Writer: Bangkokpost.com
Published: 27/09/2009 at 10:19 PM
After three years in operation, Suvarnabhumi which aims to be the top 10 best airports in the world is still plagued with problems.
The airport, which began its first commercial opening on Sept 28, 2006, had the problems even before the construction started. Policies on the new airport had been initiated and changed by past governments until it was settled at a 215,000-rai area at Bang Phli district in Samut Prakan with the construction cost at 120 billion baht.
When it was opened on the first days, many people were excited to see the world’s largest single terminal airport. The bustling atmosphere suddenly turned chaotic when a ticketing system and luggage-checking equipment did not function. But the problems were quickly solved.
Suvarnabhumi later encountered a series of problems that caused many passengers to think of more comfortable facilities at the aging Don Mueang airport.
The number of toilets was not enough to serve passengers. Direction signs were not clear, causing confusion to users. Up to 400 spots on its roof were also needed to be caulked after water came through them when there was heavy rain.
What seemed to be the most serious problem was small cracks found on taxiways and parts of runways. A worry over the safety of plans forced then Surayud Chulanont government to tell budget airlines to come back to temporarily use Don Mueang airport to reduce crowdedness and open way for repair work.
Airports of Thailand president Serirat Prasutanond has so far insisted on the safety of the taxiways and runways, reasoning the cracks occurred only at the ground surface while the whole structure are strong and meet acceptable standards required to serve more than 800 flights a day.
In fact, what constantly disturbs Mr Serirat and AoT executives is a problem concerning people.
Passengers have made complaints with the AoT over the robbery of their assets in luggage. An investigation found the act was mainly done by staff outsourced to transport and carry bags in the airport.
Strict measures were ordered by current AoT board chairman Piyapan Champasut to solve this problem.
Police were also asked to crack down on thieves whose gang, backed by some airport security officials, were later arrested as a result.
However, despite the frequent patrols of police, the AoT has failed to weed out illegal taxi and tour guides at the airport. For three years, their numbers have grown to 40 gangs colluding with some airport staff to swindle passengers.
The AoT has solved the problem by transferring staff responsible for supervising taxi and tourism services at the airport.
Mr Serirat said the AoT was aware of all problems and did its best to solve them. He still was still upbeat that all problems would not deter Thailand’s plan to make Suvarnabhumi one of the wolrd’s best airports.
*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *