Expect to Pay more for Koh Samui Flights

[fountainhall]

TG has announced it will cease flying the BKK to Koh Samui route from September 2nd. That will leave Bangkok Airways as the only carrier on the route. Although TG only has two return flights each day, it is assumed that with a total monopoly on the route from September Bangkok Airways will start to increase ticket prices. Since the airport at Koh Samui is privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways, it is not known yet if the airline will permit any other carrier to land there.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/ ... d/30346868

[billyhouston]

Found Koh Samui grossly over-developed 15 years ago and a more recent visit a couple of years ago was even worse. Bangkok Airways fares to Samui are already far too expensive but there's a simple way around that. Fly to Surat Thani, and we even have direct flights from Chiang Mai, and either get the bus to the Don Sak ferry or, as we do, rent a car for the duration and use the same Seatran ferry. Spend a night near Don Sak on the way out and another in Surat on the way back so that you get to see a little more of the country.

[Jun]

Or take the train down to Hua Hin, spend some time there & then take another train down to Surat Thani & see a lot more of the country.

Considering the implications on competition, airlines owning airports does not seem like a good idea. Although, if the airline built the airport, I suppose the authorities should only intervene if there is evidence of abusing the position.