Scanner scandal may delay new airport’s opening

BANGKOK: -- The operators of Bangkok’s new international Suvarnabhumi airport, currently under construction, have defended the purchase of CTX machines to detect explosives against charges that they are inferior to the rival L 3.

Meanwhile, aviation officials have expressed concern that a delay in the opening of the new international airport could affect Thai Airways International business and allow Singapore’s Changi Airport to become the region’s aviation hub.

The three models CTX machines have been certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration while only one model of L 3 was certified, Gen. Somchai Somprasong, vice chairman of NBIA which operates the new airport.

Senator Panas Tasniyanond, who represents Tak province, had earlier claimed that the manufacturer of CTX 9000 machines had informed the US Securities and Exchange Commission that the firm was having financial problems before Thailand placed its order for 26 CTX machines.

The alleged corruption scandal involving the procurement of the bomb-detecting machines was now delaying the building of the conveyor belts and the passenger safety system, according to sources at the airport.

Only sixty percent of the work on the terminal has been completed.

Apart from the delay, Thailand will also have to pay penalty interest charges to the Japanese bank which is helping finance the airport project, the sources said.

Many leading airline firms buying Airbus 380 for use on long routes are seriously considering whether to use Singapore’s Changi Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport as a regional aviation hub, a senior airline executive said

A further delay in the opening of the airport is likely to encourage international airlines to operate medium-sized planes or use Thai airports as “feeders” to Changi Airport, he said.

--TNA 2005-05-29

It cant have been longer than 3 or 4 months ago that there was an article saying the new airport was going to be corruption free

Good start, it aint even fookin open yet

Last year, Toksin guarantied that it will open in August 2005... Or I am wrong?

Probe into scanner scandal soon completed

BANGKOK: -- An official investigation into alleged corruption involving the purchase of bomb scanners for Bangkok’s new international airport is expected to be completed on Friday, the Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-Ngam told TNA on Monday.

“The investigation panel had to search for key missing evidence to complete the jigsaw. They have been given seven more days to conclude their probe,” said Mr. Wissanu who is overseeing the fact-finding panel.

There are three remaining issues to be investigated further, he said.

This include the price difference between what was paid by the sub-contractors, the Patriot Business Consultants for the 26 CTX 9000 bomb scanners and the sale price when it was bought by ITO Joint Venture company, the main contractor constructing the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The probe always wants an explanation for New Bangkok International Airport's (NBIA) payment in advance to Patriot by a cheque issued by the Bank Tokyo in Bangkok, but without subsequent delivery.

The investigators are anxious to know what has become of the money.

However, the deputy prime minister refused to comment on whether the remaining issues implicated any politicians in the alleged corruption.

--TNA 2005-05-30