Inaugural Flight Successfully Lands On New Airport

[ovenman]

PM attempts to use forged passport

When asked to explain, the PM merely stated that he had obtained it in Chinatown from an Algerian,

Any chance this same Chinatown-based Algerian also does masters and doctoral degrees from American universities?

[Jai Dee]

PRIME MINISTER THAKSIN WILL HOLD NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN AT SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

The Government will hold a New Year countdown at Suvarnabhumi Airport on December 31 to promote the nearly completed airport as regional air hub.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra revealed the plan in his speech to invited diplomats, VIP guests from various sectors and media representatives after the first test flight to the airport this morning.

He said several activities will be arranged at the Airport during the New Year including a photo contest in which world entries are invited. The most beautiful pictures depicting the airport by day or by night, will be printed for free distribution to the first million passengers using this airport. According to the Prime Minister, Suvarnabhumi by night is very fascinating.

He indicated that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be finished as soon as possible. A preliminary opening schedule is in June 2006. However, the schedule could be faster depending on the decision of the committee involved which will meet again in the next one month.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันพฤหัสบดีที่ 29 กันยายน 2548

[ovenman]

The Government will hold a New Year countdown at Suvarnabhumi Airport on December 31 to promote the nearly completed airport as regional air hub.

I love it, extending the concept of vapourware to airports - a big party to promote an unfinished airport as being the regional air hub. Bill Gates has nothing on Mr. Big.

He indicated that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be finished as soon as possible. A preliminary opening schedule is in June 2006. However, the schedule could be faster depending on the decision of the committee involved which will meet again in the next one month.

That's an interesting take on things. Just about every report I've read that questions sources who should actually be in the know, indicates that the June 2006 date itself is optimistic.

[WhiteShiva]

PRIME MINISTER THAKSIN WILL HOLD NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN AT SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And after that he could hold fashion shows there. And conventions. And cabinet meetings. And kite festivals. And cultural shows. And car shows. And rock concerts.

And, perhaps one day we could perhaps even use it as an airport!

[sriracha john]

PM attempts to use forged passport

When asked to explain, the PM merely stated that he had obtained it in Chinatown from an Algerian,

Any chance this same Chinatown-based Algerian also does masters and doctoral degrees from American universities?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Bangkok Herald Examiner did an expose' of his work and found he specialized in those degrees from universities in the state of Texas.

[sriracha john]

PRIME MINISTER THAKSIN WILL HOLD NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN AT SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And after that he could hold fashion shows there. And conventions. And cabinet meetings. And kite festivals. And cultural shows. And car shows. And rock concerts.

And, perhaps one day we could perhaps even use it as an airport!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If it keeps sinking back into the swampland water, we could even float our Loy Krathongs there.

I would have receommended the new craze of legalized street drag racing could be done there on the runway, but I think with all the cracks, it'd be too dangerous for the teens and their motorbikes.

[Jumbo chilli]

OVERDRIVE: The Guinness world records of Suvarnabhumi

Published on September 30, 2005

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, once again, has made us feel good about ourselves. Yesterday, he made a much touted test flight with his entourage from Don Muang airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport to show us how grand the new airport is.

There were more than 1,000 guests, including a major contingent from the press corps, at Suvarnabhumi to celebrate the birth of the new airport, which is expected to propel the Thai aviation industry into the ranks of the global great.

You have to be Thai to feel the blood running through your entire body. For the sight of Thaksin and his entourage celebrating the grandeur of the new airport at the tarmac was indescribable. It was a pride of galactic proportion. Since we’re a great nation, we deserve the world’s greatest airport. Without Thaksin, we would be deprived of this great feeling for the Bt150-billion airport that will put Heathrow of London, John F Kennedy of New York, Chok Lap Kok of Hong Kong and Changi of Singapore to shame.

With this grand design, it is no accident that the Suvarnabhumi International Airport is racking up so many amazing feats surely worth of being recorded in the book “Guinness World Records”. Here are a few examples of why Suvarnabhumi is so amazing:

1. It has taken 45 years – the world’s longest period to get an airport up and running – to design, redesign, build and rebuild Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Even the ancient Egyptians, the ancient Chinese and the ancient Khmer could not build their pyramids, the Great Wall of China and Angkor Wat faster. Even though we have been waiting almost half a century, it was well worth it.

2. Suvarnabhumi claims the tallest air-traffic control tower in the world. From up there, air traffic controllers can most probably see, with their bare eyes, tourists sunbathing on Pattaya Beach. This will prevent them from becoming sleepy when they are on duty. The biblical Tower of Babel might be worthy of comparison to the tower at Suvarnabhumi Tower (though unfortunately it collapsed).

3. Suvarnabhumi has the world’s largest runway, capable of accommodating any size of aircraft that Boeing or Airbus plans to manufacture. Another equally controversial emergency decree will be issued to bar vendors from selling their food along the new airport’s runway.

4. Thaksin is now presiding over what will be the longest time to have elapsed between the soft opening of an airport and its grand opening. It will not be until June or October next year (or could it be longer?) before commercial aircraft start to take off and land at Suvarnabhumi. It is not clear why he has celebrated the opening of the new airport that, well, has yet to open. But a celebration is something we should always take pride in.

5. Suvarnabhumi is to maintain the world’s most expensive and effective operations for keeping the sky and the ground clear in order to ensure safe landing of aircraft. This will be challenging because flocks of birds, particularly open-billed storks, nest in the Suvarnabhumi area. In fact they have been living there happily with cobras since time immemorial. Indeed, the site of the new airport is called Nong Ngu Hao (cobra swamp). The airport officials are afraid that the birds might pose a danger to aircraft during take-off and landing if they happen to fly into the engines. So they have commissioned F-16 fighting aircraft to go airborne at a moment’s notice to scare off the birds. Just before the prime minister’s aircraft landed, it was shown just how effective the F-16 was at performing this important task.

And on the ground, death squads that are out of rotation from duty down South will be assigned to use their air rifles to keep stray dogs from sneaking onto the runway.

6. The Novotel Suvarnabhumi will claim the world’s largest hotel lobby. You may want to take a skateboard with you, just in case.

7. Suvarnabhumi Airport will be equipped with the world’s most expensive bomb-detection machines. It will also have the largest number. There will be 26 CTX machines there. Most other airports have only eight or 10.

With these impressive world records, we have to feel proud of our new airport. Better late than never.

( the Nation)

[ovenman]

Bangkok Herald Examiner did an expose' of his work and found he specialized in those degrees from universities in the state of Texas.

The Herald Examiner sounds like a good source for news. Are they offering home delivery in Chiang Mai yet?

[sriracha john]

Bangkok Herald Examiner did an expose' of his work and found he specialized in those degrees from universities in the state of Texas.

The Herald Examiner sounds like a good source for news. Are they offering home delivery in Chiang Mai yet?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes... I'm good friends with the editor-in-chief and he assured me that just as soon they can get the cargo planes flying out of the new airport, he'll be able to send copies of the paper up to Chiang Mai... so please just be a little bit more patient until June, but remember... the PM said it could be faster.

[Sphere]

For my part I enjoyed watching the luggage go around the carusel.

All exactly the same piece of luggage (model or type and size), just different colors.  Not sure of the odds of that happening, but I'd guess the moving luggage was staged for the cameras.

kenk3z

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A friend arrived at Don Muang yesterday and couldn't find his bag. Is there any chance it could be going around on the belt at Suvarnabhumi?

[Jai Dee]

CHART THAI PARTY LEADER IS SATISFIED WITH SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT; SUGGESTS MORE TREES BE PLANTED

The CHART Thai Party leader has expressed satisfaction with the technological capabilities of the new SUVARNABHUMI International Airport. Meanwhile, he has indicated that he is ready to continue inspecting the works of the new airport.

CHART Thai Party leader BANHARN SILPA-ARCHA (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) said he is happy Thailand has an airport comprehensively equipped with advanced technologies. He said he is excited and proud when the Airbus 340-400 finely made the landing on the runway yesterday (September 29th). At the moment, the airport construction has progressed as much as 96 percent.

According to the CHART Thai Party leader, in order for BANHARN is on the Opposition side, he said he also plays a SUVARNABHUMI Airport to become the central aviation hub in the region, the government would have to speedily complete the remaining construction. At the same time, politics should be separated from the airport constructions. Even though Mr. role to help foster the creation of this airport. He said that he will continue to inspect the airport's readiness.

Mr. BANHARN also disclosed that when he was boarding the first auspicious flight with Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA yesterday, he had offered a suggestion to the premier. He recommended that the airport needs to plant more trees, to improve the overall visual surroundings.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันศุกร์ที่ 30 กันยายน 2548

[Rumpole]

And, perhaps one day we could perhaps even use it as an airport!     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey, now there's an innovative idea ..........

Naw. Would never work.

[sajal]

At the same time, politics should be separated from the airport constructions.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yeah right,...is this possible?

what will he say next? 'corruption should be seperated from the airport constructions.'?

[LivinLOS]

Or even better.. corruption seperated from politics..

[ovenman]

Mr. BANHARN also disclosed that when he was boarding the first auspicious flight with Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA yesterday, he had offered a suggestion to the premier. He recommended that the airport needs to plant more trees, to improve the overall visual surroundings.

I have a funny feeling that if asked, ol' Banharn knows where there is a nursery or two in Suphanburi that would be delighted to be the exclusive supplier for all landscaping needs at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Perhaps the Bangkok Herald Examiner could look into and shed some light upon these seedy dealings?

[ovenman]

...and while we're at it, isn't it the case that airports generally want a lack of trees on-site so as to keep the bird populations away?

[Rinrada]

Made the Times today...$37B

World News

The Times September 30, 2005

Hubbub over 'Hub of Graft'

By Andrew Drummond

AS THE strains of a woodwind and string ensemble drifted across the runway, an aircraft carrying Thaksin Shinawatra, the Thai Prime Minister, touched down yesterday at the world’s largest and newest airport.

But as soon as his Airbus 340-600 departed, the $37 billion (£21 billion) airport closed for business. It is not expected to open to passenger traffic until next June at the earliest.

The Prime Minister had promised that the airport would open on September 29, because it was on that day in 2002 that Bhumipol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, had named it Suvarnabhumi (Golden Land) airport. The missing infrastructure was testament to the work ahead.

The airport was planned 40 years ago to be an important air hub, but it has been delayed, mainly because of corruption.

In a headline, the Bangkok Post called it the “Hub of Graft”.

(with thanks times)

[ovenman]

The airport was planned 40 years ago to be an important air hub, but it has been delayed, mainly because of corruption.

I'd like to find myself a job that would allow me to strut around like the cock-of-the-walk, crowing about the progress made on a still-incomplete project that is some thirty-five years or so late.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

For my part I enjoyed watching the luggage go around the carusel.

All exactly the same piece of luggage (model or type and size), just different colors.  Not sure of the odds of that happening, but I'd guess the moving luggage was staged for the cameras.

kenk3z

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A friend arrived at Don Muang yesterday and couldn't find his bag. Is there any chance it could be going around on the belt at Suvarnabhumi?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Belt ... belt. There's no bloody belts there yet

[Jai Dee]

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT WILL BE OPENED FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO VISIT THIS NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Transport Minister PONGSAK RAKTAPONGPHAISAL (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล) insisted that the pre-opening of SUVARNABHUMI International Airport for public visits should not have any negative impacts towards the commercial sector.

Mr. PONGSAK said the Ministry of Transport will allow the general public to visit and take photos at the new airport during this November and December. He stated that this occasion would not affect the commercial sector, as the airport has already been designed to support the general public. However, they will be able to visit certain unrestricted areas of the airport, such as the departure zones and the check-in counters. Security will also be tightened up during the next couple of months.

The Transport Minister said the visitors would be more familiarized with the new international airport, prior to its actual opening date. Foreign tourists will also be able to visit SUVARNABHUMI Airport, and thus, they can help promote the airport to be the regional hub of Asia.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันเสาร์ที่ 1 ตุลาคม 2548

[sajal]

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT WILL BE OPENED FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO VISIT THIS NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Transport Minister PONGSAK RAKTAPONGPHAISAL (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล) insisted that the pre-opening of SUVARNABHUMI International Airport for public visits should not have any negative impacts towards the commercial sector.

Mr. PONGSAK said the Ministry of Transport will allow the general public to visit and take photos at the new airport during this November and December. He stated that this occasion would not affect the commercial sector, as the airport has already been designed to support the general public. However, they will be able to visit certain unrestricted areas of the airport, such as the departure zones and the check-in counters. Security will also be tightened up during the next couple of months.

The Transport Minister said the visitors would be more familiarized with the new international airport, prior to its actual opening date. Foreign tourists will also be able to visit SUVARNABHUMI Airport, and thus, they can help promote the airport to be the regional hub of Asia.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันเสาร์ที่ 1 ตุลาคม 2548

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

so now tour companies are adding one more tourist spot on their itenary?

[phastmike]

No one quoted the costs of that unnecessary test. BKK Post said something like 11 Million Baht, with 5 Million for the flight/logistics itself, 2 Million for breakfast and lunch, another 2 Million for souvenirs etc.

Was this president not the same that asked to turn off the lights and air-conditioners at lunch/meals ? To save energy, blah blah blah..?

ohh I forgot… It’s the Thai Rak Thai Baht party.

Edited October 2, 2005 by phastmike

[Sphere]

For my part I enjoyed watching the luggage go around the carusel.

All exactly the same piece of luggage (model or type and size), just different colors.  Not sure of the odds of that happening, but I'd guess the moving luggage was staged for the cameras.

kenk3z

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A friend arrived at Don Muang yesterday and couldn't find his bag. Is there any chance it could be going around on the belt at Suvarnabhumi?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Belt ... belt. There's no bloody belts there yet

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Should find it at the world's biggest lost luggage counter then!

[kidtongue]

From the Bangkok Herald Examiner:

PM attempts to use forged passport

Prime Minister Thaksin smiles nervously at the Immigration counter of the new airport during it's grand opening when it was discovered that his passport was a forgery. When asked to explain, the PM merely stated that he had obtained it in Chinatown from an Algerian, but refused further comments other than to say he was proud of an earlier announcement in the Western press that Thailand was a hub for passport forgeries. "We're proud of all our hubs," he was quoted as saying.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd think without a "B" Visa he'd be relying on his age to get an "O" Visa under which terms if he works he could get deported...

[dr_Pat_Pong]

A passport on a domestic flight. Security is getting tougher

[silk123]

For my part I enjoyed watching the luggage go around the carusel.

All exactly the same piece of luggage (model or type and size), just different colors.  Not sure of the odds of that happening, but I'd guess the moving luggage was staged for the cameras.

kenk3z

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A friend arrived at Don Muang yesterday and couldn't find his bag. Is there any chance it could be going around on the belt at Suvarnabhumi?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's happening a lot lately, the missing bag thing.

[silk123]

It's just a airport so why the hel_l would anyone want visit it. We'll have to be flying in and out from there all the time in a few years anyway. Hope it's not too far out of bkk.