Construction of the new double-track railway linking Khon Kaen to Nakhon Phanom will start next year, according to the Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
The 66.8 billion baht project will be 355km in length and pass through six provinces: Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom.
There will be 30 stations along the route, including new stops next to the second and third Thai-Laos Friendship bridges in Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom. The aim of the project is to facilitate tourism and logistics.
The train-line is expected to be able to handle 3.8 million passengers a year and transport 747,453 tonnes of goods once the project is completed by 2026.
Bicycle race
The Great Mekong Bike Ride 2019 kicks off tomorrow and is expected to welcome more than 2,000 road race cyclists.
The aim is to promote the northeastern provinces of Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Sakon Nakhon as sports tourism destinations.
Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in co-operation with the aforementioned provinces, the Thai Cycling Association and Tri-League, the three-day competition will feature three stages: the first, from Nakhon Phanom to Sakon Nakhon, is 95km; the second, from Sakon Nakhon to Mukdahan, is 150km; and the third, from Mukdahan to Nakhon Phanom, is 127km.
Participants can apply to enter the race in one of four categories: Open, Age-Group, Novice or Team (four cyclists).
TAT expects the event will generate about 20 million baht in tourism revenue.
Register online at http://thegreatmekongbikeride.com.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Thai Airways is ranked 10th in the World's Top 100 Airlines for 2019, according to Skytrax's World Airline Awards.
The results of this year's annual airline passenger satisfaction survey by Skytrax was based on 21.65 million online survey entries from September 2018 to May 2019. The survey allowed people to nominate their favourite airline, with participants asked to rank satisfaction levels (on a scale of 1 to 5) on different aspects of the travel experience.
Qatar Airways was voted World's Best Airline, pushing Singapore Airlines into second place. These were followed by All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, EVA Air, Hainan Airlines, Qantas Airways and Lufthansa, respectively, with Thai Airways rounding out the top ten.
Bangkok Airways is in 17th position, up from 21st, while AirAsia is 20th, up from 28th.
Singapore Airlines was considered to have the World's Best Cabin Staff, followed by Garuda Indonesia, All Nippon Airways, Thai Airways and Eva Air.
AirAsia is the World's Best Low-Cost Airline, while Norwegian Air is the World's Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline. The World's Cleanest Airline is Eva Air, Best Airline Inflight Entertainment is Emirates and Best Airport Service is All Nippon Airways.
Visit http://worldairlineawards.com/award-winners-for-2019.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong is offering a Weekend Special package.
A night's stay starts at 2,566++ baht, including breakfast for two and 4pm check-out (based on room availability).
The hotel features 180 rooms, including two rooms for travellers with wheelchairs, two meeting rooms, restaurants, a swimming pool and a fitness centre with a full size muay Thai boxing ring.
Visit http://ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/reservation.
- Hansar Samui has launched its Spa Lover package.
The offer includes three nights' stay in either Sea View or Sea View XL. Prices per night start at 6,500 baht for a Sea View (50m²) and 9,160 baht for a Sea View XL (75m²), daily breakfast for two, three days' Thai set lunch, three days' spa treatment, early check-in and late check-out subject to availability, and private round-trip airport transfers to and from Samui Airport.
The resort, situated on a beautiful stretch of beachfront in Bo Phut, features 74 rooms.
Visit http://hansarhotels.com/hotels/samui.
- Glow Elixir Koh Yao Yai has launched its Green Flash Sale offering discounts of up to 50%.
Special room rates for a night's stay start at 2,249++ baht for a Superior Villa (44m²) rising to 8,999++ baht for a One Bedroom Pool Villa (144m²).
The promotion also includes breakfast for two, free breakfast for children up to three years and a 30% discount on food & beverages for bookings made via the hotel's website.
The resort, located on Koh Yao Yai in Phangnga, features 35 villas. It is a 30-minute speed boat ride from Royal Phuket Marina or Bang Rong pier in Phuket.
Visit http://glowelixirthailand.reserve-online.net.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
