Most Of New Airport's Bag Scanners Go On The Blink

[sriracha john]

Most of new airport's bag scanners go on the blink

Most of the luggage scanners at Suvarnabhumi airport broke down last night, virtually paralysing the conveyor belt system and forcing transport authorities to lug around baggage manually. Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said he was alerted by an urgent report last night from Kulya Pakakrong, acting president of Airports of Thailand (AoT), that 17 computer tomography X-ray (CTX) machines had broken down at Suvarnabhumi airport about 8pm.

The AoT had its staff manually handle passengers' luggage and 120 soldiers were expected to be deployed to the airport today to help move passengers baggage until airport authorities can mend the scanners and conveyors. The broken-down scanners meant thousands of items of luggage needed to be X-rayed by a separate bomb detector system located in a special baggage inspection room. An airport source said airport staff were doing all they could to ensure that bags were loaded onto the planes in time for their departure. However, the source said that some bags that may require more thorough security screening might have to be left behind.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/21Jun2007_news03.php

=================================

Well done, Suriya.... your scanners are terrific.

[Soju]

My first thought was how could so many scanners suddenly break down at once, it must have been some sort of computer glitch or sabotage for that to happen. After clicking on the link and reading the article, the key factor is:

Mr Sansern said the troubles were caused by a computer virus that infected the server.

Likely the workers at the airport were using the server to surf the internet, or loaded personal programs / games onto it to pass their time away. Not really a problem with the scanners but a problem with the management in allowing their workers to make inappropriate personal use of the computer.

[megashox]

some bags that may require more thorough security screening might have to be left behind

scary thought that!

[chinthee]

some bags that may require more thorough security screening might have to be left behind

scary thought that!

Hmm. So, let me get this straight. I can't put my shaving gel into my carry on luggage, and I can't take any checked luggage now for fear it will be left behind. I guess I'll just have to go into my meetings and tell them I've decided to grow a beard?

[Mid]

Virus halted airport baggage system

Sixteen of 26 disabled CTX scanner units at the Thai capital's glistening new Suvarnabhumi airport were up and running again Thursday afternoon after airport technicians restored service in the wake of a virus intrusion explained as likely human error in using the technology.

snip

Initial investigation found that AoT officials manning the CTX machines had brought other programmes and put them into the scanners, causing a computer virus which affected the server and problems eventually.

The Post Publishing Public Co

[Mid]

Timeframe to fix bomb scanners 'uncertain'

An exact timetable for completing repairs of damaged CTX scanners at Suvarnabhumi airport is not yet possible, Admiral Bannawit Kengrian, chief of the National Legislative Assembly's Transport Committee said.

snip

Adm Bannawit also dismissed a report suggesting an inappropriate programme download as the cause of the damage.

"This apparatus is a special computer that does not accept any other programmes. The problem stemmed from the fact that the CTX scanners received an irregular power supply causing the scanners to stop functioning. In spite of restarting them, the machines do not resume functioning," he said. (TNA)

The Post Publishing Public Co

[A_Traveller]

As I noted in the news thread, looks like {TV & I see above} they are trying to say that the electricity {fluctuation?} was the cause of the problem, not a virus.

Well I'm relieved that the problem was not some twit with a USB stick but the electrical supply system for the almost brand spanking new airport.

Regards

PS Oh... bugger......

[Mid]

CTX baggage scanners "A OK" at Suvarnabhumi airport

Friday 20 July 2007 06:50:49 PM (GMT+7:00)

BANGKOK, July 20 (TNA) - Computer tomography x-ray (CTX) machines at the capital's Suvarnabhumi airport are fully functional now after breaking down in June due to a computer virus introduced into the computer system server, Serirat Prasutanont, director of Suvarnabhumi airport said on Friday.

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has implemented measures to close all USB ports connecting to the CTX server so that no alien programme or software can be downloaded into the computer system.

MCOT Public Company Limited

[brahmburgers]

AOT buys high tech machinery from foreign companies at inflated prices due in large part to 'tea money' or 'greased palms' (choose your imagery). Because there's a dearth of qualified technicians in Thailand, westerners are most likely needed to do in-depth maintenance. Best is if one or more qualified technicians are kept on retainer - in order to train a few select Thais to do maintenance.

How is this latest glitch affecting the thieves down in baggage handling? Since they seem to go about their nefarious business with no oversight, perhaps a pile up of baggage is a boon for their sticky-fingered side gig. Are there any security personnel at SUV who are brave enough to seriously bust the thieves, or are will they stay content to just get their hush money and look the other way? Stay tuned.

[taxexile]

Mr Sansern said the troubles were caused by a computer virus that infected the server.

however ,

The problem stemmed from the fact that the CTX scanners received an irregular power supply causing the scanners to stop functioning.

yet,

Initial investigation found that AoT officials manning the CTX machines had brought other programmes and put them into the scanners,

but ,

Adm Bannawit also dismissed a report suggesting an inappropriate programme download as the cause of the damage.

because ,

This apparatus is a special computer that does not accept any other programmes

so ,

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has implemented measures to close all USB ports connecting to the CTX

yet again , wonderful stuff from thai officialdom.

its pure entertainment . the snafus , the cock ups , the amateurism with which important projects are run ,the contradictions , the denials , the shooting themselves in the feet , followed by the frantic digging of very deep holes for themselves.

you couldnt make these stories up.

in the uk the press would have a field day with such ineptitude.

it's sanook of a very high quality , and we should consider ourselves priveledged to be allowed to enjoy it.

[Mid]

we have a winner .......................