Suvarnabhumi Airport Information

Superjumbo makes 1st commercial flight to Bangkok

2009-06-02T01:24:00.000+07:00

Emirates, the world's top buyer of the Airbus A380 superjumbo, is expanding its service into Asia with the aircraft's first commercial flight to Bangkok on Monday, an airport official said.

An A380 jet, the world's largest passenger airliner, was to set down at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport with nearly 500 passengers from Dubai.

The longest luggage conveyer built will be used, along with four boarding gates, 13 check-in counters and an extra-large departure area to handle the flight, said Serirat Prasutanont, the airport's director.

Serirat said that beginning Monday, the Dubai-based carrier will operate daily A380 flights between Dubai and the Thai capital.

Emirates has ordered 58 of the aircraft, the most booked by any airline.

The airliner made its commercial debut in Asia in October 2007 with a Singapore Airlines flight between Singapore and Sydney.

An Airbus A380 made a technical trial flight from Toulouse, France, to Bangkok in December 2006.

Suvarnabhumi, which opened in September 2006, has five gates capable of receiving A380s.

Special tour packages offered to transfer passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport

2009-06-02T00:10:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK, June 1 (TNA) – Thailand’s tourism related agencies on Monday launched 15 special tour packages in the Thai capital and its environs to attract transfer passengers making stopovers of 12 hours or less at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, in an attempt to boost the country’s tourism industry.

The campaign which targets transit passenger has been jointly launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Airports of Thailand (AoT), the Immigration Bureau, Thai Airways International (THAI), and the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).

TAT chairman Veerasak Kowsurat said that the campaign is aimed at boosting the country’s economy and increasing local incomes.

"Transit passengers who must wait at Suvarnabhumi Airport between six and twelve hours can take a brief tour of Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. We hope that the quick first impression will encourage them to come back here for a longer stay," Mr. Veerasak said.

The TAT chairman said that the activities include Bangkok city tours focusing on cultural and historical sites such as a boat ride and a Grand Palace tour, as well as the shopping activities in downtown Bangkok.

Tourists can also opt to visit nearby Samutprakarn province to see a crocodile farm, the Ancient City (Muang Boran), and the Erawan Museum, or spend their time on golf courses or Thai traditional massages and spas, according to Mr. Veerasak.

Mr. Veerasak said that 500-baht airport fees will be exempted for transfer passengers who join selected tours, upon checking in again for their onward flights, adding that all immigration formalities will be facilitated.

The TAT chairman added that the campaign will last for two years, expecting to bring in nearly Bt200 million income.

He said an increase of the income depends on the varieties of tour packages and the inauguration of the so-call airport link, a rail service linking Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok, scheduled to begin operation in August. (TNA)

Airport link to open Aug 12

2009-02-13T21:54:00.000+07:00

The Airport Link from the Phaya Thai and Makkasan to Suvarnabhumi airport is set to open for passengers on Aug 12, deputy Transport Minister Sopon Zarum said on Friday.

He conceded some facilities, including the baggage carousel system, would not be ready on the opening day, but he said he needed to speed up its launch.

The luggage-loading service at Makkasan station would not be operational, so there might be some inconvenience for passengers with heavy bags.

The construction of the 28-km route is 96%-complete with delays to work at some stations and route sections due to hold-ups in land acquisitions, said SRT deputy governor Prasert Attanan.

The SRT plans to collect a fare of 150 baht from passengers taking non-stop trains while those travelling on trains that stop at every station will pay between 15 and 45 baht.

Airport Link 'แอร์พอร์ต ลิงค์' คืบหน้าแล้ว98%

2009-02-13T21:52:00.000+07:00

ผู้ สื่อข่าวรายงานว่า วันนี้ (13 ก.พ.) นายโสภณ ซารัมย์ รมว.คมนาคม เป็นประธานเปิดการทดสอบเดินรถไฟฟ้าเชื่อมสนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ (แอร์พอร์ต เรล ลิงค์) วันแรก โดยมีการทดสอบการเดินรถจากสถานีรามคำแหงถึงสถานีท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ

นายโสภณ กล่าวว่า โครงการนี้มีความคืบหน้าแล้วกว่าร้อยละ 98 ทั้งในส่วนของโครงสร้างพื้นฐาน และระบบการเดินรถ ซึ่งจากการทดสอบเดินรถ พบว่า ระบบการเดินรถมีความพร้อมที่จะเปิดให้บริการทันตามแผนในวันที่ 12 ส.ค.นี้ อย่างไรก็ตาม หากถึงกำหนดเวลาดังกล่าวแล้ว ระบบการเช็กอินกระเป๋าสัมภาระผู้โดยสารซิตี้เช็กอิน เทอร์มินอล ที่สถานีมักกะสันยังไม่แล้วเสร็จ ก็มีนโยบายให้การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย (รฟท.) เปิดให้บริการเดินรถสำหรับผู้โดยสารไปก่อน จนกว่าระบบเช็กอินกระเป๋าจะเสร็จสมบูรณ์ จึงจะเปิดให้บริการในส่วนดังกล่าวตามมาทีหลัง พร้อมทั้งเร่งรัดให้ รฟท. จัดตั้งบริษัทลูกขึ้นมาบริหารการเดินรถไฟฟ้าแอร์พอร์ตเรลลิงค์ให้พร้อมต่อ การเปิดให้บริการตามกำหนดการดังกล่าว

ด้าน นายยุทธนา ทัพเจริญ ผู้ว่าการ รฟท. กล่าวถึงการกำหนดราคาค่าโดยสาร ว่า จากผลการศึกษาที่ รฟท. ได้ว่าจ้างศึกษาไว้ ในส่วนของขบวนรถด่วน (express way) จะจัดเก็บราคา 150 บาทต่อคน ส่วนขบวนรถ City line ที่จะจอดรับผู้โดยสารตามสถานี 6 แห่ง จะเริ่มเก็บค่าโดยสารจาก 30-50 บาท อย่างไรก็ตาม ผลการศึกษาดังกล่าวจะมีการเสนอให้กระทรวงคมนาคมพิจารณาอีกครั้ง.

Cathay Pacific adds Thai flights

2009-02-06T11:30:00.000+07:00

Despite relatively low passenger traffic because of the global economic downturn and Bangkok's airport crisis, Cathay Pacific and sister carrier Dragon Air are not cutting back on flights through Thailand.

Aaron Chan, Cathay Pacific manager for Thailand, says the group is committed to Thailand.

Instead, they decided to raise their capacities through the kingdom in the summer travel season that starts at the end of next month on optimistic anticipation of a traffic rebound. Summer is usually a low travel period.

The decision came even though their service through Bangkok is the worst performer in the Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific group's worldwide load factor that can reach highs of 80%.

Except for long holidays like Christmas and New Year and the Lunar New Year when seats are normally full, Cathay Pacific managed to fill only 50-60% of seats available through Bangkok.

Likewise, freight tonnage moved by Cathay Pacific through Bangkok plummeted by 30-40% against its load capacities as shipment requirements declined sharply.

Both passenger volume and cargo movements in the aftermath of the seizure of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport have been lower than the same period last year.

But Aaron Chan, Cathay Pacific manager for Thailand, said the group is increasing its services to reflect its commitment to Thailand, its largest station outside Hong Kong.

The group operates numerous flights to five countries through Bangkok.

Starting at the end of next month, its sister carrier Dragon Air will increase the Hong Kong-Phuket route to nine flights a week from seven.

Cathay Pacific will also add a weekly flight on the Bangkok-Delhi route, increasing its frequency to seven flights a week, but decided to reduce the frequency on Bangkok-Mumbai to three flights a week from four.

The airline's trunk route of Bangkok-Hong Kong that it has operated for 62 years will remain unchanged at five flights per day.

Cathay Pacific operates a mixed fleet of wide-body aircraft on its service through Thailand with an average of 350 seats, including the Boeing 747, 777, Airbus A330 and A340 jetliners.

The airline faces an uphill task to fill seats to Thailand as many of its inbound passengers, who constitute the bulk of passengers carried through the Thai capital, continue to perceive Thailand as a risky place and a country to avoid, because of the airport seizure.

"People still travel, but they don't choose [to travel to] Thailand, and Hong Kong people instead go to places like Japan and South Korea," he said.

Though Suvarnabhumi airport was reopened after 10 days of closure on Dec 5, the fear of being stranded at Bangkok airports by political movements continues to haunt them, albeit with less intensity.

"If you look at the load factor (so far), it does not look like it changed a lot and the deteriorating economic crisis has made it worse," he said.

David Leung, regional director for the Hong Kong Tourism Board, agreed, saying in a separate interview that the airport closure and unsettled political issues in Thailand will prove to be a major impediment to reviving traffic there.

The tagline of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's current campaign in promoting the kingdom as a value-for-money destination is only a small part of bringing back tourists, according to Mr Chan.

The bottom line is for the country to be more active in rebuilding its battered international image and reviving confidence.

Strike at Suvarnabhumi ends

2009-02-06T11:19:00.003+07:00

About 300 workers of Asia Security Management Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Loxley Group that provides aviation security service at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, gathered Thursday morning in front of the Passenger Terminal, demanding for higher bonus and welfare payments.

The workers, responsible for baggage X-ray and security inside the terminal, said earlier the company announced that those working during Dec 15-Jan 15 were entitled to additional Bt3,000 compensation. However, the company cut the compensations, they claimed.

The workers agreed to disperse after the company's management as well as officials from Airports of Thailand arrived and agreed to take their demand into consideration.

เกี่ยวกับคนงาน 300 ของบริษัท Asia Security Management จำกัด ซึ่งเป็นบริษัทย่อยของ Loxley กลุ่มที่ให้บริการการรักษาความปลอดภัยการบินที่สนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ, ชุมนุมเมื่อวันพฤหัสบดีที่ด้านหน้าของผู้โดยสาร, เพื่อต้องการเงินโบนัสและสวัสดิการ.

แรงงานดังกล่าวรับผิดชอบในการตรวจเอ็กซ์เรย์กระเป๋าและความปลอดภัยภายในสนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ
บริษัทประกาศว่าผู้ที่ทำงานในระหว่าง 15 ธ.ค. - 15 ม.ค.
มีสิทธิที่จะเพิ่มเติม 3,000 บาทชดเชย. อย่างไรก็ตามบริษัทตัดค่าตอบแทนที่พวกเขาตกลงเอาไว้

แรงงานได้เลิกการชุมนุมหลังจาก ฝ่ายจัดการขจากท่าอากาศยานแห่งประเทศไทยมาตกลงที่จะพิจารณาความต้องการของพวกเขา.

พนง.ล็อกซ์เล่ย์ที่สุวรรณภูมิประท้วงทวงโบนัส

เมื่อเวลา 08.00 น. วันนี้(5ก.พ.) ผู้สื่อข่าวรายงานว่า พนักงานของบริษัทล็อกซ์เล่ย์ ในส่วนงานเอ็กซเรย์กระเป๋าผู้โดยสารทั้งขาเข้า-ขาออก ของท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติสุวรรณภูมิ กว่า 100 คน หยุดการทำงาน และรวมตัวกันชุมนุมประท้วงขอโบนัสที่บริเวณหน้าประตูทางเข้าที่ 8 ชั้น 1 ส่งผลให้ไม่มีพนักงานดูแลการเอ็กซเรย์กระเป๋าผู้โดยสาร

โดยเงินโบนัสที่พนักงานเรียกร้อง ทางบริษัทเคยประกาศว่าถ้าพนักงานคนใดมาทำงานระหว่างวันที่ 15 ธ.ค. 51- 15 ม.ค. 52 โดยไม่เข้างานสาย ไม่ลา ไม่ขาด จะมีเงินพิเศษให้เพิ่มจากปี่ที่แล้ว แต่บริษัทกลับนำวันลา และมาสายของพนักงานปี 51 มาตัดเงินที่พนักงานจะได้รับ

กระทั่งเวลา 09.20 น. พนักงานประจำจุดตรวจกระเป๋าภายในสนามบินก็เดินทางออกมาร่วมชุมนุม ส่งผลให้เจ้าของบริษัทฯ และตัวแทนจากการท่าอากาศยานแห่งประเทศไทย ต้องออกมาเจรจากับพนักงานในเวลา 10.00 น. ที่ผ่านมา โดยยังไม่ได้ข้อยุติ.

Committee to probe THAI formed

2009-02-03T22:00:00.001+07:00

The Ministry of Transport has set up a committee to probe Thai Airways International (THAI)'s serious liquidity problem, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said on Monday.

Mr Korn said the committee will determine how much the closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports last year, fuel hedging and overall management affected the company's financial crisis. He said the purpose is not to investigate but to find the actual cause of the problem, so it can be solved quickly.

The minister said he had discussed the company's business recovery and internal management plan with Transport Minister Sopon Zarum, and the airways is likely to submit the plan to the Finance Ministry for approval within February. If approved, the ministry will seek funds to boost the company, he added.

"THAI is receiving lower number of passengers mainly due to the global economic crisis, and the company must be prepared and quickly improve its management," said Mr Korn.

He said his ministry will suggest the cabinet on Tuesday to borrow another 200 billion baht to develop and enhance state enterprises hit by the economic downturn.

Korn sets THAI agenda

2009-02-03T21:59:00.001+07:00

The Transport Ministry has launched its own investigation into the embattled Thai Airways International and how to rescue it.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, whose ministry is the major shareholder in THAI, told Transport Minister Sopon Zarum yesterday he wanted to know the airline's exact problems.

The investigation will look into the closure of Suvarnabhumi airport, fuel hedging and quality of management.

Mr Korn said THAI's management needed to improve as travellers were dropping off because of the global economic downturn.

He expected the airline's board to submit a new business plan within a month

Mr Korn also pointed to the problem of too much political interference in THAI in recent years.

"While we are THAI's major shareholder, we have a smaller management role than the supervisory ministry," he said. "This should change, but it can't be done overnight."

Long-term plans should include competing with other airlines, but care must be taken to stop government interference in the national carrier's management.

"The key question is for THAI to propose a comprehensive business plan that compares with other airlines. It needs good management, corporate governance and professionalism. It also has the right to tell politicians not to meddle with it," Mr Korn said.

The State Enterprise Policy Office and the Committee on Rehabilitation and Development of Air Transportation has accepted in principle THAI's preliminary business rehabilitation plan, the airline's acting president ACM Narongsak Sanapong said.

The complete plan will be proposed to the Transport and Finance ministries this month.

There are three stages. The first focuses on increasing cash flow, improving asset management and improving liquidity. The second covers boosting revenue, improving operational efficiency and cost management and enhancing product and service quality. The third is a long-term plan to review business transformation, organisational structure and culture.

THAI's Suvarnabhumi move 'will ease congestion'

2009-02-03T21:58:00.001+07:00

Relocating all Thai Airways International flights from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi airport will not worsen congestion at the main hub, but on the contrary improve traffic, according to the air traffic control authority.

Somchai Thean-Anant, president of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co (Aerothai), said yesterday that THAI's plan to operate all its domestic flights bound for Bangkok only at Suvarnabhumi airport instead of landing some flights at Don Mueang would facilitate flights visiting the capital.

He added that flights arriving at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports have route crossings, so they must circle to wait for one another.

The THAI plan to return to Suvarnabhumi airport from March 29 this year will therefore reduce route crossings and help save fuel because aircraft would not have to circle. The flight relocation would even ease traffic congestion at Suvarnabhumi, ACM Somchai said.

The Aerothai president yesterday received Transport Minister Sopon Zarum who was concerned about congestion at Suvarnabhumi airport.

The minister said Aerothai confirmed that the single-airport policy for Bangkok would cut the duration of a visiting flight by about 10 minutes. After the THAI flight relocation, Don Mueang airport would be used to promote aviation-related industries, he said.

Mr Sopon also urged Aerothai to bring down expenses and boost revenue.

ACM Somchai said the Aerothai board had already approved an operations improvement plan that should cut Aerothai's costs by up to 90 million baht, or about 10%, and increase income by about 150 million baht per month.

Aerothai will focus more on related businesses such as its services to test navigation aids in neighbouring countries.

He admitted that Bangkok's airport closures late last year and the global economic problems had led Aerothai's income to plunge by 160 million baht since last December.

In the past year, Aerothai brought in revenues of about five billion baht. ACM Somchai expects his organisation to maintain the figure this year with the improved operations plan.

Cabinet: Suvarnabhumi transit passengers need no visa

2009-02-03T21:57:00.001+07:00

Cabinet on Tuesday approved a visa exemption scheme for transit passengers through Suvarnabhumi Airport who must wait long hours to catch a connecting flight, in an attempt to boost the country's tourism industry.

Deputy spokesman Puttipong Punnakan said the Cabinet initially approved the plan to increase income from international transit passengers, by allowing them to temporarily leave the airport premises on a short visit or to shop at places near the airport without a visa.

Mr. Puttipong said Thailand welcomed a thousand of transit passengers daily, many of whom must stay at the airport for up to eight hours.

If allowed to leave the airport for a short visit to tourist attractions or nearby shopping, more income could be generated among local residents and tour operators.

It is expected that the number of tourists in Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan and Chonburi will increase if the plan is implemented.

"Cabinet also assigned the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Airports of Thailand and the Association of Thai Travel Agents to create interesting tour packages for transit passengers," Mr. Puttipong said.

The visa exemption scheme is aimed at boosting Thailand's tourism industry and reversing a drop in the number of foreign tourists. The number of foreign tourists has dropped by 20 per cent from the same period of last year, due to the local political turmoil and global economic slowdown. (TNA)

Emergency decree lifted

2008-12-10T08:19:00.003+07:00

Caretaker government Tuesday officially lifted a state of emergency imposed at Bangkok's airports nearly two weeks ago amid a blockade by People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters.

The anti-government protesters seized control of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muaeng airports in late November, but left last week after the Constitution Court dissolved the ruling People Power party and ordered Somchai Wongsawat to step down from premiership post.

Government spokesman Nattawut Saikua said the cabinet had agreed to lift the state of emergency because "the situation which caused the declaration has eased and returned to normal."

PAD supporters occupied Suvarnabhumi airport on November 25 and blockaded Don Muaeng domestic airport the next day.

The emergency decree was imposed after the anti-government protesters refused to leave the airports and the army refused to back police to use force to disperse the protesters.

The airports reopened last week after the court dissolved three parties, including People Power party.

Thai cabinet lifts state of emergency at two Bangkok airports

2008-12-10T08:19:00.001+07:00

BANGKOK, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's caretaker Cabinet Tuesday resolved to lift the state emergency over the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang domestic airport in Bangkok.

The Suvarnabhumi airport already resumed full operation on Monday as all international flights have reopened their routes to and from the airport, which is one of the busiest air hubs in Asia, according to the airport supervising body Airports of Thailand (AOT).

All service at the Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports were suspended from the night of Nov. 25 as demonstrators organized by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) sieged and occupied it for eight days in a showdown against the coalition government led by premier Somchai Wongsawat and his People Power Party (PPP).

The Somchai government then declared a state of emergency at the two airports on Nov. 27, but police took no action to forcedly disperse the demonstrators, who vowed to stay rallying there until Somchai stepped down.

The PAD later handed the airports over to the AOT after the Constitution Court ruled on Dec. 2 to disband the three ruling parties in the coalition government, including PPP, causing the step-down of Somchai, whom the PAD depicted as a proxy of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the PAD's declared enemy since 2005.

Safety Not an Issue at Upcoming Bangkok Fair

2008-12-10T08:18:00.000+07:00

The organizers of the 43rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair said they are working to protect the safety of visitors and provide information on the ongoing issues facing Thailand.

The organizers said they “guarantee that Challenger Hall, Impact, will still be very secured for exhibitors and visitors alike.” The fair is scheduled for The issue concerning the closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports in Bangkok has been solved, trade fair organizers said. Airports of Thailand confirm that commercial flights will resume at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The authority said all the systems will be checked before the airport resumes full operations. While the three related agencies, Airports of Thailand, the Civil Aviation Department, and the Thai Customs Department, were told to be ready to start operations.

“We understand that the situation is now resolved long before the opening of the 43rd BGJF, and we will continue to monitor the situation very closely,” Somchai Phornchindarak CEO of BGJF.

He said the situation is stable and exhibitors can do their normal business visit as usual.

Thailand offers navy airbase as substitute airport

2008-11-28T00:01:00.003+07:00

BANGKOK, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Thailand is offering its naval airbase on the eastern seaboard as an alternative for airlines after its two Bangkok airports were closed by anti-government protests, a top aviation official said on Thursday.

Aviation Department chief Chaisak Angkasuwan said he was ready to let airlines use U-Tapao, a small airport already used for some short domestic routes and international charter flights, 140 km (90 mile) southeast of Bangkok.

"If any airline wishes to land or take off from U-Tapao, send us a request and we will immediately grant it," he said.

"We are doing this to help passengers who wish to go home," he added.

A blockade by anti-government protesters at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, a major Asian air hub, entered its third day on Thursday, causing the cancellation of all flights and stranding thousands of tourists in the Thai capital.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) also laid siege to the old Don Muang airport, shutting the domestic hub and effectively severing air links to the city of 8 million people.

U-Tapao, a front-line base for the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, has one runway.

National carrier Thai Airways THAI.BK, which operates 140 flights a day to and from Suvarnabhumi international airport, said on Thursday it was considering using U-Tapao. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Nopporn Wong-Anan; Editing by Alan Raybould) (Bangkok newsroom, darren.schuettler@thomsonreuters.com; +66 2 637 5610))

Main Bangkok airport to be shut until at least Sat

2008-11-28T00:01:00.001+07:00

BANGKOK, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi international airport will remain closed until at least 6 p.m. (1100 GMT) on Saturday because of a siege by anti-government protesters, Thai Airways THAI.BK said on Thursday.

The airline, passing on an announcement from Airports of Thailand AOT.BK, said the capital's old Don Muang airport would be closed until 6 p.m. on Friday.

The statement did not say why these times had been chosen.

The government declared a state of emergency at the two sites on Thursday, giving the army and police special powers to clear the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters, who overran the $4 billion Suvarnabhumi site on Tuesday.

However, when a state of emergency was declared at another PAD protest site in September, the army failed to heed the order and did nothing.

Suvarnabhumi is one of Asia's biggest airports, processing as many as 125,000 people a day, 70 percent of them tourists. The airport closure has left thousands of foreigners stranded and will make a huge dent in Thailand's lucrative tourist industry. (Reporting by Ed Cropley; Editing by Alan Raybould)

Emergency Declared at Thai Airports

2008-11-27T23:59:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat declared a state of emergency at Bangkok’s two commercial airports on Thursday and instructed the police and some military units to deal with protesters occupying the facilities.

The order, announced in a nationally televised address, came after a cabinet meeting in the northern city of Chiang Mai, a location apparently chosen to avoid confrontations with protesters, who in Bangkok are occupying the prime minister’s offices as well as the airports.

“It is necessary for me to announce an emergency decree in some areas,” Mr. Somchai said. “There is no intention to harm anyone.”

He assigned police, air force and naval units to “take care” of the situation. It was unclear whether this meant they are charged with clearing protestors out of the facilities.

Amid rumors of a military coup, a government spokesman instructed troops to “stay in their barracks.”

The closure of Bangkok’s second airport early Thursday severed the last remaining commercial air links to the Thai capital. Until Wednesday, airlines were operating domestic flights out of Don Muang airport, Bangkok’s oldest airfield.

Protesters have vowed to keep the airports shut until the government steps down.

Government supporters who have formed a type of auxiliary, known as the red shirts, said they were growing impatient with the protesters. Weera Musikapong, one of the leaders of the group said in a news conference that the “best way out” of the crisis was to follow the law. “But if the government does not act today or tomorrow the red shirt group and the people must come out and do something.”

Protesters have clashed with pro-government forces on several occasions in recent months, leaving at least two people dead and dozens injured.

Thailand’s tourism minister, Weerasak Kohsurat, said the government would soon begin flying thousands of stranded tourists out of the country using military bases near the Thai capital.

Tourists would be flown by Thai Airways to Singapore or Malaysia for connecting flights, The Associated Press reported.

Government officials also said Thursday they would allow commercial airlines to use one of the military airports, U-Tapao.

Used by the United States military during the Vietnam War, U-Tapao can handle only a fraction of the daily average of 100,000 passengers who flew in and out of Suvarnabhumi International Airport last year.

U-Tapao’s terminal has the capacity to hold 400 people and the parking lot has about 100 spaces. The airport is about 120 miles from Bangkok, a two-hour drive.

The seizure of Bangkok’s airports is radical even by the standards of Thailand’s tempestuous political past. Despite frequent military coups and changes of government in past decades, the day-to-day running of Thailand’s bureaucracy had been largely unaffected until now. The airports operated with little interruption during a military coup in 2006, and unlike many of its neighbors Thailand has maintained reliable service in key areas such as electricity and health care despite political turmoil.

But with the closure of the airports this week and occupation of the prime minister’s office since August, politics is now directly interfering with many facets of life in Thailand.

The country’s foreign minister, Sompong Amornwiwat, said the government is considering postponing a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations scheduled for next month because of the political crisis, Reuters reported.

Cargo services at Suvarnabhumi airport, a major hub for Southeast Asia, have completely ceased, a major blow for Thai and foreign companies that use the country as an export base.

“The protesters have basically closed down the country,” said Ruth Banomyong, an associate professor at Thammasat Business School who is one of the region’s leading experts in logistics.

“Thailand was never considered as a very risky country,” he said. “I don’t think companies would have prepared for this.”

Thailand is well integrated into a regional network of just-in-time electronics manufacturing, where businesses keep down costs by maintaining a bare minimum of inventories. If the airports remain closed, assembly lines in Japan and China may run out of the semiconductors, disk drives and other components manufactured in Thailand.

Mr. Ruth estimates that electronics manufacturers keep around three to five days of inventory.

“This idea of Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi being a cargo hub — they can drop it down the drain now,” he said.

Thailand last year exported about $40 billion in electronics and computer components. Leading electronics manufacturing including Fujitsu, Seagate, Philips, and LG have factories in the country.

The airport closures may also prove dangerous for those in need of urgent medical care.

Neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos rely on Thailand for health care because Bangkok has some of the best hospitals in the region. The closure of the airports has shut off the urgent provision of medicines and medical machinery from abroad.

“For agriculture and electronics it’s a commercial loss,” said Voratat Tantimongkolsuk, deputy director of operations at CTI, one of the largest freight forwarders in Thailand. “But this is also about people’s lives. We import a lot of medical equipment from other countries.”

Mr. Voratat is proposing to his clients that they send their shipments by truck to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, adding about three days to the shipment time. But this route may not be viable for the most sensitive products.

Last year Suvarnabhumi airport handled import and exports averaging a total of 2,900 tons a day.

Suvarnabhumi Airport closed for security reason

2008-11-27T23:34:00.000+07:00

For security reasons, Suvarnabhumi Airport will be closed from 9pm (November 25, 2008) onwards after anti-government protesters blocked entrance of then airport.

Blasts at Bangkok airport, other sites wound seven: officials

2008-11-26T09:03:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK (AFP) — A blast at Bangkok's international airport and grenade attacks elsewhere in the city wounded at least seven people on Wednesday, as lawlessness spread amid anti-government protests, officials said.

The explosion at Suvarnabhumi Airport happened a day after demonstrators stormed the airport, forcing it to close down and stranding thousands of passengers.

"At least two people were wounded by a bomb blast at Suvarnabhumi this morning," Petpong Kamchornkitkarn, an emergency medical services official, told AFP.

Two local television stations said a grenade was fired at protesters and that three people were wounded.

A near simultaneous grenade attack on anti-government protesters picketing Bangkok's old Don Mueang airport, where the prime minister has set up temporary offices, wounded two more people, Petpong said.

Another three people were wounded when two grenades were tossed into a crowd of pro-government supporters on a road to Don Mueang, the site of a clash between rival activists that left 11 hurt on Tuesday, police said.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat moved to premises at Don Mueang after demonstrators occupied the government's main offices in central Bangkok in August.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, a protest movement, has led a six-month street campaign against the democratically elected government.

Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport closed

2008-11-26T09:01:00.001+07:00

The Airports of Thailand has decided to close the Suvarnabhumi airport after PAD protesters entered passenger terminals and scuffled with airport officials.

The closure, ordered around 9 pm, involved stopping out-bound flights. In-bound planes were still being allowed to land Tuesday night, but can be diverted to key provincial airports if situations deteriorated.

The order was issued by AOT chief Serirat Prasutanont. He made the decision out of safety concern after PAD protesters penetrated some passenger areas.

"The PAD members are now scattered around. I don't know who's who, or who's PAD and who's not," a senior AOT official told The Nation at around 10.30 pm.

How long the closure will last is not known.

The People's Alliance for Democracy threatened earlier Tuesday night to close down the Suvanabhumi Airport completely after several thousand PAD protesteers blocked an entrance earlier in the day and caused turmoil for numerous passengers.

As PAD protesters moved to surround Suvarnabhumi Airport in the afternoon when the plane carrying Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was scheduled to land, the arrival of his plane from Peru was announced to have been delayed due to technical problems.

The estimated time of arrival has not been confirmed. Some sources said he could be arriving Wednesday evening.

"We have tried to pressure the government for more than 50 hours but nothing has happened, so we need to step up our campaign by closing the airport to tell the world problems Thailand is facing," said PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul at Government House Tuesday night.

Before the closure order, the Airports of Thailand was Tuesday night mobilizing its officials to Suvarnabhumi to make sure no key operations will be disrupted. Travellers still can access the terminals through Bang Na -Trad highway, but the motory-way entrance has been crowded with protesters.

Many travellers have already suffered inconvenience. Arrival passengers were stranded Tuesday night and the AOT officials were trying to facilitate their transport out of the airport. AOT has also issued a statement pleading with the PAD.

AOT also has provided a hotline number for inquiries: 02-1321882 02-1321888

However, an AOT official said the lines soon became jammed.

It was a big political gamble by the PAD, which has seen its support declining lately because of controversial, provocative moves. Its die-hard following, however, has been galvanised by deaths and injuries of PAD members since October 7, when police fired tear gas at protesters marching to Parliament.

Somchai's plane failed to take off from Lima, Peru where he attended the APEC summit after the hydraulic lock of the plane's wheels failed to unlock.

The technical repair was first expected to make Somchai's flight eight hours behind the schedule, making Somchai's arrival time to be around 7 pm.

It was later reported that the repair work would be finished sooner so Somchai would arrive at 5pm.

Somchai was scheduled to arrive in Bangkok at around noon on Wednesday. He is now expected to arrive at 7pm instead.

The Public Relations Department said its reporter, Saksit Pradabsilp, reported from Peru that a hydraulic lock of the plane's wheel would not unlock, thus, preventing the plane from taking off.

While PAD Tuesday split in groups and stage a rally to block a Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, as caretaker prime minister, still man?aged to have a meeting with Interior Minister Kowit Watana and PM's Office Minister Supon Fongngam at the Public Relations Department headquarters at 9.30 am.

Police and military representatives also attend?ed the meeting.

Chaovarat said after the meeting that the police had assured they could handle the situation. They would be patient and would not use violence.

Moreover, they would ask PAD to vacate the government's temporary office at Don Mueang Airport but would not "seize/ take back" the office, otherwise, bloodshed could erupt.

Chaovarat said he would leave it to Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to talk to the PAD leaders himself.

They were looking for a new place to hold the Cabinet meeting when the PAD blocked the Supreme Command headquarters, he said.

Meanwhile, a source who joined the meeting and asked not to be named, said police had told Chaovarat they would be able to control the situation as PAD protesters mainly demonstrated at Government House and Don Mueang Airport. Being left to rally as they wanted, demonstrators are likely to be exhausted on Wednesday with half of them likely to leave the rally.

Security agencies would then wait until only a few protesters were left before taking action, the source said.

Somchai's delayed arrival could be the reason for the cancellation of the scheduled Cabinet meeting, the source said.

Culture Minister Worawat Uaapinyakul said PAD should care more about the country and stop besieging government agencies' offices as it would hurt the country. PAD's attempt was just power struggle, he said.

"The (PAD's) behaviours are like bandits'. They are unacceptable. Why don't they respect democracy or listen to people's voice? Investors are with?drawing nowadays as they don't know what is happening in Thailand," Worawat said.

The government has been forced not to use its power, Worawat said. However, it would continue working according to the democratic system. However, it would have to discuss where its office would be.

He said the Cabinet would be able to use many other places as its office. However, the military should protect its dignity by not allowing PAD to siege government offices.

Worawat said he would propose to Somchai to set up an office in Chiangmai as the people there would welcome the government.

A government source, who asked not to be named, said the Secretariat of the Prime Minister had not prepared any office to replace the Don Mueang Airport as it needed to discuss the issue with the premier first.

The source said it was time the prime minister exercised the law against the PAD. Otherwise, PAD would lay siege to any government offices.

Departing flights canceled as protesters swarm Bangkok airport

2008-11-26T08:59:00.000+07:00

If you are flying out of Bangkok, beware that anti-government demonstrators swarmed Suvarnabhumi International Airport and halted departing flights today at Thailand’s primary airport, the Associated Press reports.

“For the safety of passengers, we have to stop flights out of the airport temporarily until the situation returns to normal,” airport manager Serirat Prasutanon said in a statement to the AP. He noted that incoming flights were still operating.

Demonstrators, identified as the People’s Alliance for Democracy, are seeking the resignation of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his cabinet.

“Political tensions that have been simmering since 2006, when a similar protest campaign against then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — accused of corruption and abuse of power — led to him being deposed by a military coup,” the AP report said.

It was unknown exactly how many flights had been canceled, according to the airport manager. Thai Airways said 18 flights had been canceled and stranded hundreds of passengers.

–Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times staff writer

Taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport a tourist turn-off

2008-11-13T22:36:00.000+07:00

By Veena Thupkrajae

One could blame the global economic recession or point the finger at the political mess for the decline in tourism, but actually one needs look no further than the arrival hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport to see what really turns off most tourists.

Yes, I'm talking about airport taxis.

Bring this topic up the next time you're having a conversation and see if it ever comes to an end.

Somebody in your group will have either been bombarded by an illegal front-man or woman for a taxi mafia; experienced a driver who refuses to use the metre or been dumped when the driver finds a passenger headed for Pattaya or another destination for which they can get a handsome fare.

Even getting a taxi from an official stand does not ensure good service.

"I get harassed all the way home by the taxi-driver, who is invariably angry that I am not going to a destination that is far away from the airport. The driver keeps complaining about having to wait a long time for one passenger," a female traveller wrote recently on the mthai.com discussion board.

So do we need to turn to the Airports of Thailand (AOT) for a solution?

Probably not, because AOT's official Bt50 (S$2.10) surcharge for each taxi was never enough for the time they had to spend waiting for passengers.

In March 2006, when around 1,000 taxi-drivers gathered and blockaded the airport to protest against competition from "ghost taxis", AOT management promised to crack down on illegal vehicles.

Somchai Sawasphol, then AOT director, told legal cabbies that they would not have to wait too long for passengers once AOT got rid of all the illegal operators.

That promise was made in March 2006, and yet nothing has been done.

This "small" problem annoys anyone and seriously turns off first-time visitors.

Yet the government and the airport authorities are doing little to help.

The authorities seem to be all deaf or blind or have serious short-term memory problems, as they have been reminded of this problem over and over again. The latest reminder was on Channel 3's "Three-Dimension News", which aired a scoop on the airport taxi mafia.

Sadly, transportation at Suvarnabhumi is deteriorating speedily just two years after the airport's inauguration in 2006.

What's worse is that the airport's sheer size is a blessing for the illegal, paai dam or "black-plate" taxis, who can lie in wait for their victims anywhere in the terminal without getting caught.

According a local media estimation, there are more than 10 groups of illegal operators, and if one of them employs 10 "front" staff, there are 100 of these taxi-hunters wandering around the airport. My instincts say there are bound to be more.

What I can't understand is why the legal limousine-operators just stand there and "politely" witness illegal taxi/limousine-operators stalking passengers, especially foreigners.

Of course, I agree that the THAI limousine fare is a rip-off and gives illegal operators a chance to offer better, cheaper deals. However, paying a little bit more would at least guarantee one's safety, especially if one is female and travelling late.

Foreigners may consider a Bt2,000-ride (S$84) to Pattaya cheap and convenient, but they need to keep an eye out for tricks employed by the driver to make more. One of the tricks is to charge extra for the toll fee or to take male passengers to a massage parlour in exchange for commission.

Now, AOT can either consider this a "national" problem or a "personal" problem, but it can't avoid the responsibility.

Every time someone mentions the problem, we hear: "Powerful people are behind this, and nobody can solve the problem."

Unfortunately, there are no specific laws to punish these illegal operators and they have "insider" knowledge of how to get away with it, or so say the airport guards.

The police station in the area believes that cracking down on illegal vehicles around Suvarnabhumi is not its responsibility.

So what can one do to stop this embarrassing impression visitors get of Thailand?

Maybe the AOT director and top management should pretend playing tourist and take a tour around the arrival hall? Maybe then they will see for themselves what the problem really is.

What is the point of having the tallest control tower and being the world's third largest airport terminal when you can't manage it properly?

Visitors are not interested in the architecture or how impressive a building looks; they are more interested in how they are treated.

No wonder tourists are fleeing Thailand.

This article was first published in The Nation on Nov 1, 2008.

British Airways World Cargo opens sales office in Thailand

2008-11-13T22:22:00.001+07:00

British Airways World Cargo has announced that it has appointed a new customer service team in Thailand.

The new team replaced Qantas Freight, which is the airline's previous general sales agent in Thailand, from 3 November and is based in new headquarters at WFS-PG Cargo Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The airline operates seven weekly flights to Thailand using Boeing 747-400 aircraft.

The creation of the new sales office follows a mutually amicable agreement with Qantas Freight, according to British Airways World Cargo.

BAWC appoints customer service team in Thailand

2008-11-13T22:19:00.000+07:00

BRITISH Airways World Cargo (BAWC) has announced the appointment of a new customer service team in Thailand. From 3 November 2008, the new team will replace Qantas Freight, the carrier’s previous general sales agent in Thailand, and will be based in a new office at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The creation of a new sales office is said to represent a significant boost to BAWC’s operations in Thailand, where the carrier aims to build on its previous performance.

Latha Narayan, area commercial manager, South-East Asia and Australasia, BAWC, said: “This appointment is a positive step forward for BAWC in Thailand and demonstrates our commitment to customers in the region. We’re looking forward to strengthening the support we can give to customers wishing to take advantage of our unrivalled network.”

BAWC opens sales office in Thailand

2008-11-13T22:18:00.001+07:00

British Airways World Cargo (BAWC) has appointed a new service team in Thailand to replace Qantas Freight, the carrier's previous general sales agent (GSA) in Thailand.

The team is based in a new office at WFS-PG Cargo Suvarnabhumi Airport.

BAWC operates seven weekly B747-400 line flights to Thailand which route London - Bangkok - Sydney - Bangkok - London and feed into the carrier's global network.

Latha Narayan, area commercial manager, South-East Asia and Australasia BAWC said: "This appointment is a positive step forward for BA World Cargo in Thailand and demonstrates our commitment to customers in the region."

ตั้งกก.3ฝ่ายแก้ปัญหาเสียงสุวรรณภูมิ

2008-11-07T00:46:00.003+07:00

จากมติชน วันที่ 10 กันยายน 2550

กระทรวงคมนาคมตั้งกรรมการ 3 ฝ่าย ร่วมหาทางออกปัญหามลภาวะทางเสียงสนามบินสุวรรณภูมิกระทบชาวบ้าน เตรียมหารือสัปดาห์หน้า ด้านแกนนำชาวบ้านผู้เดือดร้อนยันรัฐต้องจ่ายค่าชดเชยแก่ชาวบ้านกว่า 1,200 ครอบครัว
เมื่อวันที่ 10 กันยายน ตัวแทนกลุ่มผู้ได้รับความเดือดร้อนจากมลภาวะเรื่องเสียงจากการขึ้นลงของ เครื่องบินที่ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ ประมาณ 20 คน นำโดยนายวันชาติ มานะธรรมสมบัติ ได้เดินทางไปยังกระทรวงคมนาคม เพื่อรอฟังผลการประชุมระหว่างคณะกรรมการบริษัทท่าอากาศยานไทย จำกัด (มหาชน) หรือ ทอท. กับ พล.ร.อ.ธีระ ห้าวเจริญ รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงคมนาคม
ภาย หลังการประชุม พล.ร.อ.ธีระเปิดเผยว่า เบื้องต้นจะจัดตั้งคณะกรรมการร่วม 3 ฝ่าย หรือไตรภาคี ประกอบด้วยตัวแทนกระทรวงคมนาคมหรือ ทอท. ชาวบ้าน และสภาทนายความ สถาบันการศึกษา เช่น จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัยและสถาบันเทคโนโลยีแห่งเอเชีย (เอไอที) ในฐานะคนกลาง ฝ่ายละไม่เกิน 7 คน มีปลัดกระทรวงคมนาคมเป็นประธาน เพื่อหารือกำหนดทางออกของปัญหา และพิจารณาว่า ข้อเรียกร้องของชาวบ้านข้อใดสามารถดำเนินการได้ ข้อใดที่ขัดต่อข้อกฎหมาย โดยจะเริ่มหารือในสัปดาห์หน้า ซึ่งตัวแทนชาวบ้านมีท่าทีพอใจและจะไม่มีการเคลื่อนไหวก่อกวนการบินในช่วงนี้
นาย วันชาติกล่าวว่า แกนนำชาวบ้าน 32 หมู่บ้านยอมรับแนวทางการตั้งคณะกรรมการไตรภาคี แต่คณะกรรมการต้องทำงานภายใต้มติคณะรัฐมนตรี วันที่ 21 พฤศจิกายน 2549 ที่จะจ่ายชดเชยชาวบ้านที่ได้รับผลกระทบ 1,254 หลังคาเรือน เชื่อว่าจะได้ข้อสรุปในวันที่ 17 กันยายนนี้

เร่ง ทอท.ชดเชยเสียงสุวรรณภูมิ

2008-11-07T00:46:00.001+07:00

( 20-09-2007 ) 10:09:51 แหล่งข่าว เดลินิวส์

นายชัยสวัสดิ์ กิตติพรไพบูลย์ ปลัดกระทรวงคมนาคม ฐานะประธานคณะกรรมการไตรภาคี เปิดเผยภายหลังการประชุมแก้ปัญหาเรื่องเสียงรอบสนามบินสุวรรณภูมิว่า ได้เร่งรัดให้บริษัท ท่าอากาศยานไทย จำกัด หรือทอท.จ่ายชดเชยให้กับชาวบ้านที่ได้รับผลกระทบเรื่องเสียงรอบสนามบิน สุวรรณภูมิโดยเร็ว ซึ่งหากพื้นที่ไหนที่ชาวบ้านตกลงรับราคาชดเชยของทอท.ให้จ่ายเงินทันที คาดว่าผู้ได้รับความเดือดร้อนแนวเส้นเสียงเอ็นอีเอฟเกิน 40 จะจ่ายเงินชดเชยให้เสร็จในเดือน ต.ค.นี้ แต่ถ้ารายไหนตกลงกันไม่ได้ต้องเข้ากระบวนการไกล่เกลี่ยข้อพิพาทต่อไป สำหรับกรณีที่ตัวแทนชาวบ้านต้องการยึดมติ ครม. วันที่ 21 พ.ย. 49 ที่ระบุว่าจะจ่ายชดเชยให้กับชาวบ้านที่ได้รับผลกระทบด้านเสียงก่อนปี 44 นั้น ให้ตัวแทนชาวบ้านและทอท.ไปจัดทำตัวเลขมาให้เสร็จภายใน 2 สัปดาห์ เพื่อนำข้อมูลมาเปรียบเทียบกับมติ ครม. วันที่ 29 พ.ค. 50 ว่ามีความแตกต่างตรงจุดไหนบ้าง หลังจากนั้นจะประชุมคณะกรรมการไตรภาคี เพื่อหาข้อยุติที่ชัดเจนอีกครั้ง “การประชุม นัดแรกยังไม่ได้ข้อสรุปที่ชัดเจน แต่ยืนยันว่าชาวบ้านที่อยู่แนวเส้นเสียงเกินเอ็นอีเอฟ 40 นั้น ทอท. พร้อมรับซื้อที่อยู่อาศัยและอาคารคืนอยู่แล้ว ส่วนชาวบ้านที่อยู่แนวเส้นเสียงเอ็นอีเอฟ 30-40 ที่เรียกร้องขอให้ทอท.จ่ายชดเชยให้เท่ากับเส้นเสียงเกิน 40 เอ็นอีเอฟนั้น จะพิจารณาเป็นรายกรณีถ้าพิสูจน์ได้ว่าประชาชนได้รับผลกระทบเรื่องเสียงจริง และคณะกรรมการฯยังยึดหลักมติ ครม. 29 พ.ค. 50 ที่ระบุจ่ายเงินให้กับชาวบ้านที่ตั้งถิ่นฐานก่อนปี 44 ซึ่งการจะแก้ไขต้องเข้า ครม. อีกครั้ง อย่างไรก็ตาม ที่ประชุมได้ให้ ทอท. รายงานความคืบหน้าการจ่ายค่าเสียหายให้กับคณะกรรมการฯได้รับทราบด้วย”.

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi is celebrating its second anniversary after opening its doors to coincide with the launch of Bangkok's newest int. airport

2008-10-14T13:14:00.001+07:00

Novotel Suvarnabhumi was Accor Group's second major airport hotel in Asia following the opening of Novotel Citygate near Hong Kong International Airport. Since its grand opening in September 2006, the four-star Novotel Suvarnabhumi - in a prime location with amenities galore - hasn't disappointed.

In July, Novotel Suvarnabhumi was awarded the prestigious 'Best Airport Hotel' at the TravelWeekly (Asia)

Industry Awards 2008 in Singapore. The award recognizes the best in the Asian travel industry, acknowledging their contributions to tourism and hospitality.
When it opened, Novotel Suvarnabhumi joined an extensive network of more than 60 Accor airport hotels in 18 countries, including 20 under the Novotel brand. These include hotels in some of the world's busiest airports in cities such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, Chicago and Sydney.

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi features 612 rooms in two square-shaped, five-story buildings, which are joined by a massive glass atrium designed as the hotel lobby. Covering 2,800 square meters and five-stories tall, it's considered the largest hotel lobby in the world.

Leisure facilities include a 25-metre long swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, a fitness centre, extensive spa facilities, beauty salon, shopping arcade, Dolfi Kids Corner and babysitting services.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel also caters to Bangkok's growing meeting and event market with more than 2,400 square meters of conference space, including a stunning ballroom for as many as 1,000 people, and six additional meeting and function rooms. The hotel is also well positioned for delegates attending events at the nearby BITEC Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Thailand's exhibition industry saw a 10-15 percent growth rate in 2007, with Bangkok hosting more than 100 international and regional events. It is estimated the Thai capital will host 112 events in 2008, and Novotel Suvarnabhumi has targeted its share of the market.
The success of a meeting depends on how well prepared it is, and Novotel's years of experience in conference organization has led to the development of a comprehensive training program by Accor specialists.

Suvarnabhumi going for 'top 10' airports

2008-10-14T12:29:00.000+07:00

Airports of Thailand (AoT) reported that it will promote Suvarnabhumi Airport as one of the world's top ten international airports in terms of outstanding service within the coming year.

Speaking on the occasion of the second anniversary of the airport's opening, AoT acting president Serirat Prasutanont said more than 80 million people had used the service in the past two years.

Of this, 41.9 million are passengers traveling during October 2006 to September 2007 and 38.5 million during October 2007 to August 2008.

It is expected the number of passengers this year will reach 41.14 million at the end of this month.

He said that air cargo services during the past two years totaled 2.42 million tonnes, with 1.2 million tonnes registered in the first year.

It projected air cargo through the end of this fiscal year would total 1.29 million tonnes.

One hundred eleven airlines currently serve Suvarnabhumi, 97 as passenger airlines and 14 carrying cargo.

During the third year of operations, Mr Serirat said AoT planned to improve design and utility of luggage wheels at the airport to meet international standards.

It would also increase the number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitors by 755 from the 1,074 now installed as part of a concerted effort to boost security measures both inside and outside passenger buildings.

"We have targeted making Suvarnabhumi Airport one of the world's top ten airports with outstanding services in 2009," he said. (TNA)

Policies detailed by Airports of Thailand

2008-10-14T12:28:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK: Airports of Thailand, the public company which runs many of the country's airports, is aiming to develop more non-aeronautical revenue.

This is one of the policies being introduced by AOT's acting president Serirat Prasutanond, which he revealed in an address at the combined Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia and Corporate Travel World Conferences in Bangkok.

He said the first two years for Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok had been a time for problem solving and improving amenities, particularly the pressing concern about lack of toilets. An extra 104 toilets had been completed, bringing the total to 1569.

Light and temperatures within the passenger terminal had also been improved, as well as transportation issues. A One-Stop Service had been introduced to deal with complaints.

"We are also negotiating with the Immigration Service for more officers at the airport to process foreign visitors," said Prasutanond, citing user satisfaction, safety and a rearrangement of the service area at the international arrivals hall so passengers would have "no disturbance from gangsters".

He said AOT would also appreciate low-cost airlines moving to Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok's former international airport).

Prasutanond said the second stage of the Suvarnabhumi Airport development would cost US$2.3 million. It was "rather certain" the airport would reach full capacity of serving 45 million passengers a year by 2011, with its runways servicing up to 64 flights an hour in peak periods. The second-phase development would boost the airport's capacity to 60 million passengers a year and include a third runway, a midfield satellite terminal, a linking tunnel and passenger transport system, expansion of the passenger terminal, an extra car-park and a public utility system.

AOT planned to earn more from non-aeronautical activities, such as co-operating with the private sector to develop an airport business centre. Seven projects are planned to be implemented before 2025 - a 50,000sq.m. convention centre, an export trade exhibition centre, office buildings, community shopping malls, entertainment venues, a 3.5-star hotel and a hospital and health-care amenities.

"We have 18 months to choose a developer," said Prasutanond. Project priorities would depend on the developer.

There were six strategies to make Suvarnabhumi Airport a "cosy airport", including security, services, co-operation with airlines, government units and businesses, commercial activities and "service and attitude". AOT plans to use Don Mueang International Airport for charter flights, private jets, test flights and a maintenance centre.

Speaking of regional airports, Prasutanond said development plans for Chiang Mai International Airport would help cut pollution, and an export warehouse would be developed.

An international aviation training institute would be set up at Chiang Rai International Airport as well as a river and truck terminal and logistics centre.

A private jet terminal is "under study" for Phuket International Airport, where a sea port was being established, and an express way transportation centre would be set up at Hat Yai International Airport.

Asked by a journalist how it had been possible for protesters to close international airport twice in Thailand, Prasutnond said the airport union had negotiated with the chief of the protesters not to use the airports for protests as it was not good for tourism.

In response to another question, he said the airport train link had been delayed until May or June. "It is not being built by AOT, but we are trying to rush the program".
Meanwhile, Prasutnond said a Thailand frequent flyer card was being introduced, initially for Thai passport holders. It would eventually cover foreign frequent visitors.

Travellers injured

2008-10-14T12:25:00.000+07:00

AIRLINE Twenty-one passengers and 11 crew members on a China Airlines flight were injured when the aircraft hit turbulence on a journey to Thailand yesterday.

Suvarnabhumi airport director and acting president of the Airports of Thailand Serirat Prasutanond said Bangkok-bound flight CI 641 from Taipei via Hong Kong arrived at Suvarnabhumi about 1.20pm. The plane ran into turbulence 20 minutes before landing, Mr Serirat said.

The passengers and crew on board received minor injuries and were treated at Vejthani hospital, Praram Nine hospital and Samitivej hospital's Srinakarin branch. Director-general of the Civil Aviation Department Chaisak Angsuwan said the Boeing 747 aircraft was hit by turbulence while over Vietnam.

-----

Taxi drivers strike

AIRPORT The Land Transport Department and Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday turned down taxi drivers' demands that they be exempt from using meters on routes from the airport to Bangkok's suburbs and outskirts. Some drivers at the airport went on strike last night, insisting on the right to negotiate fares.

But the department's Pongchai Kasemthaweesak said the law required taxi drivers to use meters, after complaints that drivers were overcharging passengers at Don Mueang airport. Suvarnabhumi airport deputy director Prateep Wijittho said airport authorities called in outside taxi drivers to work in place of those who went on strike.

-----

Siamese twins die

HEALTH Siamese twins Kannika and Nattarika died in hospital in Samut Prakan yesterday after being born by Caesarean section three days ago, doctors said. The baby girls were joined from the chest to the abdomen. Their mother Rakduang, 31, went into labour at Samut Prakan hospital on Tuesday morning.

The twins were delivered that afternoon. However, they were in poor physical condition and were put on life-support. They were pronounced dead about 6am yesterday. Their parents decided to donate their bodies for educational purposes as they could not afford a funeral.

-----

Concession row

TOLLWAYS The labour union of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) wants the state enterprise to withdraw a recent decision on tolls favouring expressway concessionaire Bangkok Expressway Co Ltd (Becl).

Union president Saravoot Sriphayak said he wanted Exat to ask cabinet to cancel its Sept 9 resolution that the state enterprise extend a 40% toll share for Becl for 10.8 more years after the company's concession expires in February 2020.

The Exat board agreed that the company deserved to take a share of motorway tolls for a longer period as Exat had failed to raise tolls as contracted with the company in 1998, 2003 and this year.

Mr Saravoot said Exat should wait for the Supreme Court to rule on the toll dispute with BECL. Compensation ordered by the court would probably be no more than one billion baht, while the extended toll share would cost Exat 18 billion baht, he said.

Nok Air suspends Phuket flights

2008-09-14T16:12:00.000+07:00

PHUKET: In further bad news for the island’s immediate tourism prospects, the Gazette has confirmed that low-cost carrier Nok Air has suspended its remaining flights to Phuket, most likely for the rest of the low season.

In an email reply received by the Gazette this morning, Nok Air’s Chief Executive Officer wrote, “Yes, we have suspended flights to Phuket for this month. We will resume [flying to] Phuket in the very near future after we have arranged our new TPI [timetable planning] for the coming high season.”

The high season in Phuket nominally kicks off on November 1, with the Phuket Carnival in Patong.

With rival low-cost carrier One-Two-Go grounded until at least October, all regularly-scheduled flights between Bangkok and Phuket currently fly out of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Both Nok Air and One-Tow-Go use domestic hub Don Meuang Airport as their base of operations.

Report by Gazette aviation columnist Alastair Carthew.

Award-winning Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Attracting Prominent Guests

2008-09-14T16:11:00.000+07:00

After opening two years ago with great fanfare, the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel continues to be graced by the presence of high-ranking foreign dignitaries.

One of Bangkok's hottest hotels is attracting prominent foreign guests thanks to its reputation for quality and ideal location next to the international airport.

August saw visits by three prominent foreign travelers to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, including Her Majesty the Queen of Sweden Silvia Renate Sommerlath, who was on a private visit to the Kingdom. The president of Laos, Lt. Gen. Choummaly Sayasone, also enjoyed a stay with his wife Keosaychay Sayasone.

The new prime minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, arrived at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel for a private visit after being elected on Aug. 18. Prachanda was once the leader of a rebel group known in Nepal as the Maoists.

The visits by three dignitaries in August followed one by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at Novotel Suvarnabhumi in May. He held a press conference organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in one of the hotel's many high-tech conferences.

Six function rooms span an area of 2,400 square meters and offer built-in audio-visual systems with centrally controlled computer-enhanced displays, monitors and projectors. The Grand Ballroom showcases cutting-edge CCTV technology that enables such features as teleconferences or videoconferences.

In 2007, Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel was chosen as one of the three "Best Airport Hotels in Asia Pacific for Meeting & Conference" by CEI Asia Pacific.

With only 300 meters separating Novotel Suvarnabhumi from the Bangkok airport, vacations begin the moment the visitor's flight touches down. All 612 rooms and suites showcase sophisticated living spaces decorated with contemporary Thai art, and evoke a sense of cultured refinement.

The sound-proofed, double-glazed windows seal out unwelcome noise from the outdoors, creating an ultimate sanctuary for total relaxation.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel opened on Sept. 28, 2006 to coincide with the inauguration of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. It was voted the "Best Airport Hotel" at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008 in Singapore in July.

The hotel offers two bars, four restaurants and "Vous Spa," a luxurious urban spa from France.

Security tightens at Bangkok, Chiang Mai airports

2008-09-13T08:17:00.001+07:00

Security at Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok and at Chiang Mai International Airport was stepped up on Friday afternoon after supporters of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy intruded into Hat Yai, Phuket and Krabi airports in the South.

The intrusion closed all three tourist-important airports, leaving passengers stranded.

All fights to and from both airports have reportedly been cancelled after thousands of PAD supporters blocked their entrances and entered the airport buildings to demand that the government stops using force against the protesters in Bangkok.

Security tightens at Bangkok, Chiang Mai airports

2008-09-08T18:00:00.000+07:00

The intrusion closed all three tourist-important airports, leaving passengers stranded.

All fights to and from both airports have reportedly been cancelled after thousands of PAD supporters blocked their entrances and entered the airport buildings to demand that the government stops using force against the protesters in Bangkok.

Suvarnabhumi plan approved

2008-08-30T21:23:00.000+07:00

The long-awaited expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport has been set in motion now that Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) has agreed to proceed with the 78-billion-baht programme.

The majority state-owned and SET-listed airport operator's board last Friday endorsed the Phase 2 development and will soon seek final consent from the Transport Ministry and the cabinet.

The expansion, which was supposed to have begun shortly after the airport opened in September 2006, would increase the passenger handling capacity of Thailand's gateway airport by 33%, to 60 million in the next six years from 45 million currently.

Kulya Pakakrong, AoT's senior executive vice-president, said yesterday that the expansion would deal with the crowding problem at the airport which is now operating close to its capacity.

The expansion involves building a midfield terminal and a third runway.

AoT's decision comes at the time when the airline industry is facing a severe downturn with a marked slowdown in traffic and ballooning operating costs, all triggered by skyrocketing fuel prices.

But it responds to the airline industry's longstanding call for AoT to deal with the congestion that had inconvenienced airlines and passengers alike.

The industry has warned that Suvarnabhumi was losing out to rival airports in Southeast Asia, namely Singapore Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as the region's preferred air hubs due to its restricted capacity and high service fees.

Mrs Kulya insisted that the possible excess capacity at the airport resulting from the expansion was not an issue as AoT was still seeing traffic growth through Suvarnabhumi.

''Suvarnabhumi's traffic is on course with projections for 6.5% annual growth in the near term, 5.5% in the medium term and 4% long-term,'' she said.

But according to AoT figures, passenger traffic through Suvarnabhumi grew just 1.94% year-on-year in the first half of this year to 21.21 million.

AoT aims to call a tender for the airport expansion work next year and hopes to be able to start construction by the end of 2009.

About 33 billion baht of the estimated project cost would come from loans from the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC), which was a major lender for the phase-one project that cost 155 billion baht.

Mrs Kulya said AoT had already contracted a consulting company to conduct an environmental impact study for the expansion project. It will hold public hearings to explain plans to mitigate noise pollution resulting from the increased air traffic.

AOT shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 38.50 baht, unchanged, in trade worth 5.5 million baht.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Joins the Fight Against Global Warming

2008-08-30T21:22:00.000+07:00

Environmental realities have forced hotel chains to focus on ecological best practices, and Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport in the Thai capital has joined Accor's green effort.

As industries shift practices with the evolving threat of global warming, hotels such as the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport are striving to conserve resources and reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses, the company says.

Novotel began its association in 2007 with Green Globe, the international environmental certification program for responsible travel and tourism. In doing so, Novotel has become the leading hotel chain in the mid-scale segment to involve its entire network in sustainable development.

With nearly 400 rooms and extensive business facilities, it is crucial that green measures be taken to prevent wasteful practices that adversely affect the environment, Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport says.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel opened in September 2006 to coincide with the launch of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. In July it was named the 'Best Airport Hotel' at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008.

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi is a four-star hotel a 10-minute walk from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Novotel has long been committed to promoting sustainable development through its active involvement in the Accor Group's Earth Guest program. The Earth Guest program is now embraced as an integral part of the hotel chain's brand.

Novotel seeks harmony with the environment through effective management of water, air, waste, and pollution. The France-based hotel chain's commitment is based on three main strands of activity: drawing up appropriate construction standards; involving its employees in sustainable development on a daily basis; and involving its customers.

Novotel Benoa Bali is the first Accor hotel in Asia to achieve Green Globe Certified, a Green Globe qualification that recognizes the hotel's commitment to successfully implement an integrated Environmental Management System.

By the year 2010 all Novotel hotels should are expected to have committed to the Green Globe environmental certification program, which currently involves 28 hotels in 12 countries on five continents including Thailand, India, China, and Singapore.

Novotel offers nearly 400 hotels and resorts located in the heart of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations. In 2008, the Novotel network represented more than 66,000 rooms in 59 countries. By 2010 it will have an additional 20,000 rooms and be present in 70 countries.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi’s Hotel Business Thrives as Bangkok Tipped as ‘World’s Best City’

2008-08-30T21:21:00.000+07:00

The Thai capital was recently listed for the first time as the “World’s Best City” by Travel & Leisure magazine, and Bangkok’s premiere airport hotel, Novotel Suvarnabhumi, is enjoying the benefits of a surge in visitors to the kingdom. Bangkok, Thailand (NetSweets) August 30, 2008 – Visitors continue to throng to the Thai capital for corporate meetings and good times and the award-winning Novotel Suvarnabhumi hotel is reaping the rewards, the company says.

The opening of the Suvarnnabhumi International Airport just three years ago was a sign of Thailand’s strong commitment to the tourism industry. Accor Group’s Novotel Suvarnabhumi was launched in September 2006 to cater to the millions of travelers traversing the new airport each year, and the hotel has been rewarded for its efforts.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport was awarded the prestigious "Best Airport Hotel” at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008 in July. The award recognizes the best in the Asian travel industry, acknowledging their contributions to tourism and hospitality.
The hotel couldn’t have had such success without the attractiveness of Thailand’s bustling capital to tourists from around the globe, however.

Bangkok was named last month by U.S.-based Travel & Leisure magazine as the “World’s Best City” following its 2008 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. This further strengthens Bangkok’s image as a major tourist destination in the world.

Bangkok was named World’s Best City 2008 with a score of 87.61, ahead of Argentina’s Buenos Aires, last year’s runner up, and Cape Town, South Africa, which jumped from No. 10 in 2007.

“Bangkok deserves the top ranking in the world’s best city survey because it has everything to offer to different types of visitors, from its modern infrastructure and world-renowned hospitality and service, to our rich culture and to-die-for cuisine,” says Phornsiri Manoharn, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Also known as the City of Angels (Krung Thep), the marvels of the ancient city and Thai hospitality set Bangkok apart from other modern capitals. It is home to more than 10 million of the country's 65 million people.

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi is a four-star hotel a 10-minute walk from Suvarnabhumi Airport. It features five boardrooms, six meeting and function rooms, and a business centre for corporate visitors.

A grand ballroom for up to 1,000 people is at the ready, and the hotel boasts 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms.

For those seeking nightlife, the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport also offers two bars and six individually themed restaurants, and has a 24-hour airport shuttle every 10 minutes.

For more information contact:

Wacharee Pornchaiwisuthiku
Email : Wacharee_p@novotelsuvarnabhumi.com
Tel: 66 (0) 2131 1111
Fax
http://www.novotelsuvarnabhumi.com/

Security tightens at Bangkok, Chiang Mai airports

2008-08-30T21:13:00.000+07:00

The intrusion closed all three tourist-important airports, leaving passengers stranded.

Thailand Tells Shamed Rocker to Get. Out.

2008-08-21T12:25:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK (Aug. 20) - Thai police brushed aside Gary Glitter's claims of ear and heart problems on Wednesday, saying the shamed British glam rocker would be put on the first available plane to London whether he liked it or not.

Glitter on the Loose

Reuters

42 photos

Gary Glitter doesn't want to go home. The shamed glam rocker, fresh out of Vietnamese prison on a child sex abuse conviction, claimed he was too sick to fly back to England from a Thai airport, but officials aren't buying it.

Note: Please disable your pop-up blocker

Glitter on the Loose

Staff walk into Louis Tavern transit lounge in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport August 20, 2008. Shamed rocker Gary Glitter was stuck at Bangkok airport on Wednesday after faking illness to avoid boarding a flight to Britain following his release from a Vietnamese prison for child sex abuse, Thai police said. The 64-year-old Briton, whose real name is Paul Gadd, flew to Bangkok after being booted out of the communist southeast Asian country on Tuesday, the day he completed his three-year sentence. Glitter is now stuck in limbo in a "no man's land" transit lounge called the Louis Tavern. Staff at the Tavern said he was refusing to check out and claiming he was unwell... REUTERS/Kham (THAILAND)

Reuters

British rocker Gary Glitter walks at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport August 20, 2008. Glitter was stuck at Bangkok airport on Wednesday after faking illness to avoid boarding a flight to Britain following his release from a Vietnamese prison for child sex abuse, Thai police said. The 64-year-old Briton, whose real name is Paul Gadd, flew to Bangkok after being booted out of the communist southeast Asian country on Tuesday, the day he completed his three-year sentence. REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang (THAILAND)

Reuters

CAPTION CLARIFICATION - REMOVING REFERENCE TO GLITTER WALKING TO AIRLINE GATE..British rocker Gary Glitter walks at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport August 20, 2008. Glitter was stuck at Bangkok airport on Wednesday after faking illness to avoid boarding a flight to Britain following his release from a Vietnamese prison for child sex abuse, Thai police said. The 64-year-old Briton, whose real name is Paul Gadd, flew to Bangkok after being booted out of the communist southeast Asian country on Tuesday, the day he completed his three-year sentence. REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang (THAILAND)

Reuters

British rocker Gary Glitter walks towards an airline gate at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport August 20, 2008. Glitter was stuck at Bangkok airport on Wednesday after faking illness to avoid boarding a flight to Britain following his release from a Vietnamese prison for child sex abuse, Thai police said. The 64-year-old Briton, whose real name is Paul Gadd, flew to Bangkok after being booted out of the communist southeast Asian country on Tuesday, the day he completed his three-year sentence. REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang (THAILAND)

Reuters

The 64-year-old Briton, whose real name is Paul Gadd, flew to Bangkok on Tuesday after being booted out of communist Vietnam at the end of nearly three years in jail for sexually abusing two girls.

Apparently fearful of the hostile reception he is likely to receive in Britain, where he has served time for child pornography offences, he avoided boarding the connecting flight to London by claiming he was too sick to fly.

After conducting medical checks and letting him wander, officially "persona non grata," for nearly 24 hours inside Bangkok airport, Thailand's immigration chiefs finally ran out of patience.

"We are barring entry to Paul Francis Gadd and will be deporting him to his home country, England, unconditionally and even if he does not wish to board the plane," they said in a statement.

"We are now waiting to return him to England as soon as possible."

Relocation of security screening points likely

2008-08-21T12:23:00.000+07:00

A plan to relocate the security screening points at Suvarnabhumi airport to free up space for commercial development has come under fire for going against the principle of building an airport. Security screening spots in the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi airport will be moved away from the embarkation gates into an area in front of the immigration checkpoints in October to pave the way for commercial development, according to airport director Serirat Prasutanont.

Mr Serirat, also the acting president of the Airports of Thailand (AoT), said yesterday the planned change from Oct 1 would create plenty of room near the terminal gates for commercial development.

According to him, the relocation of the screening points would also boost security because passengers will then be screened before accessing the restricted zones of the terminal. They would no longer be required to queue up for security checks at the gates.

The change is also in line with a recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Mr Serirat said some major airports in places like Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan have already taken such steps and relocated the screening points.

An aviation source, however, said that moving the checkpoints would contradict the general principle of building an airport, which is safety before commercial interests.

The AoT may be in it for the profits as larger commercial space, which will likely be set aside for duty-free shopping, would mean bigger revenue.

The structure and procedure changes will also give passengers more time to spend in duty-free shops, the concession for which the AoT has given to a private firm.

If there are more shoppers, the revenue earned from profit-sharing for AoT would also go up, said the source.

According to Mr Serirat, in the long run, the AoT hopes to earn more from non-aviation investments. Currently, 60% of the authority's income comes from aviation-related activities and the rest from the non-aviation sector.

The AoT sees the trend reversing in the future.

Also, an empty area covering 1,140 rai to the northeast of the airport compound will be developed into a so-called Airport Business Centre, worth over 10 billion baht, consisting of a convention centre, an export exhibition centre, office buildings, shopping malls, a hotel, a hospital, entertainment venues and health care facilities, if the AoT is allowed to have its way.

He said AoT would invite private investors to bid for the projects.

''The authority is considering the possibility of allowing a single group of investors to undertake all the projects or selecting different firms, depending on their expertise, to handle them,'' he said.

A 723-rai empty plot in the eastern part of the airport would be transformed into an aviation institute and a high-end industrial estate.

Mr Serirat said the AoT board should receive the details of Suvarnabhumi airport's second phase development plan from its consultancy late next month. After that, the board will seek approval from the cabinet for implementation.

The 70-billion-baht second phase development plan would kick off with the construction of a third runway, he said.

The project is expected to be completed by 2013, one year ahead of its scheduled completion.

Flight cuts taking toll on Thai traffic

2008-07-23T21:42:00.000+07:00

Signs of a slowdown in air traffic through Thailand's six main airports clearly emerged last month as spiking fuel oil prices and low-season demand forced airlines to cut flights.

June's combined passenger throughput grew only 3.87% year-on-year, down from 8.89% in May. Total aircraft movements contracted 1.30% from 3.78% growth a month earlier.

Passenger flows through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Hat Yai airports was 4.21 million last month, versus 4.56 million in May and 5.04 million in April, according to figures from Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT).

Combined aircraft movements declined from 33,779 in April and 33,356 in May to 30,607 in June.

The figures underscore the perfect storm the global aviation industry is facing from surging oil prices, a slowing global economy, and overcapacity.

However, cumulative passenger totals through AoT airports in the first six months showed fairly good growth at 9.11% year-on-year to 30.35 million, with aircraft movements rising 3.78% to 204,349.

International passenger flows slowed from 2.89 million in May to 2.77 million in June. But the overall total for the first half was up a healthy 8.77% to 19.12 million.

Domestic passengers showed a dramatic slowdown, with growth of merely 1.79% in June (1.44 million), down from 9.71% in May (1.66 million).

But robust double-digit growth in February and March, when the impact of oil prices had yet to be felt, pushed up cumulative domestic numbers in the first half to 9.7% (11.23 million).

Total landings and takeoffs in the first six months increased only 3.78% to 204,349, with international flights rising 3.80% to 112,393 and domestic ones 3.76% to 91,956.

Suvarnabhumi showed a mixed monthly pattern in the first half but the overall January-June totals showed marginal growth in passengers but a contraction in aircraft movements.

Cumulative passenger numbers through the airport inched up 1.94% to 21.21 million, compared to 20.81 million in the same period last year. International passenger throughput increased 8.17% to 17.57 million, but the domestic total fell sharply by 20.25% to 3.64 million.

In the first half of this year, Suvarnabhumi handled 2.33% fewer flights thanin the same period last year with 130,488.

The numbers were sharply depressed by a 19.23% reduction in domestic movements with 30,418, while international numbers growing 4.30% to 100,070.

THAI Officially Opens Ground Operations Control Center (GOCC)

2008-07-23T21:41:00.000+07:00

Bangkok, Thailand. Thai Airways International Public Company Limited today opened its Ground Operations Control Center [ GOCC ] at THAI’s Suvarnabhumi Airport Operations Centre. The Centre was officially opened by Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, THAI’s President.

GOCC is a seamless cooperation between THAI’s four Business Units; the Ground Customer Services, Catering, Ground Support Equipment Services and Cargo & Mail Commercial Departments.

GOCC is designed to perform HUB management and to function as the center of ground operations communications. A ‘paperless’ unit, GOCC employs modern IT equipment to support newly developed work processes that monitor and control all aspects of ground service activities.

GOCC aims for greater service and operational efficiency through 100 percent flight on-time performance, minimized ground time for better aircraft rotation, seamless transfer and handling of passengers and baggage as well as fast recovery from irregularities.

Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, THAI’s President presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open THAI’s Ground Operations Control Center (GOCC).

Also present at the ceremony were (from left):

Mr. Sarinthorn Dhanabhuthi, THAI’s Managing Director, Ground Support Equipment Services Department; Mr. Vorapravat Suebsaeng, THAI’s Managing Director, Cargo & Mail Commercial Department; Mrs. Wanporn Wibooncharoenkitja, THAI’s Managing Director, Ground Customer Services Department; Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, THAI’s President; ACM. Narongsak Sangapong, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretariat Department; Mrs. Pismai Chandrubeksa, THAI’s Managing Director, Catering Services Department; and Mr. Chokchai Panyayong, THAI’s Vice President, Suvarnabhumi Project.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi bags another award voted the ‘Best Airport Hotel’

2008-07-23T21:40:00.000+07:00

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel was voted the ‘Best Airport Hotel’ in the recent TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008 organised by TravelWeekly. The awards ceremony, which was held on Thursday, 17 July at The Marriott Hotel in Singapore, recognized the best in the Asian travel industry, acknowledging their contributions to tourism and hospitality.

The TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards selection process starts with nominations by a distinguished panel of judges who are experts and veterans in the industry. The awardees from each category are selected based on the total number of votes garnered from TravelWeekly readers and industry peers. This year, the winners were chosen from a total of 2.2 million votes registered for all categories.

Tristan Beau de Lomenie, General Manager of Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel personally received the award in Singapore said, “It is a great honour for our hotel to receive such a high profile award. Although we have been in operation for less than two years, I personally believe that our uniqueness in facilities and more importantly service quality has distinguished us as an outstanding airport hotel. This award is the encouragement for us to maintain our service excellence and strive to improve it even further”.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel was open on 28 September 2006 to coincide with the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport, the new international airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Located 10 mins walk from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the hotel is easily accessible to business travelers, with a 24-hr airport shuttle every 10 min from Gate 4 Level 2 at the airport. The hotel features a pillar- less grand ballroom for up to 1,000 people, 6 meeting and function rooms and a business centre. Boasting 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the hotel also offers 2 bars, 4 restaurants and Vous Spa, a luxurious urban spa from France. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel was previously chosen as one of the three ‘Best Airport Hotels in Asia Pacific for Meeting & Conference’ from CEI Asia Pacific in 2007.

Novotel – Designed for Natural Living Novotel offers nearly 400 hotels and resorts located in the heart of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations. Everywhere, the brand upholds its fundamental values of modernity, good design, simplicity and efficiency so that today's travellers feel naturally at home.

Through a consistent top quality offer, Novotel contributes to the well-being of business and leisure travellers alike. Guests will always find spacious rooms with flexible features adapted to both work and relaxation, a balanced choice of food and beverages available around the clock, and friendly, attentive staff, plus children's play areas, fitness centres and places to relax.

Novotel has long been committed to promoting sustainable development through its active involvement in the Accor Group's Earth Guest program. Today, it reaffirms this position by pledging to achieve Green Globe environmental certification for its entire network by 2010.

In 2008, the Novotel network includes 382 hotels and resorts, representing a total of more than 66,000 rooms, in 59 countries. By 2010 it will have an additional 20,000 rooms and be present in 70 countries. Said Accor Asia Pacific Chairman and COO, Michael Issenberg, “I am very proud of the team.

Under Tristan’s capable leadership, they have worked very hard within a short time to enhance service standards and heighten customer satisfaction. The award epitomises the team’s commitment to service excellence. They have proven that they understand what ‘Esprit Accor’ is all about”.

How Long Can Thailand be "Amazing"?

2008-07-18T21:54:00.000+07:00

Thailand has always been at the top of Southeast Asia's tourism game. The P.R. for the country as a tourist destination is head and shoulders above the rest. You've probably seen the pictures: silhouettes of sky-high temples, smiling local residents, quaint floating markets, comely service industry workers flashing their most photogenic wai. But is the image that Thailand has spent so long building for itself becoming cliché?

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the whole Amazing Thailand campaign is just getting started. Industry insiders at TTGAsia report that TAT is going to ride its campaign into the ground:

"TAT is considered to be repeating the same old story. It is Amazing Thailand again. It is Seven Amazing Wonders product again. It is even Visit Thailand Year (tagline) again."

Will that type of campaign continue to fly? What if some of the negative press that the Land of Smiles has been getting lately continues: rumors of another coup, ongoing complaints about Suvarnabhumi Airport (like having to walk half-a-mile to reach the W.C.), and security threats from southern militants?

Add to that the fact that regional player Vietnam is upping the ante by constructing a new airport and new rail system for Ho Chi Minh City.

Most visitors to Thailand still buy the "amazing" thing. But, one wonders if TAT will have to come up with a new branding scheme sometime soon.

PAD to travel to Suvarnabhumi Airport upon return of Foreign Affairs Minister

2008-07-11T22:13:00.000+07:00

The People’s Alliance for Democracy rally last night at the Makkhawan bridge was especially lively with speeches concerning the usual topics of government issues while also urging the military and police to abstain from any violence in protecting the nation. PAD leaders also revealed that a collection of 20,000 for a petition to remove Civil Court judges who ruled for an injunction spurned by the Rajvinit School which ultimately caused the PAD to have to move away from the government house has been abandoned as many people have not supported the idea. The leaders also criticized the government on the recent registration of Phrea Vihear National Park, insinuating that the government caused Thailand to lose territory.

The PAD continued to state that its next target within its multi-pronged strategy would be to have demonstrators await returning Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadol Pattama at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on the 10th of this month.

Source : National News Bureau, Public Relations Department of Thailand

Three male suspects arrested for robbery

2008-06-28T21:21:00.000+07:00

Three male suspects, including a former bank security guard, have been arrested for Sunday's bank robbery at Suvarnabhumi airport. Supatcha Phuthukmok, 33, a former security guard at Bangkok Bank's Suvarnabhumi airport branch; Sirisak Yodcharoen, 35, a former public bus driver at the airport; and Somkhuan Sriwanna, 35, the alleged get-away driver, were apprehended separately yesterday afternoon.

The first two suspects were discovered during a search of the Khao Fah Laep and Khao Saming hills in Lop Buri's Chai Badan district by police from Lop Buri and Samut Prakan's Ratcha Thewa police station. Mr Somkhuan was arrested at his house in Samut Sakhon's Krathum Baen district.

Police seized 360,000 baht from Mr Sirisak and about 1.1 million baht from Mr Supatcha. Another 1.1 million baht was found hidden in a jar at the house of Mr Sirisak's wife in Chai Badan district.

Another team of police seized 500,000 baht from Mr Somkhuan's house. The suspect threw a bag containing another 60,000 baht into a bush near his house, according to police.

The suspects have been charged with colluding to rob the bank.

Pol Maj-Gen Witthaya Prayongphan, the Samut Prakan police chief, said witnesses saw the suspects checking out the area around the bank on Sunday morning, shortly before the hold up.

The robbery lasted 40 minutes and the thieves stole 3.3 million baht.

Police allege Mr Supatcha and Mr Sirisak were wearing black jackets bearing the word ''Police'' when they entered the bank on Sunday morning, just after Saichon Pawangkanan, a 28-year-old teller, arrived for work.

One of the robbers brandished a handgun and the other held a knife.

They forced bank staff to open the vault, but could not get at the cash as it was stored in a separate safe inside the vault and another worker held the key. The robbers decided to wait.

When 40-year-old Pimwaree Tansriwong arrived, the robbers forced her to open the safe before handcuffing her and taping her mouth.

They also handcuffed six other workers who arrived during the heist before fleeing with the money in a pick-up truck.

Thai-Indian consortium lead the race for modernising Kolkata airport

2008-06-28T21:20:00.000+07:00

A Thai-Indian consortium has emerged the lowest bidder for the Rs2,000-crore Kolkata airport modernisation project.

Thai company ITD, which also shared in the construction of the Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok has along with its Indian partner ITD CEM quoted around Rs2,000 crore, according to sources in the ministry of civil aviation. The ministry completed the examination of bid two days ago. The highest bid was around Rs2,400 crore.

The ministry of civil aviation anticipated a three week period before the award of the contract is formally announced, as the bid will first be evaluated by a technical committee that will send its recommendations to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) board for approval. Financial as well as technical experts would be part of the committee.

Three consortiums and one company had submitted technical and financial bids on 16 June, including Pomerleu Inc (Canada)-CCCL, TAV Tepe Akfer Yatirim Insaatva Isleme AS (Turkey)-Punj Lloyd Ltd. Indian infrastructure major Larsen and Toubro was the lone ranger, participating in the bidding process on its own, and not as part of a consortium.

Two armed men rob Bangkok Bank's Suvarnabhumi Airport

2008-06-28T21:19:00.000+07:00

Two armed men robbed Bangkok Bank's Suvarnabhumi Airport Sunday morning and made off with Bt2 million.

Initial report showed that they entered the bank which is situated near shuttle bus terminal at the airport at about 9.30am.

They forced at gunpoint the bank cashiers to hand over them the money, altogether Bt2 million in cash.

They then handcuffed the bank staffs, removed a tape from the security camera at the bank and then ran away.

Police reported that one of them wore a hood while another man wore black jacket and no hood.

Police found difficulties in locating them because there are many road links around the airport.

Busy airports defy slump

2008-06-22T10:20:00.000+07:00

Contraction? What contraction? Air traffic through Thailand's six key airports continued to show good growth last month, defying suggestions that momentum was slowing due to soaring oil prices and the sluggish global economy.

Figures for May from state-controlled Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) surprised industry analysts as they showed passenger throughput up 8.87% year-on-year and aircraft movements rising 3.78%.

Cumulative passenger traffic (departures, arrivals and transit) in the first five months of this year grew 10% over the same period last year to 26.14 million.

Total international passenger traffic in the five months to May rose 9.43% to 16.35 million, while domestic passenger volume was up 11% to 9.79 million.

Combined aircraft movements including transit through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Hat Yai airports in the first five months were 173,742. International aircraft movements rose 3.9% to 94,845 while domestic ones rose 5.8% to 78,897.

Total cargo tonnage last month rose 8.5% to 117,769 tonnes, driven largely by a 9.1% gain in international shipments to 109,243 tonnes. Domestic movements were up just 1% to 8,526 tonnes.

Passengers passing through Suvarnabhumi, where most air traffic takes place, rose 9.5% in May to 3.24 million with aircraft movements up 5.3% to 21,461, and freight up 9% to 110,508 tonnes.

International passenger traffic grew 8.1% to 2.71 million while domestic trips rose 17.2% to 522,651.

But on a five-month basis, passenger traffic through Bangkok's main international airport was up only 1.37% over the same period in 2007 to 18.14 million, affected by a lower domestic volume.

Suvarnabhumi's international passenger throughput remained relatively strong in the five-month period, rising 8.8% to 14.97 million, while domestic trips contracted 23.5% to 3.16 million.

But industry analysts predict slower growth in the coming months as result of high fuel prices,inflation, travellers' austerity, and weakening demand in low season that normally lasts until October.

180 fume over 28-hour delay in S'pore flight

2008-06-18T21:36:00.001+07:00

HE thought it odd that his flight details were not flashed onscreen at the check-in counter of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

But since people were still being checked in for Tiger Airways' 8.10pm flight to Singapore on Sunday, Mr Seng Ngee Kiang did not ask questions.

But it turned out that flight TR109 was cancelled. Its 180 passengers ended up waiting 28 hours for another flight, at 1am this morning.

Upsetting them further was the manner in which they claim Tiger Airways treated them - no airline official spoke to them till the next morning.

One passenger alleged he couldn't get through to the airline staff when he called for information.

Mr Seng, 33, a network engineer, had gone to Bangkok last Thursday with his wife and her 14 relatives, with a return flight booked for Sunday.

They sensed something was amiss when they remained at the boarding gate 30 minutes past flight time with no announcements.

Another passenger, sales engineer Glenn Tan, 29, told The New Paper that by 9.15pm, five airport staff appeared.

He said: "Some passengers were frustrated and yelled "What is going on?". It did not help that the Thai staff had communication problems as they spoke limited English."

Mr Seng described the situation as "chaotic", with babies crying.

Eventually, airport staff called out each passenger's name to return their departure cards and boarding passes.

All they were told was that the aircraft had a "landing gear" fault, said Mr Tan.

Passengers were instructed to return to immigration counters to void their departure chops and reclaim luggage at the arrival hall.

It was only when they were taken to buses and vans that they realised it could be an overnight delay.

They were taken to the three-star Alexander Hotel, about 20 minutes away.

A hotel employee told The New Paper that 70 of its 305 rooms were taken up by these affected passengers.

The receptionists told the passengers to assemble at the lobby by 8.30am the next day for an update.

Mr Seng's brother-in-law, Mr Lim B Y, 28, said none of the family members ventured out as they were on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Said Mr Seng: "When 8.30am came, we were told to come back an hour later. When we gathered again at 9.30am, we were asked to return in an hour's time. It was getting frustrating."

According to Mr Tan, an impatient passenger rang the Singapore embassy which was unable to help them further.

Then he rang the Tiger Airways office in Singapore.

Mr Tan claimed no information was made available.

At 12.30pm, two officials from the Thai airport arrived at the hotel.

By this time, one of Mr Seng's relatives booked a Swissair flight to Singapore that afternoon as he could not miss important meetings on Tuesday.

Mr Seng recalled: "It was while we were having our catered buffet lunch in the function room that we were given updates. The two Thai officials were speaking so softly and seemed overwhelmed by people near the front who badgered them with lots of questions."

The passengers learnt that a special flight had been chartered at 1am, Singapore time.

When contacted, a Tiger Airways spokesman confirmed the delay.

She said passengers were updated via a letter to their hotel rooms around noon once a new flight time was confirmed.

The letter said: "Tiger Airways apologises to passengers affected by the delay of TR109 (Bangkok to Singapore) on 15 June 2008. Upon landing, the aircraft experienced a technical problem with its nose gear. We are now in the midst of repair to rectify the problem. In the meanwhile, we are making alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers."

It also notified them that as it is a peak travel period, an extra flight had to be added.

She added that the Thai airport officials handling the situation were representing the airline as they were "contracted ground handlers" of Tiger Airways.

The fault with the "nose gear" was only realised when the flight from Singapore landed at Suvarnabhumi half an hour before it was due to take off back to Singapore, she said.

Mr Lim felt that at least a middle-management airline employee should have met the passengers earlier on to keep them informed.

Mr Tan said: "It was really about how they managed uncertainty. Technical faults may not be anticipated and safety should never be compromised, we understand that."

But he expected a backup plan for such situations to be ready.

All three men paid more than $250 in air fare. All had to take two extra days of leave.

Mr Tan said his wife, an accountant, was not as lucky as she had to return to work on Tuesday morning - about five hours after the flight was to land at 3.30am.

The airline spokesman said that Tiger Airways would be investigating how the ground handlers managed the situation before commenting further.

She added: "The safety of Tiger Airways passengers is top priority and we will ensure the aircraft meets airworthiness standards before operating any flight.

"We regret that there may be incidental delays during which we endeavour to keep passengers informed when updates are available and do our best within our means to make alternative arrangements to minimise the inconvenience caused."

Heavens above

2008-06-18T21:35:00.000+07:00

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday urged Thais to put their faith in astrology, and blamed the alignment of planets for the current economic and political troubles. But a "real" fortune teller said the ex-premier was wrong and predicted bloodshed in three weeks.

Street protests against the Thaksin government have been rumbling since May 25, while soaring oil prices and inflation have shaken investors and prompted farmers and transport workers to threaten strikes.

This is because Mars and Saturn are close together, Mr Thaksin claimed on Monday. He added that the troubles will ease soon.

"Be patient with the headache-inducing situation until July 2," Mr Thaksin told reporters. "Mars moving close to Saturn causes the headache. When Mars leaves, the situation will ease."

Famed fortune-teller Luck Rekhanitade disagreed. He predicted the opposite, that a deadly situation will occur on July 2.

In fact, he said that July 2 is the scariest day of the past 30 years. He predicted conflicts will erupt which could lead to bloodshed in the heart of the city when the violence peaks on July 6.

The astrologer urged Thais to reunite, a step which would prevent his prediction from coming true.

Mr Thaksin has put great stock in predictions of fortune tellers and astrologers.

When he was prime minister, Mr Thaksin ordered the first plane at the new Suvarnabhumi airport to land t precisely 9:19am because a seer had convinced him it was an auspicious moment.

For a while, he cancelled weekly press conferences, claiming that Mercury was not in a favourable alignment.

For all his faith in fortune tellers, he was completely taken by surprise when the army overthrew him in a coup on Sept 19, 2006.

Singapore Airlines Opens SilverKris Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport

2008-06-09T21:40:00.000+07:00

Singapore Airlines has officially opened its SilverKris Lounge at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 313sqm SilverKris Lounge has a capacity of 102 seats. It is located on Level-3 Concourse-A, after the immigrations area. The lounge is designed in modern-contemporary style, with fullheight fabric-laminated glass panels to enhance privacy.

The airline claims that its SilverKris Lounge is equipped with 50-inch plasma televisions, a small business area where passengers can catch up on work and a WiFi network for wireless internet connection anywhere within the lounge. The lounge was designed by Leo International Design Group from Bangkok, and construction was managed by Jim & Hall's.

SA opens Suvarnabhumi lounge

2008-06-09T21:39:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK: Singapore Airlines has opened its new SilverKris Lounge at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok.
The 350sqm lounge has a capacity of 102 seats and is located on level 3 of concourse A, after the immigration area.

The lounge is designed in what Singapore Airlines describes as a "modern-contemporary style", with walls decorated in rich timber and full–height fabric-laminated glass panels to enhance privacy. The high ceiling gives a sense of space, while full-length windows allow customers to enjoy tranquil views of the garden outside, as they relax in seats upholstered in nature-touch fabric or rich leather.

The SilverKris Lounge is equipped with 42-inch Plasma televisions, a small business area where passengers can catch up on work and a WiFi network for wireless Internet connection anywhere within the lounge.

The lounge was designed by Leo International Design Group Company Ltd of Bangkok, and construction was managed by Jim & Hall’s (Thailand) Company Ltd.

The SilverKris Lounge is open daily from 0515 to 2300 hours (except on Thursdays - from 0515 to 1900 hours).

Thai Intl focus of government cargo plan

2008-06-09T21:36:00.000+07:00

The Thai government is considering setting up a cargo airline through Thai International to focus on agricultural exports.

"I believe the cargo airline will get off the ground this year. It is very challenging for Thai to manage the cargo airline," Finance minister Surapong Suebwonglee said.

Thai International Airways, which already offers a freighter service, could operate a new subsidiary to carry only farm products, he told a seminar.

The proposed new cargo airline might fly out of both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports and help speed up traffic, especially for agricultural products.

Product transport in Thailand currently is 86 per cent by land. Transportation accounts for six per cent of all product costs.

UN head in Bangkok before visit to cyclone-hit Myanmar

2008-05-24T10:21:00.000+07:00

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived here Wednesday before heading for Myanmar to visit cyclone-affected areas and meet Myanmar leaders, in a bid to urge them to open further for international relief staff and to source more "non-politicized" assistance.

Upon his arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport Wednesday afternoon, Ban told journalists that he will fly to Myanmar Thursday morning "to see for myself the affected areas and to meet the people crying in need and demonstrate my sympathy and support for all those people who suffered from this Cyclone Nargis."

He will also meet senior officials of the Myanmar government, including the top leader Senior General Than Shwe, he said.

On Friday evening, Ban will be back in Bangkok to meet with Thai PM Samak Sundarvej and Foreign Minister Noppadon on the next day.

On Sunday, he will fly back to Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, to attend the International Pledging Conference co-organized by the United Nations (UN) and the association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to talk with Myanmar officials, leaders of ASEAN countries and international donors to source international assistance for relief and rehabilitation work in Myanmar.

"This is a critical moment for Myanmar. The government itself accepted that they have never been devastated to this stage in the history. We have a functioning relief program in place, but so far we have been able to reach only about 25 percent of the people in need," the UN head said.

The UN has received permission of Myanmar government to have nine World Food Program (WFP) helicopters to carry emergency supplies to Myanmar, Ban noted, while urging the Myanmar side to "gallop" cooperation.

Economic effects brought by the Cyclone that hit Myanmar on May3, are severe, with 60 percent of infrastructure in Irrawaddy area having been destroyed, farmlands on risk, and an estimated loss often billion U.S. dollars.

One of the objectives for the UN head's visit is "to reinforce partnership between Myanmar and the international community, including ASEAN and key neighboring countries like India and China. This is will be the primary focus of the May 25 pledging conference and the special taskforce comprising ASEAN and UN," Ban said.

The aim is to make sure that the immediate relief efforts are well coordinated, efficiently delivered and effective to help Myanmar people overcome this tragedy, he added.

He stressed that all assistance or aid to Myanmar "should not be politicized", "Our focus now is saving lives."

John Holmes, UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, told Xinhua that one of the major focus of talks of the UN Secretary-General in Myanmar will be urging Myanmar government to open further and act quicker for foreign aid and relief workers to reach the affected people. More permissions for helicopters carrying aid to affected areas will be sought.

Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon said at least the ten members of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) has promised to respectively dispatch a 30-strong medical team to Myanmar in the next few days, as a start for the UN-ASEAN Task Force led by ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan to coordinate assistance efforts in Myanmar.

Source:Xinhua

Suvarnabhumi cargo posts Q1 increase

2008-05-17T23:34:00.001+07:00

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport reported a 5.55 percent increase in first quarter cargo throughput, handling 321,041 tonnes in the first three months.

The vast majority of the volume – 313,987 tonnes – was international, with 7,054 tonnes comprising domestic cargo, said Suvarnabhumi general manager Serirat Prasutanond.

There were 67,032 aircraft movements with 51,056 international flights representing a 4.19 percent increase. The 15,976 domestic flights were down 36.01 percent on last year as almost half the airport’s domestic traffic was transferred to Bangkok’s old Don Muang Airport

By March 31, there were 111 scheduled flights using Suvarnabhumi, comprising 88 passenger airlines, 12 all-cargo and 11 code share flights.

Taxi driver dies of heart failure behind wheel

2008-05-17T23:33:00.000+07:00

A foreign passenger managed to stop a taxi safely after its driver suddenly died apparently of heart failure behind the scene Saturday morning, police said.

The taxi was on an elevated way after having left the Suvarnabhumi International Airport by about 2 kilometres when its driver, Weerapol Rungsup, 61, became unconscious.

The taxi was carrying a Thai woman, Pratya Pawapuchakang, 31, and her two foreign friends from the airport.

The woman told police that the car suddenly lost control and it sway left and pressed against the wall for several metres before her friend on the front passenger seat steered the car to park safely.

The woman and friends tried to wake up the taxi driver but found that he had already died.

AOT reshuffle key to suvarnabhumi plan

2008-05-17T23:32:00.000+07:00

Airports of Thailand's new board of directors is set to back an overhaul of the partly state-owned company's top management to boost profitability and prepare for Suvarnabhumi Airport's second-phase development.

The revamp, due next month, will allow AOT's president Chana U-sathaporn to appoint suitable persons to key positions so that he can deliver better results.

Senior management changes include positions for Suvarnabhumi Airport's general manager and vice presidents, an AOT source said.

Chana and the board have agreed that the company needs to boost profits and generate a return on investment for its shareholders.

Last year, AOT's net profit plummeted 89.5 per cent to Bt1.094 billion due mainly to the withholding of Bt3.6 billion in concession payments from King Power, which operates the airport's duty-free and commercial areas.

AOT was also saddled with higher expenses, such as Bt6.2 billion for the depreciation of Suvarnabhumi, Bt2.2 billion for loan interest and Bt1.8 billion for operations.

AOT's plan for the rest of the year calls for cuts in personnel costs and finding new revenues from 1,140 rai of commercial space at Suvarnabhumi and the company's international airports in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

The board has agreed to proceed with the second-phase development of Suvarnabhumi to meet an increase in passenger traffic.

The source said AOT would show better results this year, since it can now book revenues from King Power following a preliminary resolution on earlier disputes.

Suvarnabhumi to get B73bn injection

2008-05-05T01:54:00.001+07:00

Bangkok´s Suvarnabhumi airport is set to continue its expansion with the news that Thailand´s Transport Ministry is preparing to launch a second-phase of development which will see some Bt73 billion pumped into 10 separate initiatives.

According to the Bangkok Post, plans to expand the 1.5-year-old airport were raised at yesterday´s meeting between Transport Minister Santi Prompat and representatives from Airports of Thailand (AoT) and the Civil Aviation Department.

At least two of the 10 mooted projects, namely the creation of a third runway and the hiring of the Project Management Consultant group (PMC), are expected to kick off before the end of 2008.

Other projects which include the construction of an automated people mover, car park and a noise pollution reduction scheme, all of which are expected to be implemented before 2014.

Suvarnabhumi Airport : Flight Status

2008-05-05T01:12:00.002+07:00

AoT needs to act at once

2008-04-26T11:03:00.000+07:00

When the chairman of the Airline Operators Committee recently described Suvarnabhumi Airport as "being in a coma" he was not referring to flight operations, which have always been safe and efficient.

What Jaiyavat Navaraj had in mind was the seeming inability of the Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to fix problems and get the trouble-plagued facility running properly. In other words, the AoT needs to pay less attention to the matter of raising its revenues and more to putting its house in order. And while it is doing that, it should also address the issue of putting a few other deserving houses in order, too.

For, if the airport authorities are sleeping on the job, the same cannot be said of residents living in housing estates around the airport. They have always been entitled to some sympathy for the extreme levels of noise, mental distress and for having to put up with the appalling delaying tactics employed by the AoT. But "taking back the sky" as they put it, is not the solution. Such direct action is wrong and fast losing them friends.

Their release of more than 100 balloons into the night sky early in January delayed flights by more than two hours and cost the AoT in excess of 19 million baht in compensation for airlines affected by the delays while flight paths were cleared. Lat Krabang police reacted by sending letters to all 32 communities around the airport, warning them not to repeat such an act. Had the law been fully enforced, those responsible could have been fined and jailed for up to seven years.

It may well be that only a tiny minority is resorting to civil disobedience, but it is harming the cause of all those with legitimate claims. And, on Tuesday, this embittered minority took further steps to damage their image. Fortunately, the airport control tower quickly spotted the 10 or so lanterns being floated in restricted airspace close to flight paths. Police were alerted and two people arrested. In some countries, such behaviour would be perceived as acts of sabotage or terrorism.

Had it not been for foot-dragging by the AoT, this could all have been resolved long ago. In fact, it should have been settled even before construction of the airport began. That was before some of those now demanding compensation had moved into the area and even before the Thaksin government had earmarked Suvarnabhumi as a future aerotropolis and province, causing land values to rise and prompting an influx of hopefuls.

The present outcry is from three groups of people. First up are those who, somewhat naively, thought that buying land and building a house next to a busy international airport a few years ago was a good idea, but are now having second thoughts. Some claim not to have known about the airport, which beggars belief. Joining them are speculators who invested in land and houses around Suvarnabhumi, expecting to make a handsome profit. A small but vocal number of these see cash as the only solution. Not soundproofing or necessarily moving to a quieter location. Just money.

The third group affected by aircraft noise are the long-term residents. They are fully deserving of our sympathy and entitled to generous compensation and having their houses soundproofed. The Surayud Chulanont cabinet set out a compensation framework last May which favoured those most affected by airport noise and disruption. What is needed now is a neutral arbiter to ensure the fairness of such awards.

If the AoT cannot handle it, the job should be given to someone who can. And if awards are contested, let the matter be settled without any of the prevailing hysteria in a court of law. That is why such courts exist.

Thailand to expand Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport

2008-04-26T11:00:00.001+07:00

Thailand plans to spend about 3.7 billion baht ($117 million) this year on expanding its 18-month-old Suvarnabhumi airport, officials said Friday, building a third runway for the troubled hub.

Since opening in September 2006, Bangkok's $3-billion international airport has been plagued by problems ranging from cracks in the runways to complaints about safety and sanitation.

Air Marshal Chana U-sathaporn, president of Suvarnabhumi operator Airport of Thailand (AoT), said about 10 upgrade projects were in the pipeline.

'The expansion plan was suggested by Transport Minister Santi Prompat ... We have not discussed it in detail yet, but the ministry wants (runway construction) to begin within this year,' Chana told Agence France-Presse.

AoT will spend about 3.6 billion baht on the third runway, while 114 million baht will also be spent this year on studies for future projects, which include the construction of a new passenger terminal in 2010, he said.

Suvarnabhumi airport was the pet project of ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra but it eventually opened 10 days after the military staged a coup and overthrew him.

Just six months after the airport's triumphant launch, authorities re-opened Bangkok's nearly century-old Don Muang airport to domestic flights to ease crowds at Suvarnabhumi.

The new airport can handle 45 million passengers a year, and numbers are already creeping up towards that figure.

Thaksin's allies were voted back into government in elections in December last year.

An official at the transport ministry, who did not wish to be named, said the new government wanted to move all domestic flights back to Suvarnabhumi.

'The government has a clear single-airport policy,' he told AFP. 'Don Muang will only be used for charter flights, air shows, for example. That will happen in the future, although we cannot say exactly when that can be.'

Source : http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/18/afx4906185.html

Political climate holds key to better business outlook

2008-04-26T10:57:00.000+07:00

All thanks to a better political climate following the general election in December.

The king of duty-free shopping - as he likes to be known in Thailand and abroad - Vichai has started to woo back some of the world's luxury brands, such as Rolex, which had previously turned down an offer to open shops at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

He has also approached the chief executive of Korea's Lotte Duty Free, one of the four duty-free retailers at Incheon International Airport, for a partnership to develop a new shopping and entertainment complex near Suvarnabhumi Airport.

In other words, Vichai has regained some confidence lost over the past one-and-a-half years following the September 2006 coup.

Cases filed by King Power Group of Companies seeking restoration of the two duty-free and commercial-retailing contracts previously terminated by Airports of Thailand (AOT) for a massive compensation of Bt67 billion, are pending in court.

Vichai hopes the ongoing dispute with the previous AOT board will be settled over the next few months so that he can come up with clear business plans for the second half of the year.

As a previous duty-free outlet operator at Don Mueang airport - now serving only domestic routes - King Power got its duty-free retailing contract extended when Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in late 2006.

In the commercial-retailing space, the company won the contract in a bidding where Central, Imperial, U Chuliang and DFS groups also took part.

Vichai hopes the country's political atmosphere will remain conducive for growth and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International and other related public and private sector bodies will join forces to promote the tourism sector.

In his opinion, good facilities for duty-free shopping are important for the country's competitiveness as a tourist destination, especially for emerging markets such as China.

In addition, the duty-free business has become a major source of income for new airports. For instance, Singapore's Changi international airport now earns 60 per cent of its income from non-aero activities, which includes a big chunk from duty-free shopping.

Changi was also ranked fourth in terms of duty-free sales, which are estimated to be more than US$400 million (Bt12.6 billion).

The latest statistics gathered by King Power show that London's Heathrow airport was the world's No 1, with duty-free sales estimated to be more than $900 million for 2006.

In second place is the United Arab Emirates' Dubai at more than $600 million.

Hong Kong International Airport and Suvarnabhumi plus Don Mueang were ranked tenth and 11th, respectively, with sales of more than $300 million.

In Thailand, non-aero activities generate only 40 per cent of AOT's income. Thus, it becomes necessary to boost revenues from duty-free retail outlets and other commercial non-aero activities.

Vichai said the government should also encourage hundreds of thousands of Thai students and workers returning from abroad to buy duty-free goods upon arrival in Thailand instead of buying them from abroad.

A little less noise, please

2008-04-19T22:40:00.000+07:00

In all likelihood Songkran revelry will hit its peak on this last day of the festival, with people out in the streets throwing water at one another, screaming with delight and probably dancing to upbeat tunes blaring from loudspeakers.

It is altogether possible that the whole of Thailand may be so engrossed in the water festival that few or none will realise that today is International Noise Awareness Day.

The campaign is aimed at making people aware of the harmful effects on people's health from exposure to excessive noise over a prolonged period of time. Of course, it is understandable if the event has hardly been heard of here in Thailand. Our country is known for being a land of sanuk where the fun-loving attitude is helped along with happy noise, be it music or just din. Especially in Bangkok, noise seems to be everywhere, in department stores and even at temples during fairs. Public parks are no exception. Instead of serving as oases of tranquility in this restless urbanity, many parks allow raucous activities to be held, most of which rely on the use of loudspeakers as if in competition with one another.

While a survey by the World Health Organisation some 10 years ago found that 21.4% of Bangkok's population who lived alongside roads suffered from "sensory neural hearing loss", there has been no comprehensive study on the extent of noise-related health problems in Thailand. A number of studies suggest that up to 70% of people may be suffering from some form of hearing disorder, oftentimes without them knowing it.

The undeniable truth, however, is that noise pollution, dubbed a modern plague, is a health hazard. According to WHO, excessive noise not only causes hearing loss but can also lead to such serious illnesses as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

It is estimated that safe noise levels for households should not exceed 50 to 55 decibel outdoors and 35dB indoors. This can be gauged against the mark that a normal conversation should register at about 60dB. Sounds louder than 85dB may damage your ears.

An exposure to noise levels of 100dB for longer than 15 minutes, and 103dB for more than seven minutes can trigger hearing loss.

The obvious problem, however, is how to know what level of noise you are hearing, or suffering from? While the police have a law against the use of loudspeakers in public places without prior approval from concerned agencies - which they can use against noise polluters - it is often only cited against protesters in the streets. Since there is no official rule that lets people know how much noise is acceptable or allowable at which time of day and in which particular area, people usually have to take the matter into their own hands. This irritation has led to a great many unnecessary disputes between neighbours, even murder.

The continuing dispute between inhabitants around Suvarnabhumi Airport and the authorities over aircraft noise is one example that this relatively new form of pollution has yet to be taken seriously. One argument against compensation for the affected groups is they will get used to it!

Studies, however, have shown that we actually don't. Our health suffers quietly. And it will decline gradually.

B73bn plan to expand airport

2008-04-19T22:37:00.000+07:00

The Transport Ministry is pushing ahead with expansion plans for Suvarnabhumi airport with 10 projects worth 73 billion baht.

At least two projects will be implemented this year, including the construction of the third runway and hiring of the Project Management Consultant group (PMC).

Other projects which include the construction of an automated people mover, car park and a noise pollution reduction scheme will be implemented over five years.

It was agreed that construction of a six billion baht domestic terminal at Suvarnabhumi should proceed. A source said the expansion scheme also sent a signal that the government was ready to close Don Mueang airport.

2nd phase expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport starts soon

2008-04-16T22:25:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK, April 16 (TNA) - Amid sharp increases in the number of passengers and airlines using the Thai capital's Suvarnabhumi airport, concerned authorities are now ready to implement the second phase of construction to enlarge the airport, a senior Airports of Thailand (AoT) official said Wednesday.

Somchai Sawasdipol, chairman of a working committee responsible for solving noise pollution at Suvarnabhumi airport, located in Bangkok's neighbouring province of Samut Prakan, said more than 42 million passengers used facilities at the airport in 2007 while its full capacity is at 45 million.

There is a need to expand the airport to cater to the rising demands of passengers and airlines, said Mr. Somchai. AoT will speed solving noise pollution at the airport and prepare for the phase 2 construction.

Designs for the taxiway for phase 2 are now prepared while a public hearing noise pollution from people living near the airport will be held before the construction begins, he said.

The AoT committee is expected to discuss on the noise pollution issue during its next meeting, Mr. Somchai said.

He said that there is an aviation law in Thailand which forbids both building construction and trees within seven kilometres of an airport, but it has not been respected, causing the AoT to pay a large amount of money as compensation to people living near airports in the past.

Expansion of Suvarnabhumi will see Thai airlines return

2008-04-11T11:44:00.000+07:00

Three Thai airlines, currently operating out of Don Mueang airport, are preparing to transfer their domestic services back to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Airline executives claimed that the initial move to Don Mueang was a result of inadequate resources at Suvarnabhumi.

However, the impending completion of the expansion project at Suvarnabhumi will attract the original defectors to return, according to the Thai News Agency.

National carrier THAI Airways is prepared to return, in support of their single airport policy for the benefit of customers. President Apinan Sumanaseni recognised that the shift of domestic operations for THAI could be completed without a fuss.

Budget carriers Nok Air and Orient Thai are also planning a return.

CEO of Nok Air, Patee Sarasin, acknowledged the willingness to return to Suvarnabhumi, but maintained that the shift is contingent upon improvement of the congestion problems and a commitment to escalating the airport’s flight capacity.

Udom Tantiprasongchai, CEO of Orient Thai, claimed that both Orient Thai and One-Two-Go have no individual preference, but required clarity on the government policy to prevent uncertainty.

He did add that the efficiency and adequate facilities at Suvarnabhumi provide strong incentives for carriers to operate from there.

Source = e-Travel Blackboard: N.K

What economic problems?

2008-04-10T21:17:00.000+07:00

A 16 per cent rise in Songkran air travel indicates revellers will party hearty despite the sluggish economy, reduced purchasing power and inflation

----------------------------------------------

An estimated 1.53 million people are expected to be flying through Bangkok's two airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, during the Songkran holiday season, an increase of more than 16 per cent year-on-year.

The rise indicates that the sluggish economy, reduced purchasing power and higher cost of living spurred by skyrocketing oil and food prices, are not dampening Songkran revellers' travel spirit.

For most employees the holiday runs from April 12-16 but many people are planning to extend their vacations right through April 20.

About 1.31 million people are expected to pass through Suvarnabhumi Airport from April 9-18, while 224,000 would go through Don Mueang in the same period, according to the Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT).

In other words, there would be 17,817 more passengers going through Suvarnabhumi each day during the period, and 4,420 more a day through Don Mueang.

The bulk of passenger traffic through Suvarnabhumi is on international flights, at 1.11 million, with 198,105 on domestic routes. All the passengers through Don Mueang are those on domestic flights operated by three carriers: Thai Airways International, Nok Airlines and One-Two-Go Airlines.

The three are adding 26 daily flights to their normal level of 140.

Carriers are adding 425 additional flights through Suvarnabhumi during the 10-day holiday period: 395 international and 30 domestic.

In total, Suvarnabhumi would be handling 7,785 take-offs and landings in the 10-day period, or 778 flights per day, up from 743 on a normal day.

China Eastern Airlines has requested the largest number of flights through Suvarnabhumi, up to 152 more during the holiday period.

The two busiest days for Suvarnabhumi would be April 12 and 17 when 104 and 76 extra flights were booked, respectively.

Thai AirAsia reports higher bookings for its flights in the forthcoming holiday season.

"This year's Songkran bookings are slightly better than the same period last year. Eventually, our flights will be full when the holidays come," TAA chief executive Tassapon Bijleveld said.

Hijacker take Biman Bangladesh Airline flight to Bangkok

2008-04-08T13:14:00.000+07:00

Bangkok - A hijacker on Tuesday forced a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Malaysia to land at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport, media reports said.

The hijacker, reportedly a Malay native, was taken into custody after the plane landed in Bangkok, said the Bangkok Post online news service.

The pilots first asked for an emergency landing at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok's new international airport, but airport officials asked them to land instead at Don Mueang, now a domestic airport.

The plane BG 042 reportedly carried about 40 to 50 passengers.(dpa)

Zip to the Airport

2008-04-08T13:12:00.001+07:00

Forget about battling through Bangkok traffic to catch your filght. From December you will be able to check in

at the City Air Terminal in Makkasan and even get your boarding pass

Riding a fast Skytrain to the airport will soon be a new lifestyle for outbound travellers. The long-awaited Airport Link will be functional by this December.

Travellers will have the option of checking in their luggage at the soon-to-be-opened City Air Terminal (CAT) in the Makkasan area before boarding the rapid train to Suvarnabhumi Airport with their carry-on bags.

The CAT, 270 metres by 70 metres, has three floors where passengers can board a train as well as check in, receive a boarding pass and leave their luggage on the third floor. The luggage will be transferred to their flight. The second floor will be for arriving passengers and the first a parking lot for 200 cars.

The luggage will be transferred by Suvarnabhumi Airport Express (SA-Express) and placed in a designated coach while passengers will board other coaches on the same train.

A source says the Makkasan Station is expected to be completed by October this year.

Finishing touches

The main structure is already finished. Workers are now decorating each floor, while the modern-style roof of the station is nearly complete. Motorists on the expressways near the station can already see the attractive design of the roof.

The four rail tracks for the SA-Express and Suvarnabhumi Airport City Line and another train serving commuters are well into construction.

The tracks will allow trains to reach speeds of up to 160kph. Express journeys will take 15 minutes and commuter trips 27 minutes.

The station is part of the Airport Rail Link Project, expected to be officially opened by December.

The estimated cost of the project is Bt25.9 billion.

Engineer Banchongsak Panthong said last month that 78.5 per cent of the construction had been completed and 82 per cent of electrical and mechanical work.

By Wannapa Phetdee

Daily Xpress

XTRA

Rail link

Express Service

>> Suvarnabhumi Airport - Makkasan (City

Air Terminal -

interchange with MRT Blue Line's Phetchaburi Station)

Commuter Service

>> Suvarnabhumi Airport - Lad Krabang - Thub Chang - Hua Mark - Ramkhamhaeng - Makkasan (City Air Terminal - interchange with MRT Blue Line's Phetchaburi Station) - Ratchaprarop - Phayathai (interchange with BTS Sukhumvit Line's Phayathai Station

Race to contain fire at garbage site near Suvarnabhumi Airport

2008-04-08T13:11:00.000+07:00

A blaze is continuing at a large garbage dump near Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport for the fourth day Monday.

More than 100 firefighting vehicles and heavy machinery were dispatched to fight the fire which had spread to over 80 rai (32 acres) around the garbage dump.

No casualties were reported so far, but firefighters were still battling the blaze.

Local authorities had ordered concerned agencies to contain the fire quickly for fear that smoke could disrupt air traffic operations.

Deputy transport minister hints at adopting single airport policy

2008-03-19T09:51:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK, March 17 (TNA) – Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri on Monday hinted at adopting a restored single metropolitan Bangkok airport policy, saying that three airlines operating at Don Mueang Airport at the moment will be shifted back to Suvarnabhumi Airport when its expansion project second phase is completed.

He revealed that newly-appointed board members of the Airports of Thailand would be invited to meet and discuss with him this week regarding the ministry's policy.

Initially, he said, the board would be asked to accelerate coping with urgent problems regarding varied inconvenience in services passengers had faced at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Regarding the use of Don Mueang Airport, Mr. Songsak said the ministry had a clear-cut policy to have a single airport in the country and gave the AoT's executives proper understanding on the matter.

In the future, the three air carriers operating at Don Mueang Airport -- Thai Airways International, One Two Go, and Nok Air -- will shift back their local flight services to Suvarnabhumi when its second expansion phase is completely implemented.

"All airlines will be shifted back to Suvarnabhumi when the airport expansion project is completely carried out. Then, Don Mueang Airport will be used in various proposed forms, such as a maintenance and repair centre or an aviation show centre," he said.

Aviation Department director general Chaisak Angkasuwan said the single airport policy is the most suitable for the country's aviation system.

He said the department had enquired of all airlines about the single airport policy and received a common view that it is the approach that could give passengers the most convenience. (TNA)-E005

THAI set to co-operate with Indonesian national carrier

2008-03-19T09:50:00.000+07:00

The flag carriers of Thailand and Indonesia are launching a co-operation initiative to strengthen competitiveness with regional low-cost carriers.

Thai Airways International president Apinan Sumanaseni and Garuda Indonesia chief executive Emirsyah Satar on Monday led executives in reaching co-operation deals to create win-win benefits for both parties, they said.

Part of the co-operation would involve Garuda feeding traffic to THAI's more extensive network, especially to Europe, where all Indonesian-registered aircraft have been banned since last July as the European Union declared them unsafe.

THAI serves several major European cities and other destinations in China where Garuda sees potential to transfer traffic from its own network. THAI executive vice-president Pandit Chanapai and his Garuda counterpart, Agus Priyanto, were concerned about the expansion of low-cost carriers, especially AirAsia, and agreed to work together to defend their market shares.

The carriers would share information and experience on LCCs in order to come up with ways to battle them, said Mr Pandit.

One of the battlegrounds is the Bangkok-Jakarta route, where AirAsia is adding a second daily flight on April 1 to capitalise on growing traffic.

THAI is countering this by adding three more flights a week on the route on March 29, raising total weekly frequencies to 10. All use wide-body Airbus 300 aircraft.

Mr Pandit said the cabin factor on THAI's Bangkok-Jakarta flight was currently averaging 80%.

Garuda's Mr Agus said the airline planned to put its daily Jakarta-Bangkok flight, which arrives very late at night, on an earlier schedule. Designed to attract more passengers, the change could take effect as soon as November.

Garuda's load factor on the Jakarta-Bangkok route is only 60% due to the poor timing. The airline also faced an aircraft capacity constraint, Mr Agus explained.

Other areas of co-operation cover sales, the use of THAI's lounges at Suvarnabhumi Airport for Garuda passengers, and a broader use of THAI's ground handling services at Suvarnabhumi. The talks did not cover a code-share agreement but executives of both airlines did not rule out the possibility in the future.

THAI shares closed yesterday on the SET at 28.50 baht, down 25 satang, in trade worth 57.88 million baht.

Angry taxi drivers protest at Suvarnabhumi

2008-03-16T00:06:00.001+07:00

A group of protesting cab drivers who gathered at Suvarnabhumi airport at 12:20am this morning to protest so-called "black licence taxis" agreed to disperse after negotiations with the police.

Scores of taxi drivers gathered outside the departures terminal shouting "Get out!", referring to the unlicensed taxis they say have been stealing their fares from the new airport.

At 12:40am, a police officer arrived to talk to representatives of the protesters, vowing to bring the matter to the attention of the Airports of Thailand. He also promised that the police will not take legal action against the protesters.

After the group was asked to select five representatives to meet with the police officer again on Friday, the group agreed at 1am to call off their protest.

PM visits local market in Cambodia

2008-03-04T13:16:00.000+07:00

Prime minister Samak Sundaravej asked for some time alone this morning, on his second and final day of an official visit to Cambodia.

Mr Samak,a keen chef and culinary expert, reportedly nipped off to a local market in Phnom Penh to observe the atmosphere there. According to a local paper, the Thai premier spend over an hour at the market before returning to his hotel.

On Monday, he met with Cambodian leader Hun Sen to discuss bilateral issues, including Thai assistance to Cambodia in the constructin of transportation routes in the future.

Mr Samak is due back in Thailand on Thai Airways International flight TG 697 expected to land at Suvarnabhumi airport at 11a.m.

Safe and secure?

2008-03-04T13:14:00.000+07:00

Security for the former prime minister is tight and he is guarded around the clock amid fears for his safety, reports Surasak Tumcharoen.

Thaksin Shinawatra and his son, Panthongtae, were escorted by bodyguards and close aides to the Supreme Court, where the former prime minister heard corruption charges in connection with the Ratchadaphisek land deal on Feb 28.

One of the reasons deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra gave for deciding to return home after 17 months of self-imposed exile was homesickness. He said on the day he returned that there was nowhere in the world that he and his family feel happy like in Thailand.

But is he really happy?

Since his return, Mr Thaksin has been guarded by a large security force and has to keep his whereabouts secret amid fears of being assassinated.

Mr Thaksin flew Thai International from Hong Kong to Suvarnabhumi international airport and was ushered into the passenger terminal for a routine customs check. He then stepped out to an open space to pay homage to his motherland by bowing to the ground before greeting the hundreds of people and members of the press outside the building.

Security measures for the former prime minister went unnoticed and were carried out in a strict and foolproof fashion, which was unusual for a man who had cited safety reasons, besides other reasons, for not having come home earlier.

Security for Mr Thaksin, who has repeatedly claimed he has washed his hands of politics and says he prefers to live and die in his motherland, has remained tight and unrelenting since the possibility of the former prime minister being assassinated could not be ruled out, according to one of his close aides.

Although unconfirmed reports about missing rifles from an army unit, which could possibly be used by snipers, were immediately dismissed by Metropolitan Police commander Assawin Kwanmuang, Mr Thaksin's close aides cannot afford to be careless and have maintained maximum security for their boss.

Hundreds of riot police, in uniform and plain clothes, have been on watch around the places Mr Thaksin has visited. They are on the lookout for possible assailants, including snipers hiding on rooftops or taking aim through windows in buildings. In addition to these "official" police units, dozens of plain clothes police and military officers have been working 24 hours a day to form an inner ring of bodyguards around the former prime minister.

While a dozen plain clothes Special Branch policemen mingled with the hundreds who came to cheer Mr Thaksin at Suvarnabhumi airport and outside the Supreme Court and the Office of the Attorney-General when he showed up to apply for bail, the "inner ring" of his security detail scanned the areas as though they were double-checking with the "official" security teams.

Mr Thaksin and his family chose not to stay at their residence in the Bang Phlad area, which is said to be under renovation. But it is widely understood in security circles that the house was not considered 100% safe for the ex-premier.

At the Peninsula Hotel on the Thon Buri side of the city, both police in uniform and the "inner ring" around the ex-prime minister maintained top security measures, not only inside the five-star hotel but along Charoen Nakhon road as well as on the Chao Phraya river banks where the luxury hotel is situated.

Road checkpoints were set up in the day and even at night while marine police patrolled the river throughout the two days that Mr Thaksin and his family stayed at the hotel, which is owned by Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phathraprasit.

On the 35th floor of the hotel, bodyguards took turns guarding Mr Thaksin around the clock while his wife Khunying Potjaman and their three children stayed on the 33rd and 34th floors. They booked a dozen Grand Deluxe Suite rooms with each costing up to 160,000 baht per night. The entire hotel area was off-limits to the press and other outsiders who did not look like foreign guests.

Mr Thaksin quietly checked out of the Peninsula Hotel on Saturday morning and headed for an undisclosed destination accompanied by his bodyguards and close aides.

Mr Thaksin is believed to be staying at either a safe house in a classy part of the Sathorn area or at another house owned by a little-known relative.

For mainly security reasons, the former prime minister - who insists he has been unduly and groundlessly accused of various misconduct and corruption charges by an assets probe committee set up by the military junta - has decided to keep himself in a safe hide-out and remain out of reach of the press and possible assailants for the time being.

His close aides suggested that Mr Thaksin should not turn himself into a sitting duck for a possible sniper, so he has been obliged to keep changing addresses.

He had been scheduled to play golf with some leading figures who worked in his administration, plus pretty singer Saranrat "Lidia" Wisuthithada, at a course in the Bang Bor area of Samut Prakan, but Mr Thaksin was forced to call it off after his security men spotted an army of reporters and photographers at the venue.

Security for Mr Thaksin at the Supreme Court where he is scheduled to attend the first hearing in a lawsuit surrounding the controversial Ratchadaphisek land deal on Mar 12 as well as during his planned trip to his home province of Chiang Mai is expected to remain as tight and unrelenting as ever.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung was said to have steered Mr Thaksin out of possible harm's way after he had met a group of people, who some think may have been involved in a conspiracy, following a foiled bombing attempt near his home a few years ago.

Mr Chalerm said Mr Thaksin was not afraid of being physically harmed in any conspiracy, as the former prime minister was once a police officer. But few would agree.

Thai FM denies rumor about former premier Thaksin's immediate return

2008-02-14T17:12:00.001+07:00

BANGKOK, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama on Thursday denied rumors that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra is scheduled to return to Thailand on Valentine's Day.

"From what I know, he will not return today," Noppadon, former chief legal adviser of Thaksin and his family said in a radio program.

However, he did not elaborate Thaksin's exact schedule for return to Thailand.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee also denied the rumor. The former government spokesman of Thaksin government said the deposed prime minister has not contacted him about the return.

Earlier, local newspapers reported Thaksin, who was ousted during a military coup in 2006, is currently in Singapore and will take a morning flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport of Bangkok on Thursday.

Saprang quits AoT board, others follow

2008-02-14T17:09:00.000+07:00

Saprang: `Under no pressure to quit'

All but one member of the Airports of Thailand (AoT) board tendered their resignations yesterday, paving the way for the Samak government to appoint a new executive board. Fourteen members led by board chairman Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr requested that their resignation take effect today.

Only AoT president Chana U-sathaporn remains as a board member and a general assembly of shareholders will be held on March 14 to select a new board.

Gen Saprang insisted he had not been under pressure to step down as board chairman, saying his resignation was good timing and that it did not affect the agency.

''I do not regret anything I did in my capacity as board chairman over the past year,'' he said.

He defended the slump in revenues of AoT, saying it was not a failure of management. He said the decrease was partly due to the conflict with King Power Plc, the operator of duty-free shops and commercial areas at Suvarnabhumi airport. ''My decisions have not been based on any negative attitudes towards the company. I do not have the power to tamper [with the AoT's and the firm's operations],'' he said.

Chirmsak Pinthong, AoT board member and spokesman, yesterday warned the next board against making changes to the Saprang board's decisions.

He said the outgoing board has tried to correct the wrongs and has agreed to a proposal to impose noise charges upon the airlines using Suvarnabhumi airport.

Mr Chirmsak asked the new board to study the proposal which is aimed at encouraging airlines to switch to low noise-emitting aircraft and setting up a fund to compensate residents affected by aircraft noise.

He said there are two options for noise charges imposed on airlines _ the charges will depend on the amount of aircraft noise or on the period of take-off and landing.

Vice ACM Chana said the board has approved the noise charges in principle, and that AoT's management has yet to work out the details for submission to the new board.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Santi Prompat said the ministry will speed up construction of a third runway to accommodate traffic following repairs of the eastern runway.

A 2,000-metre length of the eastern runway is being closed for repairs for 50 days as surface damage over a long distance has been found.

The damage stretches for 600 metres out of the total 4,000 metres of the eastern runway.

Mr Santi added that Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee has volunteered to work to shore up the image of Suvarnabhumi airport.

''We will use every means we can including marketing to erase the bad image. The airport has a lot of advantages,'' said Mr Santi.

The third runway project worth 7.1 billion baht is part of the second phase of Suvarnabhumi airport's development which covers five years under a budget of 48.12 billion baht.

Spa experience @ swimming pool at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

2008-02-14T17:08:00.000+07:00

The Vous Spa at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel now offers a new experience “Spa at Swimming Pool”, the outdoor pool located on the 2nd floor of west wing in magnificent view of skyline with its form surrounded by a lush tropical garden style and state-of-the-art pool bar service which make feeling like being at the resort.

The Vous Spa is a luxurious originally urban spa from France, provides professional standard services along with the Decléor product. Vous Spa is located on the second floor of west wing, offering a wide huge of traditional Thai massages for your preference include body massage, body treatment relaxing with aroma therapy. There are 7 private rooms with individually a double bed, Jacuzzi and shower also in room. Open service daily 7.30am–midnight.

‘Spa at Swimming Pool’ is a new service offering the most popular types of Thai massage therapy including body massage, foot massage and back & shoulder massage. Our therapist will make you feel aligns the energies of the body using pressure on specific points, includes compressions and stretches. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion.

Thai massage 60 minutes is Baht 1,200++
Thai foot massage 60 minutes is Baht 1,000++
Back & shoulder massage 30 minutes is Baht 800++

Bring yourself relax, restore & revitalize with massage therapy at swimming pool. Time available from 2.30pm to 6.00pm.

King Power back in business

2008-02-01T11:44:00.000+07:00

Chiang Rai _ The Civil Court has ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT) to let King Power International Group resume business at Suvarnabhumi pending a decision on their dispute.

AoT earlier cancelled its contracts with King Power, the operator of duty-free shops and commercial areas at the airport, for alleged irregularities in the contracting process. The firm filed a counter lawsuit with the Civil Court and sought damages of 68 billion baht.

The court's injunction, issued on Wednesday and released yesterday, said the firm must be allowed to operate until a ruling is made in their dispute.

It also prohibited AoT and its executives from giving press interviews that might affect King Power's operations.

AoT has ordered King Power's eviction from duty-free outlets and commercial shopping space at the airport.

The contracts ran into problems early last year after the AoT board accused King Power of breaching the public-private joint-venture law.

It said King Power had concealed information to keep the official investment in each of its two commercial developments at the airport under one billion baht to avoid proper scrutiny.

The court also instructed King Power to pay about three billion baht to the AoT, which has not received any revenue from the company since the airport opened.

Travel businesses urge coalition to act

2008-01-31T20:37:00.000+07:00

Tourism operators called on the new coalition government to address lingering problems that have harmed the sector relative to regional neighbours.

Chanin Donavanik, the president of the Thai Hotels Association, said tourism operators hoped that the new tourism minister would be experienced in the industry, and would be able to address existing problems properly.

"We're pinning hopes on the new government after having had a lot of problems in the past 15-16 months with the interim government. That's why we don't want to waste time anymore," he said.

The new government should promote long-term, sustainable growth for the entire industry. Big-spending projects such as the Night Safari and Royal Flora Ratchaphruek in Chiang Mai should have continuing activities to draw more tourists.

They also urged the government to adequately fund the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote the country both locally and in markets abroad.

Prakit Chinamourpong, the THA's vice-president, said the government should also improve security at Suvarnabhumi airport. "Safety is a very sensitive issue for tourists. The report that a break-in by a Burmese stowaway in Suvarnabhumi Airport ... was a question of safety standards for Thailand," he said.

Tourism leaders also pressed the government to address continuing problems at Suvarnabhumi and called for a second runway to ease overcrowding.

Mr Chanin noted that hotels and tourism-related operators would face challenges this year due mainly to the impact of the US sub-prime mortgage crisis and rising oil prices.

The global and Thai economies would be affected by a US recession. This would hurt the tourism sector and cause tourists to suspend their travel plans.

"We have to work harder and the pricing strategy will work to attract tourists in some cases. Competition will get tougher as more five-star hotels will be opened with an additional 15,000 rooms this year," he said.

Suvarnabhumi must be fixed

2008-01-31T20:33:00.000+07:00

The incoming government has a lot on its plate, and a lot of special-interest groups pushing their pet projects. But for a number of good reasons, Prime Minister-designate Samak Sundaravej and his cabinet-in-waiting need to put an urgent item on their primary to-do list.

The problems at Suvarnabhumi airport are beginning to unravel. The traveling public seem to be at risk, the airport employees are unhappy, and the taxpayer is uninformed, puzzled about how this most high-level status symbol has gone so wrong. After 15 months of periodic reports of carelessness, incompetence and possibly worse, the news just keeps getting worse. Last week, a Burmese refugee somehow walked into the heavily restricted, supposedly guarded areas where the jetliners park. Yesterday, reporters of this newspaper detailed the astounding fact that almost a third of the lights at the airport are out. One could be excused for wondering just whether this expensive, showpiece, gateway to Thailand is reliable at all. At the rate airport equipment, services and security are deteriorating, Suvarnabhumi seems to be taking shape as a gigantic white elephant.

The worst problem is airport security. The public, the airlines and numerous foreign embassies and organisations are close to the end of their patience. There has been no accounting and little explanation of how a Burmese man strolled onto an empty Turkish Airlines jet inside a supposedly high-security parking area. Authorities explained they were unable to determine what happened because the 27-year-old refugee had given conflicting accounts of his actions. To call this account unprofessional is kind. No imagination is necessary to realise the extreme danger to life, limb and property of such carelessness.

Yet, airport director Sereerat Prasutanont said he didn't know if the man broke through a fence, hid in a supply vehicle, or mingled with airport workers. That means he believes a would-be terrorist gang, for example, could use any of these methods.

Airports of Thailand has admitted poor security on several occasions, last July for example. That was when AoT could not make up its mind how to improve airport security, beyond yet another reprimand to the Loxley-ICTS consortium responsible for the lack of protection. Most international airlines, untrusting of the AoT facilities, perform their own security checks on passengers. But this is no confidence builder. As a Burmese refugee showed, a violent person or gang bent on mayhem can easily penetrate the airport and airplanes.

The irony of the Burmese man's intrusion was soon clear. Mr Sereerat assured the public that his staff would increase security measures. He promised more patrols and better lighting to spot any future intruders.

That was two days before the airport admitted that the lights were going off all over the airport. Some 2,000 of the 7,200 bulbs are burnt out or broken, and not a baht is available to buy new ones. So for the immediate future at least, the chances of better security at Suvarnabhumi have become darker _ literally.

Normally, travellers would overlook the niggling, maddening things that go wrong at Suvarnabhumi. But many of these have been mismanaged beyond description _ and too often, there have been cynical reactions, and suspicions that money is changing hands under the table. The so-called ''black licence'' taxis operate under obvious protection of certain authorities _ unregulated, unmetered and a known hazard to life and limb. Contrary to assurances before the airport opened, there are indescribably long lines at immigration counters, but fewer than a third are staffed; again, there is supposedly no budget.

As the old saw goes: ''The whole world is watching.'' The airport clearly suffered from major corruption while it was built. Contractors cut too many corners. Successive governments opened the facility before it was ready. Suvarnabhumi is not only a gateway to Thailand, but the Thai gateway to the world. It can take a few weeks for an airport to gain a worldwide reputation as unsafe and badly managed. It would take years to reverse such an impression.

Suvarnabhumi deserves to be on the new government's priority list for urgent attention. The safety of millions and the country's reputation are at stake.

High-flying radials

2008-01-18T10:43:00.000+07:00

With Saraburi being home to one of only three Michelin aircraft-tyre plants in the world, we decided to ask a senior executive about the Kingdom's place in the firm's global sales strategy and learn some facts about an SUV radial looking like a children's toy

Welcome to the world of the aircraft tyre.

If it's the in-trend Airbus A380, which clipped a wing tip at Suvarnabhumi last September, then we're talking some staggering specs. The tyres for this massive airliner have a diameter of 54 inches; the largest ones we in Motoring have ever encountered are the 32- to 35-inchers used on 4x4, off-road vehicles.

The radials for the A380 suck in 220 pounds per square inch (psi) of pure nitrogen so that moisture doesn't cling to the 850,000-baht rims when the plane's flying at 35,000 feet. (As well as inhibiting corrosion, nitrogen won't support combustion should an explosion occur in mid-air.). Compare that to a puny psi of 30 for your average land vehicle.

The A380 has 10 pairs of tyres. At an estimated price tag per radial of 204,000 baht, that brings the bill for tyres alone to a cool 4.08 million baht. Each tyre is normally expected to carry a load of up to 34,000kg, but should its partner fail it can bear double that weight. The load capacity of a car tyre ranges from 500 to 1,300kg and it can cost anywhere between 5,000 and 20,000 baht for a set of four.

"The nomenclature is totally different for aircraft and automobile tyres. I have no idea what 205/60 R15 means because I've never sold a car tyre in my life," said Gabe Gajdatsy, sales and marketing director (Asia-Pacific) for Michelin Aircraft Tire Asia Ltd.

"The three basic ways of identifying an aircraft tyre are by diameter, width and rim size."

While car and aircraft tyres have "the same basic structure and methodology, such as nylon components and plys", Gajdatsy memorably compared the latter to "an earthmover tyre travelling at F1 [Formula 1] speed".

Michelin, the first firm to introduce aircraft radials back in 1981, leads the four key market segments of the aviation industry: commercial airplanes on international routes; on regional routes; general aviation (private/corporate planes); and military aircraft. The lion's share of the market for the last two categories comes from North America.

"Michelin is in on every new aircraft programme in the market. We're either the market leader or sole supplier. But Thailand isn't a big market."

But the fact that Gajdatsy, a German-born American, has been posted here for the past seven years overseeing markets from Japan to New Zealand, India and China, speaks volumes about the Thailand's significance.

Michelin has designated the Kingdom as the manufacturing centre for its Asia-Pacific operations, which means that its plant in Nong Khae, Saraburi supplies the needs of the entire region with the exception of tyres for military aircraft, which have to be imported.

Unlike the auto industry, which is close to saturation in most parts of Europe and North America (although there is still untapped potential in the Asia-Pacific), the aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth worldwide. For each of the past three years, both Boeing and Airbus have received orders for in excess of 1,000 new planes.

"The backlog in airplane manufacturing has been pushed out until 2016 or 2017," Gajdatsy revealed.

Geo-political events such as 9/11 didn't have a long-term effect on orders for new airplanes; the health scares caused by Sars and avian flu apparently did a lot more damage to the travel market.

Shifting gears back to Thailand, the Nong Khae plant is one of only three Michelin aircraft-tyre plants in the world, the others being located in the US and Europe.

"Thailand provides customer support, logistics and accounting divisions for the Asia-Pacific, with only Japan and Australia being autonomous, but all logistic supply, marketing and long-term vision planning comes from Thailand," Gajdatsy explained.

Given the high cost, most commercial airliners don't buy radials outright. Instead, they opt for various leasing programmes - one of which is called "lease tread", whereby the carrier is charged on the basis of how many landings a tyre has been used for - while Michelin retains ownership of the product.

Aircraft tyres are built specifically for durability but their high natural-rubber content - roughly 30 to 35% - means that they adhere well to surfaces. By contrast, features in automobile radials like the side walls, tread grooves, ribs and shoulder are designed for maximum grip and surface contact in a variety of conditions.

"Airplane-tyre development costs millions. And for it to do what it does day in and day out for 300 landings, an airplane tyre has to have as much technology as any component [in its ground-based counterpart]," said Gajdatsy.

Since the certification process for a particular model of airplane covers all its parts, there is little need for tyre product launches, marketing campaigns or test runs by the media.

"The emphasis is on ground-water dissipation for airports like Suvarnabhumi and Hong Kong but the challenge is to disperse [evenly distribute] wear [across the whole tyre]. It's not made for grip but for durability and [coping with] sudden bursts of energy."

On the subject of maintenance, Gajdatsy had this to say: "We recommend tyre-pressure checks every morning. Anywhere between one and two per cent above or below affects the life of a tyre and will accelerate wear on its shoulders or centre."

In cars, rolling resistance - the energy consumed by a tyre per unit of distance travelled, which is expressed in kilogrammes per tonne - is a factor determining savings in fuel. But the focus is different with airplanes since they require so much more energy to brake.

On a concluding note we asked Gajdatsy what challenges he foresaw Michelin having to face in the immediate future. Juggling mitigation of the firm's environmental and social responsibilities with increased demand for its radials was the gist of his answer:

"We develop technology for longer-lasting tyres, to keep our product on the airplane longer and, by lessening demand on the manufacturing side, to reduce consumption. Yet we also have to build more capacity as the market grows. It's a double-edged sword."

-----------

10 questions for Gajdatsy

- What is your favourite car?

I have a fondness for the Mercedes-Benz 450 SL (W107) from the '70s. It has an engine which you can look at and understand. It's small but has a big-car feel to it.

- Favourite airplane?

The Boeing 314 Yankee Clipper float plane [seaplane] which Pan America used to open up the South Pacific aviation market. It introduced air travel to the masses although it carried only 30 people.

- Favourite politician?

Abraham Lincoln [1809-65; 16th president of the US]. As I grow older I'm trying to better understand the dynamics of the United States; what makes it work; why it didn't fall apart - as it could have done - as it was creating itself.

President Lincoln never made things complicated. He came from a simple background. He never aspired to the high office, where he finally ended up, but when he was given the responsibility he never shirked it - and ultimately he paid the price.

- Favourite pastime?

Anything that's outside ... hiking, skiing, sailing, etc.

- Favourite author?

Isaac Asimov [Russian-born, US science-fiction author; 1920-92].

- Favourite restaurant in Thailand?

The Dome [63rd floor of the State Tower, off Silom Road].

- Favourite athlete?

James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens [1913-80; African-American track and field athlete who won four gold medal at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin].

- Favourite movie ?

A Midsummer Night's Dream [released in 1999; based on the Shakespeare play, it starred Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer and Stanley Tucci].

- Greatest achievement?

My kids.

- If you were in charge of automotive policy in Thailand for a day, what would you do?

I'd give incentives to all carmakers and motorists to make and buy eco-friendly cars to reduce dependency on crude oil. (You should have heard what he had in mind for aviation policy!)

Six groups to blame for King Power contract

2008-01-14T12:39:00.000+07:00

AoT investigation uncovers irregularities

Airports of Thailand's (AoT) investigation committee has found six groups of people were involved in irregularities in the awarding of a contract to King Power Suvarnabhumi Co to run commercial space at Suvarnabhumi airport. The investigation team has confirmed that King Power Suvarnabhumi, a firm under King Power International Group, acquired the commercial space contract from AoT without undergoing scrutiny required under the Public-Private Joint Venture Act.

The law requires in-depth scrutiny of every state project worth one billion baht or more.

AoT board spokesman Chirmsak Pinthong said AoT will inform the company in writing that the contract is invalid.

AoT will then proceed to petition the Office of the Attorney-General to evict the company from the commercial space it occupies at Suvarnabhumi.

King Power Suvarnabhumi operates commercial areas at the new airport, while King Power Duty Free Co runs the duty-free shops.

The investigation team, headed by former national police chief Pol Gen Pratin Santiprabhob, has named in its report six groups of people allegedly involved in the contract irregularities.

The first group was the previous AoT board, chaired by then transport permanent secretary Srisook Chandrangsu, which awarded the contract to the company, allegedly breaching the joint venture law, said the report.

The second was the board's sub-committee to run and develop general affairs in the airport.

The investigation team accused the sub-committee of acting beyond its authority by allowing the company to build the City Garden building outside the airport's passenger terminal, which is not stated in the terms of reference.

The third was the AoT's revenue-handling committee, which is accused of negligence after allowing the company to make use of more space than indicated in the contract. It did not try to charge the company for using the extra area.

The fourth group included the committee which received the bids for the contract and the committee which selected the bidders.

The investigation panel said the company's bidding document had been tampered in a way that put AoT at a disadvantage. Also, nobody in the two committees could say where the missing important documents were being kept, the investigation team said.

The fifth group was King Power Suvarnabhumi and its management.

The AoT investigation committee alleged King Power Suvarnabhumi had concealed information to keep the official investment of the commercial space development below one billion baht, to avoid scrutiny under the Public-Private Joint Venture Act.

The sixth group was the consortium of consultant companies appointed by the old AoT board. The investigation team alleged these advisers tried to estimate the investment value of the project, which was not allowed under the contract. They also tried to put the investment cost below one billion baht, the investigation team said in its report.

The investigators also noted that then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as chairman of a committee overseeing the development of Suvarnabhumi, and the transport minister and transport permanent secretary at that time might have been aware of contract irregularities

News from : Bangkok Post

AoT to evict King Power from airport after contract breaches

2008-01-10T23:48:00.001+07:00

Airports of Thailand (AoT) will take legal action to evict King Power from the commercial space it occupies at Suvarnabhumi airport.

AoT board spokesman Chirmsak Pinthong said the board's investigation committee headed by former national police chief Pol Gen Pratin Santiprabhob had confirmed that King Power Suvarnabhumi Co, a firm under King Power International Group, had acquired the commercial space contract from AoT without undergoing scrutiny required under the Public-Private Joint Venture Act. The law requires in-depth scrutiny of every state project worth a billion baht or more. King Power Suvarnabhumi operates other commercial areas at the new airport, while King Power Duty Free Co runs the duty-free shops.

The AoT committee alleged King Power Suvarnabhumi had concealed information to keep the official investment of the commercial space development below one billion baht, to avoid scrutiny under the Public-Private Joint Venture Act law.

The AoT board reached the resolution in its meeting in Chiang Rai on Tuesday.

Mr Chirmsak said the AoT would talk to the Office of the Attorney-General about the possibility of evicting King Power from Suvarnabhumi airport.

King Power Duty Free would also be evicted. The AoT board has accused it of acquiring its duty-free shops contract by evading the joint venture law in a similar fashion.

Any legal action must be filed by March or AoT could lose the right to expel King Power Duty Free Co under a one-year statute of limitations.

AoT will also demand compensation from the two King Power companies and urge the National Counter Corruption Commission to prosecute.

The AoT board also plans to terminate the contract of Thai Airports Ground Services Co (Tags) which operates the customs-free cargo zone at Suvarnabhumi airport.

The board claims Tags sets its service fees too high, and violated its contract by sub-leasing part of the zone to a restaurant operator.

Heavy fog temporarily disrupts Suvarnabhumi traffic

2008-01-10T23:47:00.001+07:00

SAMUT PRAKAN, Jan 9 (TNA) – Heavy fog disrupted air traffic at Suvarnabhumi International airport Wednesday morning, forcing aircraft to land at other airports.

Serirat Prasutanond, Suvarnabhumi airport director, said heavy fog, suddenly formed when heating weather rapidly passed over cool temperature, blanketed Suvarnabhumi and its environs at 7am Wednesday.

"The fog cut visibility. An international airliner had to land at Chiang Mai International airport instead, while three domestic flights landed at Don Mueang and Utapao airport," Mr. Serirat said.

The fog lifted about an hour later, dissipating and allowing flights to resume normal landing as normal.

The airport director said it is necessary to closely monitor weather changes to ensure security for both aircraft and passengers. (TNA)-E110

Suvarnabhumi residents to petition UN

2007-12-28T22:51:00.000+07:00

Airports of Thailand's Chiang Mai office is investigating a complaint from German businessman Rainer Gassenschmidt about broken and dislodged roof tiles on his house he said were caused by Thai Airways International flight TG 110 flying too low on Dec 12.

Irate residents affected by aircraft noise around Suvarnabhumi airport say they plan to petition the United Nations next Thursday.

They say there has been no progress in implementing the plan agreed by the government and the tripartite committee to compensate and assist them.

Wanchat Manathamsombat, the residents' leader, said they want the world community to know about their ordeal and how they have been neglected by the government.

Mr Wanchat said the residents decided they would petition the UN after the New Year when the cabinet failed to consider assistance earlier this week.

This showed the Transport Ministry and the other agencies were not sincere in their promises.

Transport Ministry officials had told the residents to wait for the next cabinet meeting on Jan 3, Mr Wanchat said.

Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said the ministry would put its plan to assist aircraft-noise affected residents to the economic ministers' screening committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiemras.

If the committee approved the plan, it would be presented to the cabinet for approval.

Details needing cabinet approval include zones affected by aircraft noise, entitlements of residents who moved in after airport construction began in 2001, and compensation criteria.

Transport permanent secretary Chaisa-wat Kittipornpaibul said after a meeting with residents' representatives that problems with documents and procedures had prevented officials from buying houses and paying compensation.

For this reason, residents were being asked to wait for a while, as negotiations on compensation were time consuming.

A source in the Transport Ministry said it expected the residents to eventually file complaints with the Administrative Court, which is one of the options that would help to quickly end the compensation dispute.

Residents of Chiang Mai's Mae Hia district, home to the city's airport, already plan to petition the Administrative Court to order compensation for the damage caused to their roofs by aircraft noise.

The residents claim Thai Airways International flight TG 110 flew too low over their houses on Dec 12 and the vibrations from the plane damaged their rooftops.

German businessman Rainer Gassenschmidt and his wife Supaporn have filed a complaint with the Chiang Mai office of Airports of Thailand office on behalf of residents of Nimmannoradee housing estate, which is under the airport flight path.

Mrs Supaporn said the complaint was lodged a fortnight ago, but they have still to receive any response from AoT.

Source : Bangkokpost

Airport-area residents seek halt to flights

2007-12-06T23:03:00.000+07:00

Residents affected by noise pollution around Suvarnabhumi airport filed a lawsuit at the Administrative Court, asking it to ban air traffic at the airport between 10pm and 5am.

About 50 residents went to the court on Wednesday morning, saying that the period should be their rest time.

Chaisak Angsuwan, director-general of the Aviation Department, admitted that Thai economics especially aviation business will be greatly affected if the court grants the residents emergency protection and bans the air traffic between the time.

Airport of Thailand (AOT) chief executive Chana U-sathaporn said he was worried.. The matter will be brought into a board meeting on Thursday for urgent discussion.

Air Marshal Chana insisted AOT is not neglecting the complaints of residents, adding that it is willing to pay them compensation if new studies show they should have higher payment.

He said AOT has set aside a budget of about 3 to 4 billion baht or so to cover the compensation cost.

The airport debate

2007-12-06T22:52:00.000+07:00

I can understand Thai Airways International's refusal to return to Don Mueang. Their investment at Suvarnabhumi is heavy. On the other hand, I can understand that a split between domestic and international flights is highly impractical for travellers.

I also realise that many travellers would love to use Don Mueang again. I have used Suvarnabhumi once and all I can say is that it is hugely impractical in all respects. Parking is far away, walking distances in the building are enormous, architecture is cold and the long concrete corridor near the gates is claustrophobia-inducing. Reminds me of a bomb shelter.

As Suvarnabhumi is doomed to be a white elephant, it would be a smart move to return all passenger operations to an updated and improved Don Mueang and convert Suvarnabhumi to a cargo-only airport. This would be a very logical solution as the Eastern Seaboard is not only highly industrialised, but is also home to Thailand's largest deep-sea port not far away.

W STREULI

----------

The stem cell debate

I read with interest the article on "The stem cell debate" and, once again, the major ethical and moral issue in the stem cell debate is allowing people without basic scientific knowledge to write about stem cells.

From the article, it is intentionally unclear what type of stem cells we are talking about! Is it embryonic stem cells, fetal stem cells or adult stem cells from the person's own bone marrow, own umbilical cord blood, or own peripheral blood?

The first two categories of embryonic and fetal stem cells respectively raise ethical and moral concerns, and if the article is about those, then it should be clearly stated from the beginning. At all times when the public is addressed, the author must clearly define what kinds of stem cells are being debated to avoid confusion and conscious or unconscious misleading of the readers - unless the aim of the article is indeed to create confusion!

We develop from one single totipotent stem cell and our human body harbours adult stem cells since the first day of our lives and into long age. Those adult stem cells participate in the homeostasis of all our tissues and organs, aiding and promoting repair and regeneration. Initially and immediately at birth, blood from the umbilical cord can be collected and adult stem cells can be separated and cryo-preserved in the form of umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells. Those UCB stem cells are the source most readily available worldwide without pain or risk for the involved parties, most cost-effective and without ethical considerations.

Other stem cell sources available throughout life are the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) as a G-CSF stimulated extension of the former. Today, an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 hematopoietic stem cell transplants (blood or marrow transplants BMT), using predominantly autologous (patient's own) and related allogeneic (from within the patient's family) rather than unrelated allogeneic (unrelated donor), are performed annually worldwide to treat patients with life-threatening malignant and non-malignant diseases. Sixty per cent of all bone marrow transplants worldwide are autologous (patient's own stem cells) and similarly 80% of all allogeneic transplants come from within the greater family of the patient.

Cord blood stem cells have now surpassed the use of bone marrow and peripheral blood according to the April 2007 issue of the British Journal of Hematology. In Thailand, 80% of all transplants in children between 1997 and 2005 were either autologous or related allogeneic; that means either the patient's own stem cells or stem cells from within the family - the reason being tissue compatibility.

Our bone marrow is a magnificent factory regularly and constantly renewing the constituents of our blood system throughout life and increasingly appears to be a reservoir of immature cells that possibly take part in various regenerative and repair functions in our body.

Decreased levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC)/CD34+ stem cells are now recognised as important indicators of cardiovascular disease and may have initiating roles in the pathogenesis of all diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease, and seem to convey cumulative cardiovascular risks better than Body Mass Index, diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol.

Those observations inevitably and intuitively lead us to innovative therapeutic thoughts. Will modulation of EPC/CD34+ levels and function aid us to overcome the clinical needs and challenges in the 21st century created by changes in longevity and lifestyle, notably diabetes, cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's) and joint ailments? In that case, is replacement with autologous ex vivo expanded/enriched EPC or pharmacological stimulation of the endogenous cells the best way to go?

The former would be possible if previous autologous storage at birth or at a young age before the development of the disease, was available to avoid the profound impairment of EPC in established diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The latter could happen in two ways, one being physical exercise and administration of ACE inhibitors, statins and glitazones all known to stimulate EPC generation. Alternatively, classic G-CSF stimulation, autologous PBSC collection and consequent implantation around the areas needing regeneration and vasculogenesis could happen in both established disease or with previously stored autologous healthy and non-diseased PBSCs.

Future research on all the above-mentioned parameters will show us the way to proceed. Cord blood stem cells are now increasingly viewed as the capital ingredient for future cellular therapies in regenerative medicine, and may revolutionise the way we treat our society's major ailments and medical threats without causing any heated ethical debates.

The discussion should focus on early parental education regarding available alternatives and on the ethical dilemma created by the possibility of discarding cord blood stem cells rather than on whether or who should store it.

DR KOSTAS I PAPADOPOULOS

Specialist in Endocrinology and Diabetes

MD, PhD in Immunology and Endocrinology

Thailand Airports profits not so high

2007-12-04T21:42:00.000+07:00

The latest profit report for the Airports of Thailand (AOT) shows that fiscal year 2006/07 wasn’t as good as the last, with 90% fall in profit largely due to depreciation and massive maintenance costs.

Profit for the year ending on the 30th of September, 2007 came in at THB1.09 billion (USD33 million) sharply down when compared to the same period ending in 2006 which achieved THB10.5 billion.

This lukewarm result came even though AOT recorded a 20% surge in revenue profits, which were boosted from charging airlines more in airport fees.

But any gains made in that area where negated due to costs lifting by a whopping 91%.

According to a statement made by AOT, this was largely attributed to depreciation and maintenance at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

News of the smaller profit saw AOT shares fall by 0.86% on close of trading on the day of the announcement.

Court refuses night flight ban at Suvarnabhumi airport

2007-12-04T21:41:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK, Nov 30 (TNA) - The Central Administrative Court has rejected a petition lodged by people around Suvarnabhumi international airport to prohibit night-time flights which they claimed generated noise pollution in the neighborhood.

The Central Administrative Court turned down the petition lodged by 359 residents who desperately cited noise pollution caused by landings and take-offs of airliners. They were calling for the termination of 166 flights,
mostly international, scheduled between 10 pm and 5 am daily.

However, the court ruled the international flights at Suvarnabhumi airport could not be called off at the expense of passenger inconveniences and Thailand's credibility in the eyes of foreigners visiting the country daily.

International flights were scheduled six months in advance by a world aviation body in Canada in order to accommodate bookings and flight plans.

It was instead suggested Suvarnabhumi residents call on the Airports of Thailand (AoT) or other authorities, to pay compensation for any damage caused by the airliners traffic. The airline companies might possibly share the cost of compensation for those affected by noise pollution. (TNA)-E008

Theera reluctant to use Don Mueang

2007-12-04T21:39:00.000+07:00

Despite calls for more flights to use the old airport, Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen and his deputy are reluctant to use Don Mueang and have advised the Airports of Thailand (AoT) to make better use of Suvarnabhumi.

The AoT board on Saturday decided to use Don Mueang for both local and international flights so the AoT would not be faced with the immediate and costly expansion of the congested Suvarnabhumi.

Adm Theera said the plan needed careful consideration, and should take into account the national interests and the promotion of Suvarnabhumi airport as a regional transport hub.

The minister believes good management alone can increase the capacity of Suvarnabhumi from 45 million to 50 million passengers annually.

Deputy Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said the AoT needed to review its plans and look at the views of airlines, technical aviation limitations and make a clear expansion plan for Suvarnabhumi.

According to Mr Sansern, airlines would be inconvenienced if their connecting flights are returned to Don Mueang, and that could affect the goal of Suvarnabhumi airport becoming a regional air transport hub.

Mr Sansern wants the AoT to clearly state how Suvarnabhumi will function in the next five years so airlines will know if they must return to Suvarnabhumi airport from Don Mueang.

He warned the AoT that it was not easy to run two airports in the capital. Technical limitations would stop Don Mueang reaching its former annual capacity of 33 million passengers, he said.

Charnnarong Chuacharoen, the business director of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co, said air traffic controllers would have to be more cautious if both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang were to operate simultaneously.

They are close to each other and their runway alignments converge, he said.

At present, Don Mueang is used mainly in the daytime, while Suvarnabhumi is used more at night. There are not many flights taking off or landing at the same time from both airports, so there is not too much pressure on air traffic control, he said.

If both airports operate together, Don Mueang will not reach its full capacity because Bangkok's air traffic will be congested and flights will have to wait longer in queues, said Mr Charnnarong.

No study has been done on the appropriate amount of traffic for Don Mueang, and that will affect Bangkok's overall air transport services and traffic control, he said.

The AoT board also decided on Saturday to expand Phuket International airport, which has seen an increase in traffic, especially chartered flights, in the past two years. The airport now handles 5.4 million passengers annually.

Innovative PPP

2007-12-02T19:06:00.001+07:00

The People Power party have demonstrated remarkable lateral problem-solving abilities with their advert in the Bangkok Post. They are trumpeting a Cheap Housing project on the outskirts of Bangkok near a train station whose line connects to the heart of Bangkok.

I am both surprised and delighted to hear that the rail link to Suvarnabhumi will be completed soon after the election and that a settlement agreeable to all parties will be reached with the residents, allowing the new tenants access to the unwanted property under the flight path.

This is truly an innovative solution, with the potential to diffuse accelerating populist costs.

Prachai wants to scrap airport expressway

2007-12-02T19:05:00.000+07:00

Matchimathipataya party leader Prachai Leophairatana on Saturday went to meet residents of Onnuj Road area in eastern Bangkok, promising them that in the event he becomes prime minister, he will scrap a planned expressway that will be built in the area.

Mr Prachai received a warm welcome, as residents there are concerned about that the M1 expressway, which connects with the Suvarnabhumi airport, will be built in the area.

He ensured them that the project will be scrapped if he wins the premiership.

He is scheduled to meet residents of nearby Bang Na district later this evening.

AoT profits plummet 90%

2007-12-02T19:04:00.000+07:00

Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) saw its net profit for the financial year to Sept 30 nosedive 90% year-on-year to 1.09 billion baht, the lowest in five years, due mainly to the negative effects of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The 70% state-owned airport monopoly blamed the poor performance on a huge increase in depreciation costs, a jump in interest payments, and unrecognised concession fees from the duty-free operator King Power.

''These three items, costing AoT more than 11 billion baht together, are largely key contributors (to the fall in profit),'' AoT senior executive vice-president Kulya Pakakrong said yesterday.

Depreciation and amortisation in the period from October 2006 to September 2007 shot up 454.23% to 6.35 billion baht, as expenses related to Suvarnabhumi started to appear on the balance sheets.

Bangkok's new international airport opened on Sept 28, 2006, at the very end of AoT's last financial year.

An interest expense of 2.39 billion baht was paid in the past year for loans borrowed for the construction of the airport and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Such items were recognised as assets during the construction period and are now regarded as expenditures. Lack of recognition of revenues from King Power caused AoT's concession revenue to drop 50.97% to 2.09 billion baht.

The revenues, amounting to about three billion baht a year, are the subject of continuing litigation between AoT and the duty-free and commercial space operator for breach of contract.

AoT said its operating revenues in the year rose 20.08% to 19.5 billion baht, boosted by a 28.37% rise in aeronautical revenues to 2.9 billion baht. The increase resulted partly from air traffic growth and from the increase in passenger service fees (airport taxes), landing and parking charges during the year.

But operating expenses rose 91% to 17.99 billion baht, mainly due to the commercial operational start-up of Suvarnabhumi, including 454 million baht for repairs and maintenance of the new airport.

The stronger baht also reduced AoT's foreign-exchange gain in the year to 2.8 billion baht from 4.19 billion a year earlier.

Mrs Kulya said that the results should not come as a shock as they were expected by institutional investors and analysts who were aware of the difficulties at the 155-billion-baht airport.

AOT shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 57 baht, down 50 satang, in trade worth 62.15 million baht.

Court refuses to bar Suvarnabhumi night flights

2007-12-02T19:03:00.000+07:00

The Supreme Administrative Court refused a demand by Suvarnabhumi airport residents to ground all flights at night to give them a respite from the noise.

The court sympathised but said it has no authority to suspend the night flights, as such a decision would pose major problems to global airlines and will cause economic damage.

The decision followed the demand by 359 residents who wanted domestic and international flights at Suvarnabhumi airport grounded from 10pm to 5am so they can get a proper night's sleep.

Government halts plan for 65 new airliners

2007-11-22T09:45:00.000+07:00

Thai Airways International's plan to buy 65 new aircraft at a cost of 400 billion baht might have to be passed on to the next government for consideration due to several unclear details. Transport Minister Adm Theera Haocharoen said some issues remained vague and needed clarification.

Thai Airways' board chairman and air force commander ACM Chalit Phukphasuk endorsed the plan to buy the planes on Saturday. The 10-year plan starts next year.

The national carrier is waiting for comments from related agencies, including the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, on its rationale and investment worthiness.

A ministerial source said marketing, projection and operation targets must be clearly set out before determining the types and numbers of new aircraft purchased. Issues which must be worked out in more detail include growth projection of the Asian market, particularly China and India, and market segmentation.

Thai Airways is expecting to retire 47 aging aircraft and get the 65 new planes through rental and purchase arrangements.

The airline plans to add 16 planes for long-haul flights, each with 300-500 seats.

Also on the shopping list are 29 medium to long-range jets, each with 250-50 seats, and 20 planes with 150-250 seats for domestic and regional routes.

Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said Don Mueang airport would serve international flights over the next five to 10 years while Suvarnabhumi gets expanded.

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) was told to submit plans on the Suvarnabhumi airport expansion and the use of Don Mueang to the cabinet before the Dec 23 election.

"We are rushing to seek cabinet approval for the overall framework, but not going into budgets or any investments," Mr Sansern said.

With the number of people using Suvarnabhumi airport approaching the annual capacity of 45 million passengers, the new airport needed an additional terminal as well as other buildings, he said.

As part of the plan, the AoT must conduct a feasibility study and draw up a plan for transferring some international airlines back to the old airport.

The AoT needed to work on connections between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang as well as logistics management, because the skytrain project linking the two airports would take a long time.

Don Mueang now serves non-connecting domestic flights.

The 93-year-old airport was decommissioned when Suvarnabhumi opened in September last year, but was reopened in March to ease pressure on the new airport.

News from : http://www.bangkokpost.com

Thai Cargo sets up perishables distribution centre in Europe

2007-11-22T09:42:00.000+07:00

The Operations Centre Building in Thai Airways International Suvarnabhumi Airport has signed a deal to set up a Thai perishables distribution centre in Germany this week.

The joint venture will enable Thai agricultural products to enter Europe and South East Europe, with a framework yet to be negotiated to reflect the objectives of both groups.

The centre based to be in Munich Airport was secured when managing director of Thai Airways International Cargo and Mail Commercial, Vorapravat Suebsaeng; Chairman of Thai AirFreight Forwarders Association (TAFA), Kovit Thanyarattakul; Chief Operating Officer Munich International Airport, Peter Trautmann; and CEO and President, Cargogate Flughafen Muenchen.Roger Scheifele all entered into and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

As a result, it is anticipated that Munich international airport will become the main gateway for the cargo shipment of agricultural products with the business helping to support and serve the public sector exports.

The Thai Government and Thai AirFreight Forwarders Association (TAFA) hope to find support from the private sector to this project and along with the Bavarian Government policy to approve the joint venture plans for Thai investors in relation to Munich Airport.

TAFA and four other companies will assist in an operational capacity to manage the temperature control cargo at the centre at Suvarnabhumi Airport through to its arrival in Munich. Cargogate will draw up designs for the centre and help develop the business plan.

This venture will also have the potential to increase profitability because both parties will be using the service.

Article from : http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com

Airport-area residents seek halt to flights

2007-11-22T09:39:00.000+07:00

Residents affected by noise pollution around Suvarnabhumi airport filed a lawsuit at the Administrative Court, asking it to ban air traffic at the airport between 10pm and 5am.

About 50 residents went to the court on Wednesday morning, saying that the period should be their rest time.

Airport of Thailand (AOT) chief executive Chana U-sathaporn said he was worried.. The matter will be brought into a board meeting on Thursday for urgent discussion.

Air Marshal Chana insisted AOT is not neglecting the complaints of residents, adding that it is willing to pay them compensation if new studies show they should have higher payment.

He said AOT has set aside a budget of about 3 to 4 billion baht or so to cover the compensation cost.

News from : http://www.bangkokpost.com

Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport campaign to become a top ten airport

2007-11-19T11:16:00.000+07:00

The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) announced its intention to make Suvarnabhumi a serious contender in the ‘Airport of the World 2009’ contest.

These comments were conveyed by AOT at the recent Incentive, Travel & Convention, Meetings Asia (IT & CMA) show held in Bangkok, Thailand. AOT hopes to enter Suvarnabhumi Airport into the Airport Council International’s (ACI) 2009 global contest.

Deputy General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport and flying officer, Narongchai Tanadchangsaeng believes that Suvarnabhumi has the capacity to handle 45 million passengers a year and to increase this to 54 million in the future.

The airport is in the process of completing 700 evaluation surveys which is one part of joining the ACI’s Airport Service Quality program.

Six main strategies have been drawn up by a working committee to oversee the campaign for Suvarnabhumi to become a top ten airport.

The first one is to improve security in charge of handling baggage and any help given to staff.
The second aspect is the development of adequate facilities in the Passenger Terminal and services for travellers such as clear direction signs, toilet amenities, efficient trolley service and many more.

The exterior and interior environment will need to undergo improvement and all other relevant airport staff including security guards needs to be briefed on what is considered excellent service.

The airport will also have to seek cooperation from the various operators and businesses within the airport to improve on the current standard of service to satisfy passengers.

As well, there is a need for sufficient commercial areas like restaurants, money exchange booths and retail shops to meet passenger needs.

Narongchai Tanadchangsaeng expressed hope and said that the airport will do its best to submit to the best level of performance and life national pride.

“Suvarnabhumi is the front door in welcoming the country’s guests. If our guests are warmly welcomed, they will be more impressed with Thailand,” he said.