Udon residents call for explanation on Singapore air force plans

UDON THANI: -- Residents of Thailand's northeastern province of Udon Thani today demanded an official explanation of reports that the Singapore Air Force plans to use a military airfield in the province for a 15-year training programme.

Mr. Khon Pholnamthieng, former President of the Udon Thani Chamber of Commerce, said that the reports had caused a high degree of concern among the people of the province, with the lack of clear information only adding to the dismay and confusion.

Many people were worried that training flights could lead to military practice exercises, which, in turn, could cause violence in the region, he said.

Referring to previous instances of the US using Thai Air Force bases for military operations, he warned of the dangers of reactionary groups springing up in opposition, as well as the more obvious problems of noise disturbance.

The 23rd Udon Airfield is located in a residential area, is close to a university, and is used together with civilian airlines.

Already jet aircraft take off and land at the airport every five minutes, causing huge levels of noise.

--TNA 2004-11-18

Interesting. I wonder if this is related to the new regional war on terror.

Continuing confusion over Singapore Air Force training plans

UDON THANI: -- The commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force,Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Vantana, has denied that Singapore plans to rent a military airbase in the country's north-eastern province of Udon Thani, but admitted yesterday that Singaporean troops could use the airfield for training exercises.

ACM Kongsak said although Singapore would not rent the base, it had requested to use it for training purposes due to a shortage of suitable locations in Singapore.

Noting that the Singaporean Air Force had conducted training exercises in Thailand's northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima for several years, the Air Force chief said that the new request had not particularly singled out the Udon Thani base.

He also moved to dismiss suggestions that the F16 jets could cause noise pollution, saying that the aircraft had been specially developed with noise reduction technology.

However, he denied any knowledge of plans by Singapore to introduce C130 aircraft in Thailand, and admitted that local opposition could cause Singapore to rethink its proposals.

Local residents in Udon Thani have warned that Singaporean training exercises could cause excessive noise and pollution in what is essentially a residential area.

--TNA 2004-11-25

Many people were worried that training flights could lead to military practice exercises, which, in turn, could cause violence in the region, he said.

Them Singaporeans are he11 bent on taking over the world. We best be careful. My old man once said, "Them Singaporeans are wack-jobs".

What a load of crap. Its obvious that Singapore is a peaceful nation with limited land and air space to properly run training exercises without offending their neighbors. This will be a good revenue source for the Udon region.

I say, bring them on. Udon can always use more money.

Also, the airport/base is in a relatively uninhabited part of town. The university and businesses are near the front gate, nowhere near the flight line.

There is another rumor about Maniland China wanting to develop Udon Thani as a transport hub for goods imported (by truck) from the north. This would avoid the delays and extra costs created by shipping to Bangkok.

Mike Weldon

Udon Thani