KING POWER Phuket International Airport — Attraction in Mai Khao

An absolutely terrible experience at Phuket Airport. By far one of the most unpleasant airports I’ve ever been through.

First of all, the indoor temperature is completely absurd. It’s over 30 degrees Celsius outside, and inside it feels like you’ve landed straight into a freezer. The air conditioning is blasting at full power with no logic or consideration for passenger comfort. I was dressed lightly—in a t-shirt and shorts, as is normal in a tropical climate—but inside the airport, it was freezing cold. I sat there shivering, and guess what? I actually caught a cold because of it. It’s unacceptable for an international transit space to have such an extreme temperature imbalance. Either they don’t care, or they simply don’t know how to operate an air conditioner.

But that wasn’t even the worst part.

In the massage chair area, I had an absolutely embarrassing interaction with one of the employees there. I politely asked if I could pay by card, and the answer was no—but it was delivered in an incredibly rude and unprofessional manner. She didn’t even look at me when responding. Her tone was cold, arrogant, and full of disdain. She made me feel like a burden, not a customer. Zero respect, zero interest, zero empathy. If this is how their staff treats tourists, what expectations can we possibly have?

Instead of feeling welcomed—or at the very least, comfortable—Phuket Airport offers a cold reception, both literally and figuratively. It’s the kind of place you just want to leave as quickly as possible. If this is your first contact with Thailand, it’s an extremely disappointing start. And if it’s your last impression before leaving, it’s a sad way to end your holiday.

Very, very poor. I wouldn’t recommend...

Short version: King Power duty-free store at the airport offers a decent selection of goods, but don't expect the best prices. Quality is guaranteed, but the sporting goods section is lacking. It's a serviceable option for last-minute shopping before your flight.

Full version: King Power duty-free store offers a wide array of options for consumers, providing a decent selection of goods that are new and occasionally trendy. While the prices may not always be the most competitive, you should consider the fact of its location. Since you're in an airport, you have lost the opportunity to find bargains and spend time at the mall. However, there is a guarantee of quality which is reassuring.

One area that could be improved is the sporting goods section, which seems lacking in variety and quantity. Though its understandable that demand for that section is lacking, given the world's penchant for sedentary lifestyles and an aversion towards health consciousness. So I understand why this section might not be a priority for many travelers.

Overall, King Power is a serviceable duty-free store. While it may not stand out as particularly exceptional, it meets the basic expectations and provides a satisfactory shopping experience for travelers looking to make purchases before their flights.

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Duty free shops used to be a cheaper way to buy things right?

I had a look at the chocolates section and a small bag of M&Ms cost over 400 baht. I had a look around the whiskey section and was followed by 3 staff members, not interested in selling to me, but who were watching I didn’t steal anything. It’s not the first time this has happened, but I hate it happening when I’m about to spend hundreds on a whiskey. I bought a good whiskey and at the counter they charged me higher than the advertised price and after charging me said “sorry that’s the price now” when I challenged it.

Best to shop directly in the country before...