Brewing Master

Question:

If you are like most of us, because of the congested traffic in Bangkok, you probably get to the airport early and have some time to spare. And if you are like I am, you’re probably tired of looking at shops and that last thing you want to do is look through more shops at the airport while waiting for your flight. Here’s a suggestion: After checking in, but BEFORE going through customs, go down to the end of International Terminal Two, and go up to the 4th Floor. There, overlooking the terminal, is the world’s only in-airport brewery: Hofbrauhaus Munchen Brewery. Yes, the beer is actually brewed at the airport, and tapped fresh to you from huge copper pipes coming out of the ceiling. They have only one kind of beer, a very good larger ale. 109 bhat (US$3.11) for a generous-sized small, they have a medium, and a large for 130 bhat (US$3.71) which includes several delicious soft-pretzels. The place also has a full service restaurant and deli. Plus live music in the evening. Also note: just below the Brewery at the end of International Terminal Two, on the 3rd floor, the Thai Telecommunications Center conveniently offers email/internet service. Don’t forget to set aside your 500 bhat (US$14.28) international departure tax. At the time of this post, 1US$ = 35 bhat. I have no commercial connection with any of the above. Chris —

Response:

"Don’t forget to set aside your 500 bhat (US$14.28) international departure tax". Yeah, one of the great travel rip-offs around today.   Buzz Scottsdale, AZ

Response:

hey buzz have u ever checked ur us ticket???we charge it to u that way and not in cash at the airport…the us gov wants to make damn sure we get it before hand ok jim

Response:

"Don’t forget to set aside your 500 bhat (US$14.28) international departure tax". Yeah, one of the great travel rip-offs around today.   Buzz Scottsdale, AZ

Why do you say that.  There’s a similar fee at most American airports, but it’s already collected by the airlines as a part of your ticket price, not to mention taxes.

Response:

"Don’t forget to set aside your 500 bhat (US$14.28) international departure tax". Yeah, one of the great travel rip-offs around today.

Perhaps you can explain that. Airport taxes exist at every airport. Some in the US are over $30, twice that of Bangkok. The difference is they’re included in the price of your ticket in the US, you pay them separately in Bangkok. I’m looking at a ticket right now from a trip from Oakland to denver a couple of months ago. There was a $20 tax: $12 for Oakland and $8 for Denver. Buzz Scottsdale, AZ

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Response:

Hey Guys, You’re right.  Thailand is just one of the now almost universal movement to soak the traveler.  US air tickets and the taxes and fees levied on them is monstrous. On a typical low-priced international ticket, I’m paying about $60-$90 in fees and taxes.  Yes, it is more palatable to have the fees included in the ticket, rather than shelling out the money at the airport on departure, but the principle is the same.  Governments at all levels and in all countries are similar:  As air fares decrease, the tax collectors take up the savings by levying more taxes, charges and fees.  The same thing happens with US gasoline taxes;  as gas prices decline on the international markets, the States seize this as an opportunity to raise gasoline excise taxes.  Oh well, as for the Thai departure tax, a visit to Thailand is still worth it! Buzz Scottsdale, AZ   "Don’t forget to set aside your 500 bhat (US$14.28) international departure tax". Yeah, one of the great travel rip-offs around today. Perhaps you can explain that. Airport taxes exist at every airport. Some in the US are over $30, twice that of Bangkok. The difference is they’re included in the price of your ticket in the US, you pay them separately in Bangkok. I’m looking at a ticket right now from a trip from Oakland to denver a couple of months ago. There was a $20 tax: $12 for Oakland and $8 for Denver.

Why do you say that.  There’s a similar fee at most American airports, but it’s already collected by the airlines as a part of your ticket price, not to mention taxes. hey buzz have u ever checked ur us ticket???we charge it to u that way and not in cash at the airport…the us gov wants to make damn sure we get it before hand ok jim

Response: