Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [642]
Other airports with limited connections to Asian capitals can be found in Chiang Mai (with services to Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Luang Prabang and Vientiane), Udon Thani (with services to Luang Prabang), Ko Samui (with services to Singapore and Hong Kong) and Hat Yai (with services to Kuala Lumpur).
Airlines Travelling to/from Thailand
Bangkok is one of the cheapest cities in the world to fly into and out of, because of the Thai government’s loose restrictions on airfares, and close competition between airlines and travel agencies. The following airlines fly to and from Thailand.
Air Asia (0 2515 9999; www.airasia.com; Suvarnabhumi International Airport)
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DEPARTURE TAX
For international departures from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, there is no longer a separate departure tax. Do note however, that international flights out of Ko Samui do still incur a departure tax (300B).
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CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Climate change is a serious threat to the ecosystems that humans rely upon, and air travel is the fastest-growing contributor to the problem. Lonely Planet regards travel, overall, as a global benefit, but believes we all have a responsibility to limit our personal impact on global warming.
Flying & Climate Change
Pretty much every form of motor travel generates CO2 (the main cause of human-induced climate change) but planes are far and away the worst offenders, not just because of the sheer distances they allow us to travel, but because they release greenhouse gases high into the atmosphere. The statistics are frightening: two people taking a return flight between Europe and the US will contribute as much to climate change as an average household’s gas and electricity consumption over a whole year.
Carbon Offset Schemes
Climatecare.org and other websites use ‘carbon calculators’ that allow jetsetters to offset the greenhouse gases they are responsible for with contributions to energy-saving projects and other climate-friendly initiatives in the developing world – including projects in India, Honduras, Kazakhstan and Uganda.
Lonely Planet, together with Rough Guides and other concerned partners in the travel industry, supports the carbon offset scheme run by climatecare.org. Lonely Planet offsets all of its staff and author travel.
For more information check out our website: lonelyplanet.com.
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Air Canada (Map; 0 2670 0400; www.aircanada.com; Ste 1708, River Wing West, Empire Tower, 195 Th Sathon Tai)
Air China (Map; 0 2634 8991; www.fly-airchina.com; Bangkok Union Insurance Bldg, 175-177 Th Surawong)
Air France (Map; 0 2635 1191; www.airfrance.fr; 20th fl, Vorawat Bldg, 849 Th Silom)
Air New Zealand (Map; 0 2235 8280; www.airnewzealand.com; 11th fl, 140/17 ITF Tower, Th Silom)
American Airlines (Map; 0 2263 0225; www.aa.com; 11th fl Ploenchit Tower, 898 Th Ploenchit)
Bangkok Airways (1771; www.bangkokair.com; Suvarnabhumi International Airport)
British Airways (Map; 0 2627 1701; www.britishairways.com; 21st fl, Charn Issara Tower, 942/160-163 Th Phra Ram IV)
Cathay Pacific Airways (Map; 0 2263 0606; www.cathaypacific.com; 11th fl, Ploenchit Tower, 898 Th Ploenchit)
China Airlines (Map; 0 2250 9898; www.china-airlines.com; 4th fl, Peninsula Plaza, 153 Th Ratchadamri)
Emirates (Map; 0 2664 1040; www.emirates.com; 2nd fl, BB Bldg, 54 Soi 21/Asoke, Th Sukhumvit)
Eva Air (Map; 0 2269 6288; www.evaair.com; 2nd fl, Green Tower, 3656/4-5 Th Phra Ram IV)
Garuda Indonesia (Map; 0 2679 7371; www.garuda-indonesia.com; 27th fl, Lumphini Tower, 1168/77 Th Phra Ram IV)
Gulf Air (Map; 0 2254 7931-4; www.gulfairco.com; 10th fl, Maneeya Center,