Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok issued an apology following a breakdown of the automated people mover (APM) train today, February 23, resulting in passengers being stranded in the underground train station and a 30-minute delay.

 

The driverless APM train operates between the new concourse, Satellite 1 (SAT1), and the main passenger terminal. Today marked the first malfunction since the concourse and APM train were soft-launched in September last year.

 

Various Thai media outlets reported that the APM train malfunction left many passengers en route to the main terminal stranded in the underground station. Each passenger was gradually escorted to the ground floor and provided coach buses to reach the terminal. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

 

In a press conference held this afternoon where the Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Kittipong Kittikachorn, disclosed that the issue occurred around 9.45am due to an electric system failure.

 

Kittipong explained that the airport is equipped with an uninterrupted power supply but the backup power source was temporarily closed for testing by the airport’s engineers.

 

According to Kittipong, the APM train was out of operation for approximately two to three hours but has since resumed normal operation. The breakdown affected four flights, causing a delay of about 30 minutes. However, the airport successfully resolved the situation, ensuring no passengers missed their flights.

 

The President of the Airport of Thailand (AOT), Kirati Kitmanawat, apologised for the inconvenience and expressed his appreciation to Thai Airways for supporting the airport with the coach buses. Kirati assured the public that AOT would conduct a thorough investigation into the issue to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

The incident raises concerns as previous system failures were reported on the Airport Rail Link (ARL) train, which connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok. Apart from breakdowns, the train tends to be crowded during rush hours, prompting passengers to plan accordingly to avoid missing their flights.

 

By Petch Petpailin

Caption: Photo via Matichon

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-23

 

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12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a press conference held this afternoon where the Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Kittipong Kittikachorn, disclosed that the issue occurred around 9.45am due to an electric system failure.

 

Kittipong explained that the airport is equipped with an uninterrupted power supply but the backup power source was temporarily closed for testing by the airport’s engineers.

So what failed, the uninterrupted power supply, the back-up system or both?

Surprised that testing of the system backup power was allowed during passenger service hours. 
 

APM should have been taken out of service rather than allowing a single point of failure to strand passengers, it’s basic engineering.

Seems like there should be a moving walkway (underground) between the Main Terminal Building and SAT-1?

 

That said, it's close to 1 Km between SAT-1 and the MTB

 

What happens when one of these buggies breaks down? Engines turn or passengers walk?

1 hour ago, Classic Ray said:

Surprised that testing of the system backup power was allowed during passenger service hours. 
 

APM should have been taken out of service rather than allowing a single point of failure to strand passengers, it’s basic engineering.

 

You are talking common sense, but that is not known to exist among Thais.

So testing when there are no flights in the early hours is not an option. OK roger that.

In the real world the night shift would do the testing/maintenance.

Sounds normal here like expecting the RTP to work 24/7.

1 hour ago, Classic Ray said:

Surprised that testing of the system backup power was allowed during passenger service hours. 
 

APM should have been taken out of service rather than allowing a single point of failure to strand passengers, it’s basic engineering.

 

TIT ...  they didn't think of that scenario 

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a press conference held this afternoon where the Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Kittipong Kittikachorn, disclosed that the issue occurred around 9.45am due to an electric system failure.

 

Kittipong explained that the airport is equipped with an uninterrupted power supply but the backup power source was temporarily closed for testing by the airport’s engineers.

So what failed, the uninterrupted power supply, the back-up system or both?

 

 

Maybe next time you could consider engaging the brain before working on your likes count.

 

An uninterrupted power supply is a backup system, and according to the OP it was temporary closed down for testing

Another day another Misleading headline. Apparently it did not break down.

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Kirati assured the public that AOT would conduct a thorough investigation into the issue to prevent similar incidents in the future.

I can save you the effort Kirati on conducting any investigating thorough or not.

DO Testing in the Early Hours when NO FLIGHTS take place, same goes for all Maintenance.

Jeez it ain't rocket science, do you see a street cleaner in rush hour traffic? Please send my Consultation fee ASAP.  

1 hour ago, BenStark said:

 

 

Maybe next time you could consider engaging the brain before working on your likes count.

 

An uninterrupted power supply is a backup system, and according to the OP it was temporary closed down for testing

Easy fella I was asking a justified question as the post was unclear.

Quote:

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Kittipong explained that the airport is equipped with an uninterrupted power supply but the backup power source was temporarily closed for testing by the airport’s engineers.

The post says the "back-up" power supply was closed due to testing.

So the primary source was the uninterrupted power supply.

So I asked are these separate systems or did both fail?

 

So this was not down to the poor maintenance of the equipment, but rather poor management in the testing and inspection of said equipment.

 

If it's not one thing it's another. TiT.

33 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Easy fella I was asking a justified question as the post was unclear.

Quote:

The post says the "back-up" power supply was closed due to testing.

So the primary source was the uninterrupted power supply.

So I asked are these separate systems or did both fail?

 

An alternative interpretation of the same English sentence is that the primary source was mains power, and the uninterruptable power supply and the back up system are the same thing. This seems far more likely.

 

but the backup power source was temporarily closed for testing by the airport’s engineers.

 

what if the power to the air traffic controllers went down? why switch off the back up system when the airport has flights arriving? do it during fight down time.

1 minute ago, it is what it is said:

 

but the backup power source was temporarily closed for testing by the airport’s engineers.

 

what if the power to the air traffic controllers went down? why switch off the back up system when the airport has flights arriving? do it during fight down time.

 

The usual poor management and supervision that is endemic to Thai companies, particularly in the public sector.

Off topic posts about a "certain gender" contravening our Community Standards have been removed.

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

temporarily closed for testing by the airport’s engineers.

Oh those test engineers. Tests are a significant cause of disaster (see Chernobyl).

My last job: <deleted>

 

1 hour ago, it is what it is said:

do it during fight down time.

Soo inconvenient.

 

3 hours ago, Dr B said:

An alternative interpretation of the same English sentence is that the primary source was mains power, and the uninterruptable power supply and the back up system are the same thing. This seems far more likely.

Thank you for the clear explanation... not sure why someone else had to include a personal dig.

It looks like there is a walkway (elevated, no railing) along the APM tracks. But I don't think they'd want passengers to make that trek, in case of a breakdown. I guess they'd pull or push the train to the MPB or SAT1 sides for emergency evacuation.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jxjQUEfilI