Security Tightens At Suvarnabhumi Airport

[george]

Security tightens at Suvarnabhumi airport

BANGKOK: -- Maximum security at Suvarnabhumi airport was tightened for the first time today, exactly a week after the deadly bomb attacks in the Thai capital.

The tightening of security at the new airport in Bangkok's neighbouring province of Samut Prakan came after Gen. Saprang Kalayanamitr, chairman of Airports of Thailand Pcl. (AOT) on Friday ordered that maximum security at the new showcase airport be put on par with terrorist-targeted airports in Europe and the US.

Security officers inspected passengers and staff, while scanners monitored suspicious and mundane baggage and parcels alike. Moreover trained dogs patrolled every floor and area of the airport.

Meanwhile, a committee is investigating whether the Loxley-ICTS consortium, which won the concession to run security at Suvarnabhumi airport, has breached terms of the contract in its deploying of guards there.

Gen. Saprang, also deputy secretary-general of the Council for National Security (CNS), has already warned that the contract might be reviewed should the company fail to meet security requirements.

It was found that the concessionaire had violated the security contract in the past, and AOT fined it at Bt2,000 per person missing and per shift.

Plans are in motion to install another160 closed circuit cameras at the airport. Presently, more than 300 such cameras are already in place there.

--TNA 2006-01-07

[londonthai]

there are different security systems in the airports but the one which bangkok has allows to bring anything in the carry bag into the airside area. It would be as easy as leaving your hand luggage with a timer or mobile phone detonator anywhere in the airport countless public accessible utility rooms, getting clean through the gate security check and flying out of the country.

we hope that it will not happen

Edited January 7, 2007 by londonthai

[bkkandrew]

Well, I noted that on the 5th (when I flew from Udon to BKK) at both ends they were opening all bags going into the airports... Is this part of the security measures? Is it still continuing?

[Scott]

I am guessing that some of those guards will be a little cranky from not getting their regular amount of sleep.

[astral]

there are different security systems in the airports but the one which bangkok has allows to bring anything in the carry bag into the airside area. It would be as easy as leaving your hand luggage with a timer or mobile phone detonator anywhere in the airport countless public accessible utility rooms, getting clean through the gate security check and flying out of the country.

we hope that it will not happen

Sad to hear this is still the case.

It has been pointed out for years, long before 911, as a weakness at the old Don Muang airport.

[sriracha john]

Security tightens at Suvarnabhumi airport

It was found that the concessionaire had violated the security contract in the past, and AOT fined it at Bt2,000 per person missing and per shift.

Company Report

Published on Nov 15, 2006

LOXLEY reported a third-quarter net profit of Bt98.24 million.

- The Nation

In just 3 months, they make 100 million baht profit.

2,000 baht fines are meaningless.

[Jai Dee]

Thai Airways Int'l steps up measures to prevent terrorism

President of Thai Airways International Plc (TG) Apinan Sumanaseni (อภินันท์ สุมนาเศรณี) announced plans to step up security measures within the range of the national carrier's responsibilities. He further added that airline staff will strictly monitor all luggages and check-in procedures.

Mr Apinan said he understands the reason behind numerous cancellation of inbound flights; however with the help of the high season, the national carrier is still packed with passengers on board.

Mr Apinan added that TG is prepared for incidents of special cases such as natural disasters similar to the Tsunami, bird flu and SARS crisis and the recent bomb scare.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - -8 January 2007

[Mid]

Mr Apinan said he understands the reason behind numerous cancellation of inbound flights

any more on this ....??????

[kalaminsa]

I wonder how they are going to tackle the threat from the elevated highways overlooking the airfield ?

Security was apparantly of no concern when the infrastructure was planned.

[sriracha john]

Security tightens at Suvarnabhumi airport

It was found that the concessionaire had violated the security contract in the past, and AOT fined it at Bt2,000 per person missing and per shift.

Company Report

Published on Nov 15, 2006

LOXLEY reported a third-quarter net profit of Bt98.24 million.

- The Nation

In just 3 months, they make 100 million baht profit.

2,000 baht fines are meaningless.

UPDATE

Airport security 'still falls short'

Airports of Thailand (AoT) has once again told the Loxley-ICTS consortium that its security contract at Suvarnabhumi airport will be scrapped or drastically shortened if service is not improved. AoT told the consortium to improve security at Suvarnabhumi to meet contract requirements or the contract will either be revoked or shortened from 10 years. AoT wants at least 2,000 security staff working at the airport every day, but the consortium said the number included not only security staff but also supervisors. The meeting was the first between AoT and the consortium since the AoT board resolved on April 3 to give the consortium one month, until May 3, to meet the requirements of its contract. Under the 10-year contract, AoT would pay a total of 5.4 billion baht, or slightly more than 45 million baht a month. In its contract bid, the consortium proposed to deploy 2,501 staff including 1,595 search staff and assistants. The consortium recently reported to AoT that it had 2,000 staff at the airport, including 1,150 search staff, 700 security guards and 60 administrative staff while the remainder are supervisors and drivers of tow trucks and patrol vehicles.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=118429

[KireB]

I've used the new airport at least 7 times now and it always brings a smile on my face to see the 'tight' security.

I mean they're always eating or taking a nap. Anyway, too busy to check my bags in the arrival or departure hall!

[Shokdee]

I think security is the very least of the problems. A local XYZ ( I can't mention anything as the mods censor it out) explains that the airport is (1) going to sink into the swamp it was buit on (2) fire/emergency exits are totally unacceptable and airport is a "death trap", (3) actual structure is likely to collapse due to incorrect welding (AC used but should have been DC) and so on and on and on. Lots of technical info but if you are interested in the full gamut of SERIOUS - i.e people can die - problems please google Suvarbabhumi YuriVelasquez.

[Tony Clifton]

Smoking a cigarette outside, we had a chat with a security woman who has had it with the way things are run at the airport. A bunch of them are also mad for receiving ridiculous salary increases when others with less seniority got much more. She went on and on.

They should begin by clearing up the transport mafia crowd that takes up way too much room and bother arriving tourists uselessly, mostly scamming them.

[sriracha john]

Security tightens at Suvarnabhumi airport

It was found that the concessionaire had violated the security contract in the past, and AOT fined it at Bt2,000 per person missing and per shift.

Company Report

Published on Nov 15, 2006

LOXLEY reported a third-quarter net profit of Bt98.24 million.

- The Nation

In just 3 months, they make 100 million baht profit.

2,000 baht fines are meaningless.

UPDATE

Airport security 'still falls short'

Airports of Thailand (AoT) has once again told the Loxley-ICTS consortium that its security contract at Suvarnabhumi airport will be scrapped or drastically shortened if service is not improved. AoT told the consortium to improve security at Suvarnabhumi to meet contract requirements or the contract will either be revoked or shortened from 10 years. AoT wants at least 2,000 security staff working at the airport every day, but the consortium said the number included not only security staff but also supervisors. The meeting was the first between AoT and the consortium since the AoT board resolved on April 3 to give the consortium one month, until May 3, to meet the requirements of its contract. Under the 10-year contract, AoT would pay a total of 5.4 billion baht, or slightly more than 45 million baht a month. In its contract bid, the consortium proposed to deploy 2,501 staff including 1,595 search staff and assistants. The consortium recently reported to AoT that it had 2,000 staff at the airport, including 1,150 search staff, 700 security guards and 60 administrative staff while the remainder are supervisors and drivers of tow trucks and patrol vehicles.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=118429

UPDATE

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT SECURITY WOES

AoT decides to halve Loxley-ICTS contract to five years

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) board has decided to halve the term of its security service contract at Suvarnabhumi airport with the Loxley-ICTS consortium to five years, saying the service is sub-standard. The board in July rejected its management's proposal to shorten the contract to avoid legal troubles. AoT board member and spokesman Chirmsak Pinthong said the board had ordered AoT management to halve the contractual term from its original 10 years. The contract, effective on Sept 26 last year, would then expire on Sept 26, 2011. He said the Loxley-ICTS consortium's security service was deemed to be below the required standard. If the consortium raised objections to the decision, the AoT should consider terminating the contract right away. The AoT would regularly evaluate the quality of the consortium's service. If it failed to meet requirements, AoT would push for termination of the contract.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/05Oct2007_news12.php

[Scott]

The last couple of times I was at the airport, I was concerned about the security--or lack thereof. I am not just talking about the security company, but the general demeanor of the place. One time there was only one guard at the entrance and he was SOUND ASLEEP. As carts rattled in at out, he wasn't aroused.

The arrivals area is a mess. If you have a bag, you can walk around anywhere, but if your waiting for someone, you can't. This should be a one way route--once your out your out. I watched people who wanted to get inside. They just found someone with a luggage cart and walked through with them!

It's not only about really policing the place, it's also about looking like it's being policed. It's about stopping people--yes, even if they look like they might be important. CCTV doesn't prevent terrorism. It only helps identify them after the fact.

Much of this has to do with an overall mentality. It's like an occasional "crackdown". OK we'll ignore the law for a while and then we'll "crackdown", then ignore again.

My concern is that someday, one of those poor people living in the high decibel area are going to take a box of firecrackers in there and create enough chaos that they can get a decent nights sleep!

[brahmburgers]

sounds similar to the larger dept stores in downtown BKK. Whereas there may be a security guard who checks some bags on people coming in, there are also side doors and service entrances where people can enter with ease.

[Payboy]

what they need is a new security chief.

the yam who trashed the convenience store (story available on another thread) is now available for this position.

Edited October 5, 2007 by Payboy

[sriracha john]

Security tightens at Suvarnabhumi airport

It was found that the concessionaire had violated the security contract in the past, and AOT fined it at Bt2,000 per person missing and per shift.

Company Report

Published on Nov 15, 2006

LOXLEY reported a third-quarter net profit of Bt98.24 million.

- The Nation

In just 3 months, they make 100 million baht profit.

2,000 baht fines are meaningless.

UPDATE

Airport security 'still falls short'

Airports of Thailand (AoT) has once again told the Loxley-ICTS consortium that its security contract at Suvarnabhumi airport will be scrapped or drastically shortened if service is not improved. AoT told the consortium to improve security at Suvarnabhumi to meet contract requirements or the contract will either be revoked or shortened from 10 years. AoT wants at least 2,000 security staff working at the airport every day, but the consortium said the number included not only security staff but also supervisors. The meeting was the first between AoT and the consortium since the AoT board resolved on April 3 to give the consortium one month, until May 3, to meet the requirements of its contract. Under the 10-year contract, AoT would pay a total of 5.4 billion baht, or slightly more than 45 million baht a month. In its contract bid, the consortium proposed to deploy 2,501 staff including 1,595 search staff and assistants. The consortium recently reported to AoT that it had 2,000 staff at the airport, including 1,150 search staff, 700 security guards and 60 administrative staff while the remainder are supervisors and drivers of tow trucks and patrol vehicles.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=118429

UPDATE

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT SECURITY WOES

AoT decides to halve Loxley-ICTS contract to five years

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) board has decided to halve the term of its security service contract at Suvarnabhumi airport with the Loxley-ICTS consortium to five years, saying the service is sub-standard. The board in July rejected its management's proposal to shorten the contract to avoid legal troubles. AoT board member and spokesman Chirmsak Pinthong said the board had ordered AoT management to halve the contractual term from its original 10 years. The contract, effective on Sept 26 last year, would then expire on Sept 26, 2011. He said the Loxley-ICTS consortium's security service was deemed to be below the required standard. If the consortium raised objections to the decision, the AoT should consider terminating the contract right away. The AoT would regularly evaluate the quality of the consortium's service. If it failed to meet requirements, AoT would push for termination of the contract.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/05Oct2007_news12.php

UPDATE

In another development, Asia Security Management Co (ASM), a subsidiary of Loxley Group, expects the new AoT board to scrap its predecessor's decision to halve its 10-year-long security contract for Suvarnabhumi airport. ASM chairman Sompop Charoenkul yesterday said his company had not delivered on standard security services as contracted because of the airport's rushed opening, but that it had already improved its services up to the contract requirements. The previous AoT Board chaired by Saprang Kalayanamitr was negotiating details of halving the 5.4-billion-baht contract but then had to resign after the new government took office. As the negotiations had not been concluded, Sompop said he hoped the new AoT board would not continue with halving the contract

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/06Mar2008_news15.php