BANGKOK The new US$800 million rail link connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport with downtown Bangkok will begin commercial operations on August 23.
The train will provide two transit options. A 15-minute direct express train will run between the airport and the new City Air Terminal at Makkasan station, where passengers will also be able to check-in their luggage and receive boarding passes.
The second commuter service will stop eight times along the way and take 30 minutes to reach the airport.
“Individual exhibition and congress delegates will most likely be the MICE passengers who use the service, if their hotel is located relatively close by a station,” says David Barrett, executive manager of Diethelm Events.
“The new rail link is unlikely to impact conference or incentive group travel as most clients want a direct door-to-door (airport to hotel) service and this can still be achieved in a fast fashion by road.
“However, it is always good having new infrastructure and the jury is still out on how much the service will benefit MICE delegates.”