Suvarnabhumi Siege Ends, Airport To Open Friday

[george]

Hundreds of protesters leave Bangkok airport

SUVARNABHUMI: -- Hundreds of anti-government protesters began leaving Bangkok's main airport in cars, taxis and buses after ending a crippling eight-day blockade, an AFP correspondent said.

Vehicles packed high with demonstrators' belongings began streaming out of Suvarnabhumi shortly after the 10:00 am (0300 GMT) time set by leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy for the end of the protest.

The airport authority said the first international flights from the three-billion-dollar airport would resume on Thursday.

-- AFP 2008-12-03

AOT chief says commercial flights from Suvarnabhumi to resume Friday noon

BANGKOK: -- Airports of Thailand Plc Acting President Serirat Prasutanond said Wednesday commercial flights may be resumed at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at noon on Friday although it will take at least a week before the airport could resume full operations.

Serirat said passengers would still be required to check in at Bitec exhibition centre on Friday but the first passenger flight could be resumed at the Suvarnabhumi Airport at noon Friday.

He said all the systems would have to be checked before the airport could resume the full opertions.

The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest or would take no more than two weeks, he said.

-- The Nation 2008-12-03

Suvarnabhumi siege ends

BANGKOK: -- Rush to get airport functional again. PAD leaves, claiming 'final battle' won as Somchai no longer PM.

People's Alliance for Democracy followers last night started bidding farewell to Suvarnabhumi Airport, bringing an end to their eight-day siege that has caused incalculable damage to the country and the economy.

Airport authorities are now rushing to reopen the regional aviation hub, shuttered since it was hijacked on November 25.

Serirat Pasutanond, acting president of Airports of Thailand (AOT), said earlier that Suvarnabhumi could be officially reopened to passenger flights on December 15, but after the PAD began to vacate the premises, he said resumption of services would depend on inspections of the extent of damage to systems and facilities.

Claiming to have won their "final battle", the government opponents made their exit after the Constitution Court disbanded the People Power Party and two other government coalition partners - automatically dismissing Somchai Wongsawat as prime minister in the process.

Suwannee Samrongwattana, deputy airport director, said several incoming and outgoing flights were operated by eight Thai and foreign carriers at the airport last night.

Officials from the airlines and the International Air Transport Association will today start checking security and other systems.

More than 200,000 foreign and Thai travellers were stranded by the forced closure of both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Hardest hit are the country's international image, tourism and related industries, with damage estimated in excess of Bt100 billion.

Suwannee said protesters last night started to clear out the first, second and third floors of the terminal, while those on the fourth floor agreed to leave today following lengthy negotiations.

An airport security team also started inspecting designated areas inside the terminal last night to ensure that all areas are safe to resume operations.

AOT yesterday renewed air cargo services at Suvarnabhumi at 9am.

Serirat reported that the airport had already lost Bt350 million in revenue, while the shutdown of cargo services had caused lost business opportunities and other costs approaching some Bt25 billion.

Thai Airways International and other domestic and international airlines have also suffered tremendously from the mass occupations of the two airports.

AOT reported a total of 27 international flights yesterday operated by THAI, AirAsia, Nok Air and China Southern to evacuate passengers still stuck in limbo.

ACM Somchai Tien-anant, managing director of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, said a total of 45 flights had taken off from Suvarnabhumi since Sunday after protesters allowed stranded aircraft to leave.

He said that now Somchai was no longer prime minister, the PAD had no more excuses to camp out at the airports.

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking said in a statement that the incumbent government had lost its capability to manage the country, so other parties should be allowed to form a new administration.

"If there is no success, the National Assembly [Parliament] should be dissolved to return the power to the people," it said.

The JSCCIB also asked the |PAD protesters to leave the airports immediately and demanded that they stop all unlawful demonstrations.

-- The Nation 2008-12-03

Update (1.30pm BKK time):

Siege ends: Protesters withdraw from Bangkok airports

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government protesters on Wednesday morning withdrew from both Bangkok main airports, clearing the way for resumption of passenger service Thursday.

The Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which occupied Suvarnabhumi Airport eight days ago, and Don Mueang one day later, have withdrawn, proclaiming victory in their successful quest to remove now former prime minister Somchai Wangsawat from office.

The flow of PAD protesters departing the Thai capital's two airports have been replaced by an army of technical staff, cleaners and maintenance workers to bring the facility back into service.

Mr. Serirat Prasutanont, Suvarnabhumi Airport director, said the first six flights to take off from Suvarnabhumi airport will be Thai Airways International (THAI) services departing to Sydney, Delhi, Narita, Frankfurt, Seoul and Copenhagen, he said.

Domestic flights were expected to start this afternoon, he said, adding that the first flight would be Phuket to Suvarnabhumi.

Cargo flights from Suvarnabhumi resumed December 2.

The government earlier assured all 200,000 stranded passengers could board flights to their destinations within 10 days.

Many nations sent emergency flights to evacuate their nationals through U-Tapao naval airport and from provincial airports.

Meanwhile, Don Mueang airport director acting Flying Officer Anirut Thanomkulbutra said after the situation returned to normal, the airport would discuss with the agencies concerned to resume its services as soon as possible.

-- TNA 2008-12-03

--------------------------------

Update 14:00 BKK time:

THAI resumes flights at Suvarnabhumi today Wednesday

Thai Airways International is flying six special flights from Suvarnabhumi on Wednesday, the first since the airport was shut down on November 25.

TG 9939 to Sydney, leaving at 5.25pm

TG 3159 to New Delhi, leaving at 7.50pm

TG 6409 to Narita, leaving at 10.35pm

TG 9209 to Frankfurt, leaving at 11.40pm

TG 6589 to Seoul, leaving at 11.45pm

TG 9509 to Copenhagen, leaving at 0.50am

-- The Nation 2008-12-03

Edited December 3, 2008 by george

[george]

Thaivisa offers ticketing assistance for stranded travelers

Thaivisa Expat Repatriation Assistance

We have the flights in and out of Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- Thaivisa.com are able to assist its members to fly in or out of Thailand through our association with the major Airlines Networks. We strongly believe it will be 7 days before Thailand's main Airports re-open.

Since December 1 we are in a position to assist stranded members and their families with their urgent travel requirements, both inbound and outbound.

We are able to assist with re-routing or issue of a new tickets to get you to your destination.

Get Assistance now:

http://www.thaivisa.com/latest/thaivisa-ex...assistance.html

[Jai Dee]

AOT officials begin inspections of Suvarnabhumi airport

Officials of Airports of Thailand Plc started checking all systems of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 10 am Wednesday after the People's Alliance for Democracy officially handed over it back.

Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD co-leader, chaired a ceremony to hand over the airport back.

Source: The Nation - 03 December 2008

[Jai Dee]

For Bangkok Airways flights for today, please see this link.

[fleming]

That a good thing but I imagine it will take certainly more than a week to reopen the passengers' traffic!

May be re-open for Xmas!

[lawrence1366]

Everybody seems to be talking about the main airport? So when will Don Muang be opened? I need to go home to Chiang Mai to see my family.

Thaivisa offers ticketing assistance for stranded travelers

Thaivisa Expat Repatriation Assistance

We have the flights in and out of Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- Thaivisa.com are able to assist its members to fly in or out of Thailand through our association with the major Airlines Networks. We strongly believe it will be 7 days before Thailand's main Airports re-open.

Since December 1 we are in a position to assist stranded members and their families with their urgent travel requirements, both inbound and outbound.

We are able to assist with re-routing or issue of a new tickets to get you to your destination.

Get Assistance now:

http://www.thaivisa.com/latest/thaivisa-ex...assistance.html

[pattaya_girl]

I am glad no one got hurt especialy all the babies and children i could see on the Television. I am very please that it has come to an end.

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

The airport may open but how many of the airlines are going to want to fly into a airport under the threat of being closed down again?

[jaloochapurr]

I find out tonight UPS had landed the first plane and is now moving cargo into and out of thailand.

[newtronbom]

The airport may open but how many of the airlines are going to want to fly into a airport under the threat of being closed down again?

Good point! It will be very interesting to see what happens in the next few day or so. I hope for all our sakes the other airline companies just write this off as an aberration and not part of the usual entertainment!

[milkmachine]

That a good thing but I imagine it will take certainly more than a week to reopen the passengers' traffic!

May be re-open for Xmas!

I hope the airport is up and running before the 12th ,my family and I are due to fly out from Chiang mai to uk via bangkok and I m so desperate to get home ,have not been back for 1 year and my brother is getting married , I need to go to a very important hospital appointment and all the family are coming to see us for our son s 4th birthday. I m not happy at all and all the airlines keep saying is the flights are not cancelled for that day but then I keep reading reports that the airport won t be up and running until at least the 15th . Anyone got any advice

[ilyushin]

Great news. Get the airports open 100% for business. Lots of catching up to do.

Need my FedEx shipments too.

[mommysboy]

The airport may open but how many of the airlines are going to want to fly into a airport under the threat of being closed down again?

They may not want to, but wouldn't the pull of commerce and the need to provide equal service more or less demand it?

[SilentReader]

Let's all hope that whoever is in charge of Thailand now arranges immediately some sort of security measures to prevent the PAD or any other mob from entering the airports. Immediately, I mean 10.01am !!

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

The airport may open but how many of the airlines are going to want to fly into a airport under the threat of being closed down again?

They may not want to, but wouldn't the pull of commerce and the need to provide equal service more or less demand it?

It would be a difficult decision. What are the chances that while you are on the ground in BKK that they close it down again and your planes are stuck on the ground. Could prove to be very expensive. I guess time will tell.

[nonthaburial]

Let's all hope that whoever is in charge of Thailand now arranges immediately some sort of security measures to prevent the PAD or any other mob from entering the airports. Immediately, I mean 10.01am !!

My thoughts entirely !!!! Would like to see a large number of troops at the airport immediately with all approach roads sealed off and real security enforced.

I accept that troops at such places dont look good to the average Joe, but in these times a necessity I fear

[fleming]

That a good thing but I imagine it will take certainly more than a week to reopen the passengers' traffic!

May be re-open for Xmas!

I hope the airport is up and running before the 12th ,my family and I are due to fly out from Chiang mai to uk via bangkok and I m so desperate to get home ,have not been back for 1 year and my brother is getting married , I need to go to a very important hospital appointment and all the family are coming to see us for our son s 4th birthday. I m not happy at all and all the airlines keep saying is the flights are not cancelled for that day but then I keep reading reports that the airport won t be up and running until at least the 15th . Anyone got any advice

It's like openning a new airport... they have to check everything. I have serious doubts.

I just came back from Singapore last Sunday to Chiang Mai (I was supposed to get back to Bkk on Friday). Then took a night bus (~550 bahts) to Bkk: 8/9 hours. Not my most comfortable trip but was very ok. I guess if you are outside Thailand you can get a flight directly to Chiang Mai and if you are in, get a bus.

Few of my friends changed their flights as they were departing from Bkk to Europe, using Chiang Mai as departure base.

Edited December 3, 2008 by fleming

[puyaidon]

Without any opinions of pros and cons, there is an interesting article in the business section of the Bangkok Post called "The Perfect Storm." Yes, travellers got hit in this airport closure but exports of fruits and flowers got hit hard by rotting at the Laem Chabang port due to the person who signs off on the exports was not allowed in to the airport for a week. No one could sign the form so they sit. The article by Mr. Catto-Smith shows that a lot more will get impacted other than tourists. A shame.

[lodesafun]

The future... ever changing.

The past....always interpreted.

The present... I'm very happy at the way it has bloodlessly resolved.

Unique Thailand.

Amazingly unforgettable.

[PhilHarries]

The airport may open but how many of the airlines are going to want to fly into a airport under the threat of being closed down again?

Well therein lies the future challenge for AoT, TAT, the Thai police and the Thai government. They have to be seen to put in place real and credible systems and procedures to prevent this kind of thing ever happening again and not just to the airport.

This time it was just tourists and businesses that were disrupted. What if it were a UN or ASEAN conference that was taken hostage? Unlikely you say? Well go back a week and a half, would you have lent any credibility to the notion that the PAD would invade and close both airports?

[grantbkk]

That a good thing but I imagine it will take certainly more than a week to reopen the passengers' traffic!

May be re-open for Xmas!

I hope the airport is up and running before the 12th ,my family and I are due to fly out from Chiang mai to uk via bangkok and I m so desperate to get home ,have not been back for 1 year and my brother is getting married , I need to go to a very important hospital appointment and all the family are coming to see us for our son s 4th birthday. I m not happy at all and all the airlines keep saying is the flights are not cancelled for that day but then I keep reading reports that the airport won t be up and running until at least the 15th . Anyone got any advice

It's like openning a new airport... they have to check everything. I have serious doubts.

I just came back from Singapore last Sunday to Chiang Mai (I was supposed to get back to Bkk on Friday). Then took a night bus (~550 bahts) to Bkk: 8/9 hours. Not my most comfortable trip but was very ok. I guess if you are outside Thailand you can get a flight directly to Chiang Mai and if you are in, get a bus.

Few of my friends changed their flights as they were departing from Bkk to Europe, using Chiang Mai as departure base.

Do not be concerned with the length of time normal safety checks take to be completed. Suvarnabhumi will open quickly for the convenience of the air carriers. I would say within 48 hours at most. Remember that this airport is certified for absolutely nothing but to sell expensive consumer goods from the duty free shops. Before the airport opened they had certification from a ministry in Bangkok to conduct tests at the facility for six months. That permit expired years ago and the airport cannot be certified like other international airports until safety and operational standards are met. So get ready to fly and don't worry about those pesky international aviation standards.

[sriracha john]

Airports of Thailand Plc Acting President Serirat Prasutanond said Wednesday commercial flights may be resumed at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at noon on Friday although it will take at least a week before the airport could resume full operations.

He said all the systems would have to be checked before the airport could resume the full operations.

The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest or would take no more than two weeks, he said.

So flights are arriving and departing within 48 hours PRIOR to safety checks on all air traffic control and a whole host of other systems being completed?

Good luck to anyone flying in or out prior to safety being fully evaluated.

This is a dilapidated and rusting Siam City Park waterslide ready to collapse with loads of children on it.... except on a much larger scale.

Edited December 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[ozfarang81]

Airports of Thailand Plc Acting President Serirat Prasutanond said Wednesday commercial flights may be resumed at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at noon on Friday although it will take at least a week before the airport could resume full operations.

He said all the systems would have to be checked before the airport could resume the full operations.

The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest or would take no more than two weeks, he said.

So flights are arriving and departing within 48 hours PRIOR to safety checks on all air traffic control and a whole host of other systems being completed?

Good luck to anyone flying in or out prior to safety being fully evaluated.

This is a dilapidated and rusting Siam City Park waterslide ready to collapse with loads of children on it.... except on a much larger scale.

Have you had experience in operating an airport before? Do you know the extent of damage to the airport personally, to all systems? The AOT chief says there is virtually no damage. And the 'control tower' takeover, I only ever saw the details in the report of a number of PAD members being escorted into the tower by Air Traffic Controllers as they wanted to see if there was a 'flight plan' or similar for Somchai's plane to land that day. They then all left shortly afterwards. There was never any talk of them tampering with computer systems. Most of the en route ATC is done elsewhere, and other flights in and out of the country have been receiving normal air traffic control the whole time. The role of the tower is mostly done with human eyes, for visual separation. Most of the radar control is done in separate rooms. People who have little idea of ATC systems and airport operations should avoid giving their opinions on whether they think an airport is safe or not.

Remember, the media tend to sensationalize their headlines, so 'AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER TAKEOVER' sounded great as a headline, but in reality it was hardly a takeover at all. I completely disagree with what the PAD did, but they are leaving the place in a pretty good condition and even mopping the floors as they go.

AOT have also said that if systems are not ready for departing passengers they will do checkin procedures at BITEC and bus people to the aircraft at Suva, inbound flights passengers will already have been screened at the departure point. So they havent said they are going to just operate the airport as normal prior to doing the appropriate checks.

Edited December 3, 2008 by ozfarang81

[iang]

The damage has been done though. Today, despite the ending of the siege etc etc, the Australian Government has advised its citizens to "RECONSIDER YOUR NEED TO TRAVEL" to Thailand.

Upto today, the warning was just for Bangkok, but now it's been updated to include the WHOLE COUNTRY!

More mass hotel cancellations coming......

[sriracha john]

Airports of Thailand Plc Acting President Serirat Prasutanond said Wednesday commercial flights may be resumed at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at noon on Friday although it will take at least a week before the airport could resume full operations.

He said all the systems would have to be checked before the airport could resume the full operations.

The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest or would take no more than two weeks, he said.

So flights are arriving and departing within 48 hours PRIOR to safety checks on all air traffic control and a whole host of other systems being completed?

Good luck to anyone flying in or out prior to safety being fully evaluated.

This is a dilapidated and rusting Siam City Park waterslide ready to collapse with loads of children on it.... except on a much larger scale.

Have you had experience in operating an airport before? Do you know the extent of damage to the airport personally, to all systems? The AOT chief says there is virtually no damage. And the 'control tower' takeover, I only ever saw the details in the report of a number of PAD members being escorted into the tower by Air Traffic Controllers as they wanted to see if there was a 'flight plan' or similar for Somchai's plane to land that day. They then all left shortly afterwards. There was never any talk of them tampering with computer systems. Most of the en route ATC is done elsewhere, and other flights in and out of the country have been receiving normal air traffic control the whole time. The role of the tower is mostly done with human eyes, for visual separation. Most of the radar control is done in separate rooms. People who have little idea of ATC systems and airport operations should avoid giving their opinions on whether they think an airport is safe or not.

Remember, the media tend to sensationalize their headlines, so 'AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER TAKEOVER' sounded great as a headline, but in reality it was hardly a takeover at all. I completely disagree with what the PAD did, but they are leaving the place in a pretty good condition and even mopping the floors as they go.

AOT have also said that if systems are not ready for departing passengers they will do checkin procedures at BITEC and bus people to the aircraft at Suva, inbound flights passengers will already have been screened at the departure point. So they havent said they are going to just operate the airport as normal prior to doing the appropriate checks.

This same AOT chief, when the airport was under PAD control, repeatedly stated it takes up to 2 weeks to thoroughly check all systems. Now all of a sudden, everything is hunky dory... and a superficial going over is sufficient.

I'm just recalling his own words as the basis for my post and not proffering any of my own speculations as to what specifically was damaged or not or how much inside knowledge of the specific inner workings of air traffic control I have. Additionally, there are many, many systems other than air traffic control that have an impact on the safety of flights.

All that, coupled with the dozens of bus crashes, train wrecks, etc. etc. AND waterslide collapses that make up so many News Clippings Forum threads. The abysmal historical record of safety in Thailand speaks for itself. Even the original opening of this airport was rushed and hurried through with only a cursory look at safety issues.... luckily they were no catastrophes then... will they be similarly lucky this time out of the shoot? I hope so... but I also won't be surprised if they are not.

Edited December 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[grantbkk]

Airports of Thailand Plc Acting President Serirat Prasutanond said Wednesday commercial flights may be resumed at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at noon on Friday although it will take at least a week before the airport could resume full operations.

He said all the systems would have to be checked before the airport could resume the full operations.

The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest or would take no more than two weeks, he said.

So flights are arriving and departing within 48 hours PRIOR to safety checks on all air traffic control and a whole host of other systems being completed?

Good luck to anyone flying in or out prior to safety being fully evaluated.

This is a dilapidated and rusting Siam City Park waterslide ready to collapse with loads of children on it.... except on a much larger scale.

Have you had experience in operating an airport before? Do you know the extent of damage to the airport personally, to all systems? The AOT chief says there is virtually no damage. And the 'control tower' takeover, I only ever saw the details in the report of a number of PAD members being escorted into the tower by Air Traffic Controllers as they wanted to see if there was a 'flight plan' or similar for Somchai's plane to land that day. They then all left shortly afterwards. There was never any talk of them tampering with computer systems. Most of the en route ATC is done elsewhere, and other flights in and out of the country have been receiving normal air traffic control the whole time. The role of the tower is mostly done with human eyes, for visual separation. Most of the radar control is done in separate rooms. People who have little idea of ATC systems and airport operations should avoid giving their opinions on whether they think an airport is safe or not.

Remember, the media tend to sensationalize their headlines, so 'AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER TAKEOVER' sounded great as a headline, but in reality it was hardly a takeover at all. I completely disagree with what the PAD did, but they are leaving the place in a pretty good condition and even mopping the floors as they go.

AOT have also said that if systems are not ready for departing passengers they will do checkin procedures at BITEC and bus people to the aircraft at Suva, inbound flights passengers will already have been screened at the departure point. So they havent said they are going to just operate the airport as normal prior to doing the appropriate checks.

This same AOT chief, when the airport was under PAD control, repeatedly stated it takes up to 2 weeks to thoroughly check all systems. Now all of a sudden, everything is hunky dory... and a superficial going over is sufficient.

I'm just recalling his own words as the basis for my post and not proffering any of my own speculations as to what specifically was damaged or not or how much inside knowledge of the specific inner workings of air traffic control I have. Additionally, there are many, many systems other than air traffic control that have an impact on the safety of flights.

All that, coupled with the dozens of bus crashes, train wrecks, etc. etc. AND waterslide collapses that make up so many News Clippings Forum threads. The abysmal historical record of safety in Thailand speaks for itself. Even the original opening of this airport was rushed and hurried through with only a cursory look at safety issues.... luckily they were no catastrophes then... will they be similarly lucky this time out of the shoot? I hope so... but I also won't be surprised if they are not.

We are all on our own here in Thailand and have always been. We hope nothing happens and when nothing does we develop a false sense of security. I use the airport here but choose my carrier carefully. What number do you call if you need the police and what is their response time to an emergency in progress. Let's hope we never need one. We also have to hope we are not involved in the first major crash at Suvarnabhumi. No safety certification doesn't mean we are going to have a catastrophe however due to the lack of equipment, software and training one could happen at any moment. This is nothing new for this airport. Just wait until Thailand.

Edited December 3, 2008 by grantbkk

[tigerbeer]

anyone with latest news on whats happening in the airport? a possibility of domestic flights operating by AirAsia and Nok Air by Friday?

[MyphuketLife]

The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest or would take no more than two weeks, he said.

In your own words, UP TO two weeks which was depending on the way the airport was left.

I see reading is not your strong point, so let me break down the sentence.

"The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest"

That means no matter how quickly they move the earliest the airport can re-open would be 7 days.

"or would take no more than two weeks"

Means in the event their was a problem, and it took longer than 7 days it would not go pass the 14 day mark...

Make any since?

But this is Thailand and well lets face it things will be rushed, and things will be overlooked.

[chrislarsson]

The damage has been done though. Today, despite the ending of the siege etc etc, the Australian Government has advised its citizens to "RECONSIDER YOUR NEED TO TRAVEL" to Thailand.

Upto today, the warning was just for Bangkok, but now it's been updated to include the WHOLE COUNTRY!

More mass hotel cancellations coming......

I just read in the Swedish news that not many Swedes have canceled their trip to Thailand over Christmas. Maybe it won't be as bad after all...

[sriracha john]

Airports of Thailand Plc Acting President Serirat Prasutanond said Wednesday commercial flights may be resumed at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at noon on Friday although it will take at least a week before the airport could resume full operations.

He said all the systems would have to be checked before the airport could resume the full operations.

The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest or would take no more than two weeks, he said.

So flights are arriving and departing within 48 hours PRIOR to safety checks on all air traffic control and a whole host of other systems being completed?

Good luck to anyone flying in or out prior to safety being fully evaluated.

This is a dilapidated and rusting Siam City Park waterslide ready to collapse with loads of children on it.... except on a much larger scale.

Have you had experience in operating an airport before? Do you know the extent of damage to the airport personally, to all systems? The AOT chief says there is virtually no damage. And the 'control tower' takeover, I only ever saw the details in the report of a number of PAD members being escorted into the tower by Air Traffic Controllers as they wanted to see if there was a 'flight plan' or similar for Somchai's plane to land that day. They then all left shortly afterwards. There was never any talk of them tampering with computer systems. Most of the en route ATC is done elsewhere, and other flights in and out of the country have been receiving normal air traffic control the whole time. The role of the tower is mostly done with human eyes, for visual separation. Most of the radar control is done in separate rooms. People who have little idea of ATC systems and airport operations should avoid giving their opinions on whether they think an airport is safe or not.

Remember, the media tend to sensationalize their headlines, so 'AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER TAKEOVER' sounded great as a headline, but in reality it was hardly a takeover at all. I completely disagree with what the PAD did, but they are leaving the place in a pretty good condition and even mopping the floors as they go.

AOT have also said that if systems are not ready for departing passengers they will do checkin procedures at BITEC and bus people to the aircraft at Suva, inbound flights passengers will already have been screened at the departure point. So they havent said they are going to just operate the airport as normal prior to doing the appropriate checks.

This same AOT chief, when the airport was under PAD control, repeatedly stated it takes up to 2 weeks to thoroughly check all systems. Now all of a sudden, everything is hunky dory... and a superficial going over is sufficient.

I'm just recalling his own words as the basis for my post and not proffering any of my own speculations as to what specifically was damaged or not or how much inside knowledge of the specific inner workings of air control. Additionally, there are many, many systems other than air traffic control that have an impact on the safety of flights.

All that, coupled with the dozens of bus crashes, train wrecks, etc. etc. AND waterslide collapses that make up so many News Clippings Forum threads. The abysmal historical record of safety in Thailand speaks for itself. Even the original opening of this airport was rushed and hurried through with only a cursory look at safety issues.... luckily they were no catastrophes then... will they be similarly lucky this time out of the shoot? I hope so... but I also won't be surprised if there are.

In your own words, UP TO two weeks which was depending on the way the airport was left.

and as his amplifying words REPEATED again today in the above quote... "at least a week"

of course, it's up to the individual traveler to trust whether or not a complete and thorough check and clearance is done of all systems within 48 hours... as these people in control are all fully trustworthy when the issue of public safety is raised.

Edited December 3, 2008 by sriracha john