Suvarnabhumi-Happyland

Runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport, this bus turns left to go along Lad Kabang Road and then going along Onnut road (same road - with different name - change after passing the district boder). Then it will turn right to go along Sri Nakharin road, passing Hua Mark railway station (and Jusco Sri Nakharin), B-Grimm HQ, Lum Salee Intersection, Nawamin road before turning left to go into Happyland market.

Bus no. 551 : Suvarnabhumi (via Pratunam) -Victory Monument

Runs along BKK - Chonburi Motorway and then Sri Rat Exptressway (at Hua Mark) before going down to Rama 9 Road, Asok - Din Daeng road, Dindaeng Intersection (near Pratoo Nam) before ending up at Vicory Monument (near Fashion Mall).

Bus no.552: Suvannabhumi - Rama 4

Runs along Bang Na - Bang Pakong Highway (from km 15) passing the Nation HQ, gateway to Ramakhamhaeng U. (Bang Na campus), Sri Iam Intersection, Central City Bang Na and BITEC before turning right at Bang Na to go along Sukhumvit road all the way to Onnut station and turns left at Phra Khanong Intersection to go along rama 4 road all the way to Klong Toei bus (near Tesco Lotus Phra Ram 4).

Buss no. 552 : A Suvannabhum - Praek Sa Bus terminal

Runs along Bang Na - Bang Pakong Highway (from km 15) passing the Nation HQ, gateway to Ramakhamhaeng U. (Bang Na campus), Sri Iam Intersection, Central City Bang Na and BITEC before turning left at Bang Na Intersection to go along Sukhumvit road all the way to downtown Samut Prakarn (Pak Nam) before turning left to Sri Nakharin and then turning right to go along Thepharak road and ends up at praek Sa bus terminal.

Bus no. 553: Suvarnabhumi -Samut Prakarn

Runs from airport and goes along Lad Krabang road then turns left and goes along King Kaeo Road all the way to Bang Na - Bang pakong Highway then turns right and goes along Bang Na - Bang pakong highway to Wat Sri Iam Intersection. After that, it turns left to go along Sri Nakharin road and turns right to Samut prakarn Provincial Hall.

Bus no. 554 : Suvarnabhumi - Rangsit (expressway)

Runs from Suvarnabhumi airport to Chonburi Motorway-BKK and turns right along Eastern Outer Ring road then turns left to Ram Indra road past Chang Wattana and turns right along Vibhavadee Rangsit road past Don Muang and ends up at Rangsit road.

In addition, there is the special Shuttle bus runs from Donmaung Airport - Suvannabhum Airport. This one goes along Donmaung tollway before entering to 1st stage expressway. After that, it turns left at Makkasan Interchange to go along Sri rat expressway adn BKK - Chonburi Motorway before ending up at Suvannabhumi Airport.

Bus to Suvarnabhumi leave everyday (from 05.00 am. - 10.00 pm.). The fare starts from 12 - 35 Baht.

At Suvarnabhumi Bus Terminal, there is a free bus (no. A and B) service you can take to tour around Suvarnabhumi Airport. In addition, there is a guide to give you more about Suvarnabhumi's information in each route. It takes about 20 minutes in a trip . These bus are available everyday (from 09.00 am. - 08.00 pm.)

Having happy short trip with BMTA's tour
If you are the one who first visit Thailand and have a short time here , why don't go with BMTA's tour . This can help you to know more about Thailand .

Bangken Bus Terminal – chachoengsao - Suvarnabhumi

Attractions : Suvarnabhumi Airport, Wat Pho Bangkhla, Wat Samet Nue , Wat Luang Pho Sothon, Wat Chin Prachasamosorn ( includes Klong Suan ancient market) , Wat Uyatikaram, Wat Phayak Indra Ram , Wat Sampathuan Nok, Wat Sila Mongkol, Wat Ton Tan and Wat Sampathuan Nai.
Time : 08.00am. - 06.00pm. (Saturday- Sunday)
Fare : 259Baht.
Tel. : 0-2552-0885

Bangken Bus Terminal-Suvarnabhumi-Samut Prakarn

Attractions : Suvarnabhumi Airport, Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm , Wat Lan Boon, Wat Luang Pho Tho ( in Bang Phli Yai Nai ) , ancient floating market and Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang
Time : 08.30am. - 05.00pm. (Saturday)
Fare : 229Baht. (excludes Crocodile Farm ticket : 30Bahts.)
Tel. : 0-2552-0885

Fashion Island-Suvarnabhumi-Chonburi

Attractions : Suvarnabhumi Airport , Wat Chin Prachasamosorn , Wat Sam Po Kong, Wat Sothonwararam , Nacha shrine, Bang Saen and Nong Mon market
Time : 08.00am. - 06.00pm. (Saturday- Sunday)
Fare : 259Baht.
Tel. : 0-2919-8711

Wat Muang Bus Terminal-Suvarnabhumi-Chonburi

Attractions : Suvarnbhumi Airport, Wat Luang Pho Sothon , Klong Suan ancient market, Wat Chin Prachasamosorn, Nong Mon market , Ang Sila, Sam Mook mountain and Bang Saen.
Time : 08.30am. - 07.30pm. (Saturday- Sunday)
Fare : 270Baht.
Tel. : 0-2454-1193

Victory Monument -Suvarnabhumi-Chachoengsao

Attractions : Suvarnabhumi Airport , Klong Suan ancient market , Wat Sothonwararam, Wat Pho Bangkhla ( enjoy with Pteropus hypomelanus) and His Majesty the King Tak Sin shrine.
Time : 08.30am. - 05.00pm. (Saturday- Sunday)
Fare : 259Baht (includes lunch)
Tel. :0-2948 3681