Cobra Swamp Is Reclaiming Bangkok's Showpiece Airport

[ninjamuzo]

Not sure how many people will get to read this but let's clear a few things up about the airport.

The problems started in the late 1980's when the original UK plans were withdrawn due to local construction proposals involving filling water spaces over clay with sand. This was rejected by the UK Engineering firm and so the then PM (Mr B.) went to a local Engineering Uni and had new plans approved.

Since then, as pointed out in an earlier post, and as recently as 3 years ago official core samples were taken down to 35m (to the clay bed) where it was found that due to tidal action in the river delta (confirmed by satellite images) that much of the sand had been 'sucked' out leaving empty spaces (confirmed by the core samples).

Yes the ex-PM (Mr T) did indeed know of these results but for various reasons the opening went ahead. Concerns have been expressed over the tears including recently from ItalThai but ignored. People who dared to expose the truth were ostracized (e.g. the BKK Post employees) and even now getting any of this information is like pulling teeth.

The only solution for the runways will be to pull them down to the base (30-35m) and rebuild them from scratch. For those that may scoff at such revelations I know someone who has the original plans, the modified plans and the core samples taken three years ago. I was also associated with the international organization approached by the Thai Govt. to 'stabilize' the substrate, something not possible by that time.

Since the current state is no longer able to be hidden then expect to start to see some of these 'revelations' come to light, or not.

Any locally directed examination or consultants will of course obfuscate much of this a they have in the past and it would only be an international, independent testing and evaluation that would reveal the full facts.

[adjan jb]

And make sure that there are enough qualified air traffic controllers available to cover both operations safely.

That really worries me. Considered the thai attitude towards safety plus the bad English of some of the pilots and the Thinglish of the guys in the tower is a disaster in waiting. But whatever they do, it will remain a f***** up situation for quite some time to come.

Unless of course they do the only right thing to do and go back to DM completely. IMHO

Do you mean that the English of the pilots and "the guys in the tower" will improve when they move back to DM ?

[thaimat]

Not sure how many people will get to read this but let's clear a few things up about the airport.

The problems started in the late 1980's when the original UK plans were withdrawn due to local construction proposals involving filling water spaces over clay with sand. This was rejected by the UK Engineering firm and so the then PM (Mr B.) went to a local Engineering Uni and had new plans approved.

Since then, as pointed out in an earlier post, and as recently as 3 years ago official core samples were taken down to 35m (to the clay bed) where it was found that due to tidal action in the river delta (confirmed by satellite images) that much of the sand had been 'sucked' out leaving empty spaces (confirmed by the core samples).

Yes the ex-PM (Mr T) did indeed know of these results but for various reasons the opening went ahead. Concerns have been expressed over the tears including recently from ItalThai but ignored. People who dared to expose the truth were ostracized (e.g. the BKK Post employees) and even now getting any of this information is like pulling teeth.

The only solution for the runways will be to pull them down to the base (30-35m) and rebuild them from scratch. For those that may scoff at such revelations I know someone who has the original plans, the modified plans and the core samples taken three years ago. I was also associated with the international organization approached by the Thai Govt. to 'stabilize' the substrate, something not possible by that time.

Since the current state is no longer able to be hidden then expect to start to see some of these 'revelations' come to light, or not.

Any locally directed examination or consultants will of course obfuscate much of this a they have in the past and it would only be an international, independent testing and evaluation that would reveal the full facts.

Thanks for the details, well done. Anyone believe the govt will do as suggested here, and dig up the runways to rebuild correctly?

[ColPyat]

The only solution for the runways will be to pull them down to the base (30-35m) and rebuild them from scratch.

WOW!

And how long will pulling them down and building them up again take?

How much might that cost?

[thaimat]

The only solution for the runways will be to pull them down to the base (30-35m) and rebuild them from scratch.

WOW!

And how long will pulling them down and building them up again take?

How much might that cost?

good question. Also, the costs of moving flights to DM, restaffing, etc would be an interesting number to know, has to be huge amounts. The extra liability insurance costs of landing international flights on cracked runways must be a large number, as well. I would think the proper perspective for the gov't should be those numbers, versus paying deceased benefits and loss of revenues from tourism if, god forbid, a jet full of international passengers was destroyed trying to land.

Edited February 5, 2007 by thaimat

[sriracha john]

And make sure that there are enough qualified air traffic controllers available to cover both operations safely.

That really worries me. Considered the thai attitude towards safety plus the bad English of some of the pilots and the Thinglish of the guys in the tower is a disaster in waiting. But whatever they do, it will remain a f***** up situation for quite some time to come.

Unless of course they do the only right thing to do and go back to DM completely. IMHO

Do you mean that the English of the pilots and "the guys in the tower" will improve when they move back to DM ?

whoops... not so fast. It's all been put on hold for now. Staffing problems...

Don Muang

Two airports plan put on hold, for now

BANGKOK - Transport Minister Admiral Thira Haocharoen on Monday revealed the ministry would not propose a plan to transfer some non-connecting domestic flights back to former Bangkok International Airport to the cabinet for consideration at its meeting on Tuesday, citing it needed to go through some details of the plan to ensure complete transfer.

He conceded the ministry would not put the plan on the agenda at the cabinet’s meeting because it still lacked certain data on the transfer.

“Some delays are needed to ensure the planned transfer of the local flights back to Don Muang is clear and complete,” he said.

He added the ministry would call state agencies concerned to meet and discuss details of the plan again.

A source said the planed transfer of the no-connecting domestic flights back to Don Muang experienced difficulties in outsourcing ground staff to work in the airport.

The lack of the staff at the airport stemmed from a termination of contracts made with various service providers when the transfer of services to the Suvarnabhumi Airport was made in September last year.

Anyhow, should the ministry propose the plan to the cabinet’s meeting next week, there would be 45 days left for the transfer under the ministry’s scheme to see the Don Muang reopen in the Songkran (Thai New Year) festival to accommodate an expected large number of inbound and outbound passengers.

- MCOT

[Jai Dee]

MOT not ready to confirm the resumption of operation at Don Muang Int'l airport

The Ministry of Transport is not ready to propose a framework for the relocation of domestic flight operations back to Don Muang Airport in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow (February 6) due to inadequate information.

The Minister of Transport Admiral Theera Howcharoen (ธีระ ห้าวเจริญ), said that his ministry would not be proposing any frameworks for the relocation of domestic flight operations back to Don Muang Airport at the Cabinet meeting on February 6 due to information that needed further consideration before a decision can be made. Admiral Theera said that other flights categories may be proposed for relocation to Suvarnabhumi in addition to domestic flights. The Minister of Transport said that bidding for retail space at the Don Muang Airport would also need to be conducted.

Admiral Theera expressed his confidence that the Ministry of Transport would be ready with a proposal to the Cabinet in the next week. Admiral Theera added that Cabinet approval would mean that the Ministry of Transport could complete its work within 45 days in time for the Songkran Festival.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Cabient will not discuss Don Muang reopening this week

Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen Monday said he would not propose the reopening of Don Muang Airport for Cabinet approval Tuesday, due to the lack of an action plan.

Theera said his ministry would discuss the plan in greater detail with relevant bodies, including Airports of Thailand (AOT), the Department of Civil Aviation and Thai Airways International (THAI).

"With no action plan for using Don Muang Airport, I will not raise it with the Cabinet," he said.

Theera said the biggest factor in the lack of preparedness was that AOT did not have enough staff to work at the old airport. AOT cancelled contracts with outsource companies last September after Suvarnabhumi Airport opened.

The AOT board on January 11 approved a plan to move domestic flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Muang on a voluntary basis.

However, Theera said resumption of services at Don Muang Airport could be completed in 4560 days if the Cabinet gave its approval next Tuesday.

Source: The Nation - 5 February 2007

[PhilHarries]

New AOT Managing Director begins work, aims to bring positive spin back to Suvarnabhumi

The new Managing Director of the Airport of Thailand company, Mrs. Kalaya Paghakrong (กัลยา ผกากรอง), commented on her reaction towards assuming the post. Mrs. Kalaya said that she felt the job to be challenging, and was proud to have the opportunity to take on such responsibilities. The Managing Director is confident that she would achieve good rapport with fellow employees due to her 25 years of experience working at AOT. Mrs. Kalaya also laid out her problem solving strategy which consists of the belief that all problems could be solved.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

Khun Kalaya gets my nomination for the understatement of the year award and it's only February.

Additionally she has to be a front runner for the optimist of the year award with her dramatic problem solving strategy. When she's done with Suvarnabhumi there's a little problem needs solving in what is now termed western asia.

Good luck to you gal, nulli illigitimi carborundum!

[slimdog]

Cabient will not discuss Don Muang reopening this week

However, Theera said resumption of services at Don Muang Airport could be completed in 4560 days if the Cabinet gave its approval next Tuesday.

Source: The Nation - 5 February 2007

Lets hope this is a typo...

[falux]

Cabient will not discuss Don Muang reopening this week

However, Theera said resumption of services at Don Muang Airport could be completed in 4560 days if the Cabinet gave its approval next Tuesday.

Source: The Nation - 5 February 2007

Lets hope this is a typo...

Things are a little bit slower around here

[Martin]

Voids under the runways sounds to be very bad news, as time and aircraft usage can be expected to worsen them.

Maybe step one will have to be the heavy international flights using Don Muang, with Utapaio as their alternative, and everything else having to be fitted round that.

[thai_narak]

Cabient will not discuss Don Muang reopening this week

However, Theera said resumption of services at Don Muang Airport could be completed in 4560 days if the Cabinet gave its approval next Tuesday.

Source: The Nation - 5 February 2007

Lets hope this is a typo...

Things are a little bit slower around here

mmm.... twelve and a half years.

[sriracha john]

What they need to do is bring in engineering consultants from outside Thailand who have no need to save face or anything else that's incompatible with engineering, and get a true picture of what needs to be done to prevent the new airport from becoming an even bigger white elephant.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I heard that the engineers were a Japanese consortium?

It's Japanese - Thai consortium of Italian-Thai, Obayashi and Takenaka, the latter two probably Japane's largest and most reputable general contractors. The consulting company contracted to overlook project management and implementation is also a Japanese company called Pacific Consultants International, but there might have been more than one consultants hired to do that job.

http://www.pci-world.com/en/service/airport.html

Suvanabhumi is a project financed 55% by Japan Bank of International Cooperation, Japanese government's aid agency. The above mentioned JV might have been awarded a contract for only the terminal and concourse buildings but I've read in Bangkok Post a few weeks ago Obayashi was quistioned by AOT for cracks on runways.

All three have now had criminal charges pressed against them over various airport Scams:

First airport criminal charges filed

The Assets Scrutiny Committee has filed criminal charges against four companies and their executives it says colluded with politicians and officials in the procurement of Suvarnabhumi's "overpriced" baggage-handling system, which included the CTX bomb scanners. Three of the four accused are companies partnered in the ITO Joint Venture, a major contractor for Suvarnabhumi. They are Italian-Thai Development Plc, Takenaka and Obayashi. The fourth company is Quatrotec Inc, according to ASC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said. Mr Sak said the ASC recently found that these companies had conspired with officials and politicians through dishonest performance of duties in the procurement. The firms are charged with criminal offences under articles 3 and 11 of the Act Governing Wrongdoings of Officials in State Agencies, and Article 157 of the Criminal Code for conspiracy.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=116587

[John K]

Well lets see what the defense posture would be. I think perhaps a few very honest line items in excel would work.

Required government kickback to secure contract XXX BhT

Overcharging to cover government kickback XXX BhT

I think that should do it just fine. Honesty is the best policy. It seemed to work well for Oliver North when he testified to Congress.

[wilko]

So now we get DM opened for INTERNATIONAL Flights too! Things are looking pretty bad for Suvarnabhumi then? The damage must be much more extensive than originally thought. Another cock-up for thailand?

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

First airport criminal charges filed

The Assets Scrutiny Committee has filed criminal charges against four companies and their executives it says colluded with politicians and officials in the procurement of Suvarnabhumi's "overpriced" baggage-handling system, which included the CTX bomb scanners. Three of the four accused are companies partnered in the ITO Joint Venture, a major contractor for Suvarnabhumi. They are Italian-Thai Development Plc, Takenaka and Obayashi. The fourth company is Quatrotec Inc, according to ASC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said. Mr Sak said the ASC recently found that these companies had conspired with officials and politicians through dishonest performance of duties in the procurement. The firms are charged with criminal offences under articles 3 and 11 of the Act Governing Wrongdoings of Officials in State Agencies, and Article 157 of the Criminal Code for conspiracy.

These might well be the companies that paid the bribes, but what about the politicos who DEMANDED the bribes in order to award the deal ?!

[slimdog]

So now we get DM opened for INTERNATIONAL Flights too! Things are looking pretty bad for Suvarnabhumi then? The damage must be much more extensive than originally thought. Another cock-up for thailand?

The reason for the international flights is "AirAsia".

There will also be guarantee's that they will stay. I am pretty sure that all low cost airlines will transfer to Don Meung, for the long term.

The main reason of course is concessions; Car park, limo's, food and Bev, security, ground services etc etc.

[John K]

So does that mean back to 500 ThB tax?

[jasperblubber2005]

maybe my sense of humor is a little bit twisted but i find this whole issue to be hilarious, now i know why they call it amazing thailand, no simpathy from me, all there corruption and kickbacks are coming back to bite them in the arse, it couldn't happen to a better country

jasper

[John K]

First airport criminal charges filed

The Assets Scrutiny Committee has filed criminal charges against four companies and their executives it says colluded with politicians and officials in the procurement of Suvarnabhumi's "overpriced" baggage-handling system, which included the CTX bomb scanners. Three of the four accused are companies partnered in the ITO Joint Venture, a major contractor for Suvarnabhumi. They are Italian-Thai Development Plc, Takenaka and Obayashi. The fourth company is Quatrotec Inc, according to ASC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said. Mr Sak said the ASC recently found that these companies had conspired with officials and politicians through dishonest performance of duties in the procurement. The firms are charged with criminal offences under articles 3 and 11 of the Act Governing Wrongdoings of Officials in State Agencies, and Article 157 of the Criminal Code for conspiracy.

These might well be the companies that paid the bribes, but what about the politicos who DEMANDED the bribes in order to award the deal ?!

I think this is the first step in doing that. Names will come out no doubt particularly when jail time is the other option.

[sriracha john]

First airport criminal charges filed

The Assets Scrutiny Committee has filed criminal charges against four companies and their executives it says colluded with politicians and officials in the procurement of Suvarnabhumi's "overpriced" baggage-handling system, which included the CTX bomb scanners. Three of the four accused are companies partnered in the ITO Joint Venture, a major contractor for Suvarnabhumi. They are Italian-Thai Development Plc, Takenaka and Obayashi. The fourth company is Quatrotec Inc, according to ASC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said. Mr Sak said the ASC recently found that these companies had conspired with officials and politicians through dishonest performance of duties in the procurement. The firms are charged with criminal offences under articles 3 and 11 of the Act Governing Wrongdoings of Officials in State Agencies, and Article 157 of the Criminal Code for conspiracy.

These might well be the companies that paid the bribes, but what about the politicos who DEMANDED the bribes in order to award the deal ?!

I imagine the prosecutors will be dangling softer deals in front of these businessman in exchange for just such testimony against the aforementioned politicos... who otherwise might get off.

Edited February 7, 2007 by sriracha john

[jumbo2]

So now we get DM opened for INTERNATIONAL Flights too! Things are looking pretty bad for Suvarnabhumi then? The damage must be much more extensive than originally thought. Another cock-up for thailand?

So now that it seems DM will reopen,the Suwannaswamp runways cracks, toilets, etc etc etc(jezz theres alot to fix) will be repaired upgraded,my question is this...Groundhog day..DM closes again and there is a grand reopening of Suwannaswamp?

[sriracha john]

Airport reveals cracks in Thailand's flight to modernity

Thai officials and airport authorities have admitted that the new Suvarnabhumi Airport has numerous cracks in its taxiways and runway, which recently disrupted flights.

In the run-up to its opening a few months ago, Bangkok's $3.7bn Suvarnabhumi Airport was touted as the "pride of Thailand", an ultramodern facility that would turn the Thai capital into a regional aviation hub. But critics might say it could be more aptly dubbed as Thailand's shame. It is plagued with problems, such as broken entry doors at the main terminal, a leaky roof, not enough toilets, and a tiny, congested arrivals area.

Thai officials and airport authorities have admitted that the airport has numerous cracks in its taxiways and runway, which recently disrupted flights and added to the pressure on a facility already at nearly full capacity. "This is going to be a major problem for every airline that flies into Thailand," said Jim Eckes, an aviation consultant. "They are either going to have to divert or delay flights, and this is a big, big, big expense."

Attempts to repair cracks on the west runway caused havoc, delaying many landings. Four flights that nearly ran out of fuel while waiting to land had to be re-routed to U-Tapao, a Vietnam war-era military airfield, for re-fuelling before they could make their way to Suvarnabhumi. After repairs to the west runway, airport authorities said the east runway was to be closed for at least four hours for its own repairs.

Taxiway cracks are also preventing the use of 11 of the airport's 51 parking bays, causing much congestion and forcing many aircraft to use remote parking areas, from which passengers are bussed into the terminals.

Thailand's government established a panel to assess the root cause of the cracks and determine whether they were minor problems or reflected more serious structural weaknesses that could pose a threat to safety. "There should be a lot of test drilling to determine how deep is the flaw and what is causing the cracks," Mr Eckes said.

A pet project of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister ousted in a September 19 military coup, Suvarnabhumi, or Golden Land, has been mired in controversy since its inception 40 years ago, when experts questioned planning a big airport on swampland. The construction, which took place during Mr Thaksin's tenure, was beset by corruption scandals including allegations of kickbacks in the procurement of high-tech baggage scanners and the awarding of important contracts to little-known companies or without proper tendering processes.

International airlines strongly objected to Mr Thaksin's insistence on rushing to open the new airport in September ahead of scheduled elections, despite concerns that the facility was not ready and that crucial systems had not been adequately tested. Even before Suvarnabhumi opened, cracks had begun to show, but a local newspaper that reported the problems was slapped with a massive lawsuit by the airport. The reporter and editor responsible for the story were later sacked. The harsh response quelled further speculation about subsidence problems.

When Mr Thaksin was then ousted, the new leaders, eager to demonstrate Thailand's normality after the political upheaval, decided to stick with Mr Thaksin's chosen opening date. It is a decision they may now regret. The airport's woes could affect Thailand's tourism industry, which accounts for about 6 per cent of gross domestic product. "It's making such a tremendously bad impression," said Mr Eckes.

- Financial Times

[sriracha john]

Suvarnabhumi Airport's future still uncertain

NONTHABURI – Chairman of the National Legislative Assembly committee inspecting problems at Suvarnabhumi Airport voiced his belief again Sunday that the airport should be closed entirely during repairs to avoid inconvenience and risks to passengers.

Admiral Bannawit Kengrien stated his firm decision again one day after Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont expressed his disagreement with Bannawit's suggestion. The prime minister Saturday said he would prefer that the almost-5-month-old new airport to remain open and functioning while the problems are being corrected.

If both runways at Suvarnabhumi are damaged and repairs are needed, it will be too risky to continue operations, Adm. Bannawit said.

He added that his committee had inspected damage at the airport and had prepared overseas and domestic terminals at Don Muang International Airport, closed since the opening of Suvarnabhumi, to provide services to passengers of low-cost airlines that were also willing to switch to Don Muang.

Adm. Bannawit also said he would propose to the cabinet during Tuesday's session to allow low-cost airlines, domestic and overseas flights to use Don Muang if both runways at Suvarnabhumi are damaged and need repairs.

Another committee initially found three major reasons causing damage to the airport. It said damage to runways and taxiways was caused by water in the sand layer, substandard materials used in the asphalt which weakened its strength, and hasty construction of the airport with an aim to beat the opening deadline.

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) board is scheduled to meet Monday to decide how to handle the issue, but the decision as to whether the airport would be closed entirely during repairs will be made Wednesday, according to Gen. Surayud.

Meanwhile Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Khlampaiboon said that his party recommends setting up a neutral committee to take part in making decision of what should be done to solve the problem.

"If different agencies are allowed to keep viewing their opinions, more problems will arise," said Ong-art.

The neutral committee should be composed of experts from different fields and their performance should be carried out with a definite deadline, Mr. Ong-art added.

- MCOT

[sriracha john]

Bannawit insists on Suvarnabhumi's closure

The chairman of the National Legislative Assembly's ad-hoc committee on the Suvarnabhumi Airport, Admiral Bannawit Kengrien, Sunday stood by his suggestion that the airport should be closed if both runways are found to have sustained damages.

"The closure will be for the sake of safety," Bannawit said.

His committee is tasked with following up on solutions for the country's newest airport, which opened in late September.

Just months after its opening, the Suvarnabhumi Airport has seen cracks on its taxiways. An investigation panel led by Tortrakul Yomnark will Monday hold a press conference to announce what problems it has found at the airport, how the repairs should be conducted, and whether the Suvarnabhumi Airport should be closed.

Tortrakul, a civil engineer, is a board member of the Airports of Thailand. His panel will report its investigation results to Transport Minister Admiral Theera Haocharoen before the press conference.

So far, Bannawit Sunday said if the Suvarnabhumi Airport was closed to all traffic, Don Muang Airport would be able to accommodate the flight and airfreight services.

"I propose the closure because this will prevent the problems (at the Suvarnabhumi Airport) from dragging on," he said.

Bannawit was speaking in response to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's recent comment that Suvarnabhumi Airport should remain operational while repairs are carried out.

Krai Tungsnga, a member of the Bannawit-chaired committee, also said the problems at Suvarnabhumi were not so serious that the closure was a must. Krai is also the vice-chairman of the Engineering Institute of Thailand.

Moreover, Thai Airways International's union has already expressed dissatisfaction over the possibility of having two international airports in Greater Bangkok.

In a related development, Democrat Party's spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon Sunday urged the government to set up a neutral committee to decide on the fate of the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

"The committee should comprise experts from all relevant fields and it should look into all problems at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, not just about taxiways and runaways. What's about other problems such as water leakage, inadequate lighting and hot temperature inside the terminal there?" Ongart said.

He added this committee should compile relevant information and recommend solutions within clear timeframe.

"The Cabinet should consider recommendations from this committee," Ongart said. He said the government should also take actions against people who had left so many problems at the Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Nation

[BkkPundit]

I imagine the prosecutors will be dangling softer deals in front of these businessman in exchange for just such testimony against the aforementioned politicos... who otherwise might get off.

Unless recent amendments* have been made to the Criminal Procedure Code this is not possible. There is no plea bargain system in Thailand so a defendant and the prosecutor can't agree that in exchange for the defendant testifying against others that they will be charged with a lesser offence, receive a lighter jail sentence, or immunity. No deals are legally possible so offering deals to the businessman is not possible.

*There is some mention of no plea bargaining in Thailand (and possible amendments) in this undated article (http://www.unafei.or.jp/english/pdf/PDF_rms/no59/ch31.pdf), but Parliament is yet to consider the proposed bill ( http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/08...l_20000553.php) as of 16 Feb 2006.

[John K]

I would think closing it completely would be the best from a security point of view. I am sure it will involve hundreds of people going in and out of secure areas unchecked, and there certainly are enough people in Thailand will ill intentions.

[sriracha john]

I imagine the prosecutors will be dangling softer deals in front of these businessman in exchange for just such testimony against the aforementioned politicos... who otherwise might get off.

Unless recent amendments* have been made to the Criminal Procedure Code this is not possible. There is no plea bargain system in Thailand so a defendant and the prosecutor can't agree that in exchange for the defendant testifying against others that they will be charged with a lesser offence, receive a lighter jail sentence, or immunity. No deals are legally possible so offering deals to the businessman is not possible.

*There is some mention of no plea bargaining in Thailand (and possible amendments) in this undated article (http://www.unafei.or.jp/english/pdf/PDF_rms/no59/ch31.pdf), but Parliament is yet to consider the proposed bill ( http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/08...l_20000553.php) as of 16 Feb 2006.

Thanks for the info and links, BkkPundit...

clean links to the above noted articles:

http://www.unafei.or.jp/english/pdf/PDF_rms/no59/ch31.pdf

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/08...al_20000553.php

To put a date on the first article. It was from the 119th International Training Course of the Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) and was held from 10 September to 2 November, 2001.

Shame to see Thailand lacking this very powerful prosecutorial tool...

[beejoir]

I could just imagine all of these Burmese workers strolling around the tarmac with 747 landing around them, leaving their somtam lunch on the run way, digging holes while planes are taking off...... they are going to have to close it the security risks are HUGE!