Travellers from 33 nationalities can now use automated border-control e-gates on arrival at Bangkok‘s Suvarnabhumi Airport, provided they meet three conditions shown on new airport signage. The gates are available only to eligible visitors entering Thailand under the visa-exemption scheme who have previously visited the country and are entering on the same passport. They must also have completed the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arriving. The details were displayed on signage at the airport’s automated border control, or ABC, e-gates. Who can use the arrival e-gates The 33 eligible nationalities listed on the sign are: Australian, Austrian, Belgian, British, Canadian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hong Kong, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Latvian, Luxembourg, Malaysian, Maltese, New Zealander, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Singaporean, Slovak, Slovenian, South Korean, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss and UAE. For foreigners arriving on a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), education visa, non-immigrant B work visa, or another Thai visa, Khaosod reported that immigration stated that currently, the new system does not yet apply. They must continue to use the staffed immigration counters. The same applies to first-time visitors to Thailand, even if they hold a passport from one of the 33 listed nationalities. The sign makes clear that a previous visit to Thailand is required before an eligible traveller can use an e-gate. USA citizens still need staffed counters US passport holders are not among the 33 nationalities currently listed as eligible for the automated lanes. Americans arriving at Suvarnabhumi must therefore continue to join the regular immigration queue, including those entering under visa exemption. For eligible repeat visitors, the e-gates could mean a faster route through arrival formalities, particularly at busy times. But completing the TDAC remains compulsory before travel, and the electronic arrival form does not itself make a traveller eligible to use the gates. The signage also drew attention for an apparent spelling errors: Dutch travellers were described as “DUTIЄCH” rather than Dutch and quoting the language Luxembourgish.

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Travel magazine and website Travel + Leisure ranked Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok as the seventh place most luxurious airport in the world. It was also rated second in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Financial information and research website Business Financing recently launched the best and worst airports in the world ranking in February this year. In the ranking, two Bangkok airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, were ranked among the worst in the world according to the opinions of business travellers from around the world. The unexpected ranking prompted Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Chai Watcharong to warn Thais not to devalue the country’s main aviation hubs, saying the assessment may not be comprehensive.The spokesperson’s statement may be reasonable as Suvarnabhumi Airport managed to restore the reputation of Thailand by being ranked as one of the top ten luxury airports in the world this month.The Travel + Leisure publication revealed the names of the airports that offer passengers the most luxurious experience, based on a study by AllClear Travel Insurance, which looked at 1,800 airports around the world. The study focused on the number of lounges in the passenger terminal, designer brand shops, luxury hotels in the area and the availability of champagne and caviar before boarding. Based on these criteria, Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was ranked seventh in the world with a score of 55 out of 100. The airport lost the most points for the availability of champagne and caviar before boarding and the number of luxury hotels close to the airport. The winner was Dubai International Airport, and the full ranking of the top ten most luxurious airports is below: Dubai International Airport London Heathrow Airport Hamad International Airport Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Sydney International Airport Singapore Changi Airport Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hong Kong International Airport Frankfurt Airport Narita International Airport As well as being in the top ten, Suvarnabhumi Airport also won second place for the most luxurious airport in ASEAN. The regional winner was Singapore Changi Airport.

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Here is a list of five of the most photogenic airports in Asia, known for their impressive architecture, stunning views, and unique design elements: Changi Airport, Singapore: Changi Airport is often regarded as one of the world’s best airports and is renowned for its exceptional design and passenger-friendly facilities. Its terminals feature lush indoor gardens, mesmerising waterfalls, and art installations that make it a favorite among photographers. The Jewel Changi Airport, an iconic glass dome-shaped structure, houses a breathtaking indoor waterfall, the Shiseido Forest Valley, and a range of shops and restaurants, providing numerous photography opportunities. Incheon International Airport, South Korea: Incheon International Airport, located near Seoul, is celebrated for its modern and sleek architecture. The main terminal features expansive glass walls that allow natural light to flood the space, creating a striking visual effect. The airport’s unique design elements, such as the “Magical Garden” indoor garden and the futuristic departure and arrival halls, offer photographers plenty of chances to capture captivating shots. Kansai International Airport, Japan: Situated on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Kansai International Airport boasts an impressive design that complements the surrounding natural landscape. The terminal’s curved roof and glass walls provide a harmonious blend of modern architecture and stunning panoramic views of the sea and the coastline. The airport’s unique location makes it a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the interplay between architecture and nature. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand: Suvarnabhumi Airport, located in Bangkok, is known for its distinctive wavy roof, which is inspired by traditional Thai architecture. The airport’s interior is equally impressive, featuring vibrant Thai cultural elements, ornate decorations, and a large, intricate mural on the ceiling. These details create a rich and visually captivating environment for photographers to explore. Beijing Daxing International Airport, China: One of the newest additions to the list, Beijing Daxing International Airport is celebrated for its innovative and futuristic design. The terminal building is characterised by its massive starfish-shaped structure and its use of natural light, thanks to its expansive windows and skylights. The airport’s unique layout and architectural features offer photographers a fresh perspective and a plethora of visually engaging compositions. These airports not only serve as important transportation hubs but also stand out as architectural marvels that offer a blend of functionality and aesthetics, making them ideal subjects for photographers looking to capture striking and memorable images, hence they are considered five of the most photogenic airports in Asia.

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GrandMas Plus Hotel Airport in Kuta, Bali, is the first choice for business travellers and transit flyers simply looking for an overnight spot to board your next flight without hassle. The hotel is located on the Ngurah Rai bypass road, which provides swift transfers, within only 10 minutes to the Ngurah Rai International Airport. The overall design is hip and fresh, and also welcomes leisure guests to its range of facilities complete with a flanking restaurant, gardens with a swimming pool and shaded sun loungers, as well as GrandMas Hotels’ largest De Nyuh Spa Kuta to date. The hotel offers a collection of 69 Cozy Double and Twin Bedrooms on four levels, with windows draped by lush natural vernonia vines. In-room amenities comprise all the essentials you could ask for: the signature Healthy Bed microfiber pillows, a work desk, bedside table, a single column wardrobe, a 32-inch flat screen TV with international channels, safe deposit box and bathroom with shower, coffee tea facilities and refrigerator. FACILITIES Swimming pool 32 Cozy Double Rooms 37 Cozy Twin Rooms De Nyuh Spa Kuta offering a full range of massages and beauty treatments. Transit Café Parking on Site CONTACTS GrandMas Plus Hotel Airport Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai No.99, Kuta, Tuban – Bali 80361 Tel: +62 361 760 319 Email: info@grandmashotels.com WWW: http://www.grandmashotels.com/our-hotels/tuban.html GrandMas other two establishments in Bali are the GrandMas Seminyak and the GrandMas Legian.  

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