Suvarnabhumi Airport Will Open At End Of June Or Mid-july At The Latest

[tjo o tjim]

Why wasn't the new airport designed to handle domestic and intl? Don Muang handles both to this day. The new airport as of yet has not provisions to handle the A380, this while (old) airports around the world have already been retrofitted for it. I don't see any advantages and it seems a real inconvenience for passengers needing to connect between airports. Is this the biggest white elephant in the history of Thailand or am I missing something?

I think it is/will be equiped to handle the A380, but not many gates. If the A380 is an immediate success then the new airport will have even more problems.

Suvarnabhumi is definately designed to handle the A380, albeit with only two jet bridges per gate. They wanted to move more A380 gates closer to the terminal during the design phase, which forced them to delete the center concourse (and turn that area into bus gates). Also moved the control tower to a less symetrical location in the process. I think the side objective was to make the baggage unloading faster.

Anybody know if they are hiring farangs for the commissioning phase? I worked on the original schematic design for the electrical power and SCADA system...

[Johpa]

My Thai friend tells me that the company in charge of duty free goods at Subvannabhumi, King Power, is controlled by Panthongtae. A monopoly..naturally. If it is correct, it's a disgrace.

And pray tell where do we NOT find monopolies in Thailand. Telecommunications we know all to well. Agriculture exports are all controlled by long standing families in total control. Cement, another near monopoly. But let's be symapthetic to the Kingdom and its less than enlightened civilian ruler, most airports have but a single company running the duty free shops.

Are we surprised that this long running joke of an airport would not have the aroma of nepotism at every corner?

By the way, interesting to read the brief entry for the young Mr. Shinawat at Wikipedia.

[sriracha john]

The "hungry wolf" Khunying Jaruwan is on the hunt for some fresh lamb :

State Railway told to explain B2bn spending

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been given 60 days by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) to answer an initial inquiry over the ''irregular'' spending of nearly two billion baht involving the construction of an express railway link to Suvarnabhumi airport. The OAG sent a letter to the SRT last week requesting it to explain the unusual service fee payments worth 1.6 billion baht to its contractors at the beginning of last year, and also the disappearance of part of the wage payments worth more than 300 million baht.

The Airport Rail Link is a 30-billion-baht project to facilitate travel from Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi airport.

The system involves the building of an elevated train system at a cost of 25.9 billion baht and another 4.1 billion baht for building a station and a rail tunnel below the passenger terminal.

Starting from Phayathai and ending at Suvarnbhumi airport, the rail link will be 28km long and have eight stations. Its construction is expected to be completed in two years.

The Cabinet in 2004 under the recommendation of then Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit approved a ''pay later'' approach for the project, one not normally practised in government procurement spending.

Under the arrangement, four banks will make the payment to the construction firms for every stage of the project they complete on behalf of the SRT, with the government guaranteeing the banks that they would get their money back later. As the risk factor for the construction companies was higher than usual, resulting in higher service fees, the contract allows up to 1.6 billion baht in service fee for these firms when the construction is finished.

However, according to the OAG report the service fee was paid in full to the likes of B Grimm Engineering, German rail supplier Siemens, Italian-Thai Development and Power Line Engineering on Jan 25, 2005 only five days after the contract was signed. ''The contract says the service fee will be paid after the work is done because the full 1.6 billion might not be spent if the total cost does not reach the 25.9 billion baht limit,'' said an OAG source.

The other irregularity was found in the advance wage payment order with two receipts giving different numbers.

''The SRT has 60 days to come up with answers after which the OAG plans to launch a formal investigation,'' said the source.

- BP

Edited March 20, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

On the heels of the airport's railway link corruption, in addition to the other corruption areas such as the car parking lot concession.... the CTX scanner corruption, etc. etc., more corruption to be looked at now regarding the ground services contract...

AIRPORT CORRUPTION

Democrats slam scams

Time for a closer look at another Singapore connection - to Suvarnabhumi contracts

Two Singapore-based firms, with one registered in the British Virgin Islands; a shady deal; a Thai connection; and the Singaporeans standing to gain while the Thais lose out. Sound familiar? But this has nothing to do with the Temasek takeover of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Shin Corp.

This latest disclosure by the opposition Democratic Party could deal another blow to the embattled Thaksin. Deputy Democrat leader Alongkorn Polabutr said the scandal, involving the lucrative ground services contract at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, was getting more intriguing.

Singapore-based Frobisher, through its 48.5-per-cent share in Thai Airport Ground Services (Tags), is set to take control of ground services at Bangkok's new airport for an annual fee of about Bt1 billion.

The Democrats claim the contract never went to public tender.

Frobisher is half-owned by Thai businesswoman Rawadi Jantawit, who has 50,000 shares in the company.

Her Thai address, as stated with the Singaporean registrar, has been traced to a deserted home linked to tales of evictions - and even the discovery by a neighbour of a dead body inside the residence.

Alongkorn has also shone the spotlight on another Singapore-based firm.

He claimed Detex, an advisory company registered in the British Virgin Islands, recommended Tags to Frobisher.

"It was Detex who advised Frobisher to buy a 48-per-cent stake in Tags," said Alongkorn. He alleged that Bt300 million was transferred out of Tags' account, possibly as an advisory fee for Detex.

Alongkorn also claimed there was a business connection between Rawadi and Detex directors, as the names of three of them appeared as founders of two other business companies.

"Is this another Singapore-Thai conspiracy?" said Alongkorn.

He called on the Thai authorities to investigate whether Tags has been enjoying business privileges at the airport since there was a connection with Frobisher.

"The Auditor General's Office should seriously look into the matter," he said.

In August 2004 it was discovered that the man who "owns" a British Virgin Islands firm that bought millions of Thai Military Bank (TMB) shares the previous year was no millionaire.

Yoo Siwarom, the registered owner of Private Media, which accepted a suspiciously generous offer from TV Channel 5 to buy TMB shares, was a second-hand car dealer living in a Bangkok townhouse with a run-down home in Ubon Ratchathani.

- TN

Edited March 27, 2006 by sriracha john

[Maejo Man]

Starting from Phayathai and ending at Suvarnbhumi airport, the rail link will be 28km long and have eight stations. Its construction is expected to be completed in two years.

Wouldn't it have been more prudent to have the completion of the rail link co incidental with the airport opening?

[sriracha john]

Starting from Phayathai and ending at Suvarnbhumi airport, the rail link will be 28km long and have eight stations. Its construction is expected to be completed in two years.

Wouldn't it have been more prudent to have the completion of the rail link co incidental with the airport opening?

The first two years of arriving and departing passengers will have the distinct privilege to enjoy the exhilarating thrill and excitement of using the airport's currently planned form of transportation:

[Maejo Man]

The first two years of arriving and departing passengers will have the distinct privilege to enjoy the exhilarating thrill and excitement of using the airport's currently planned form of transportation:

One of the better looking buses there SRJ Have we been informed as to which of the numerous highways still under construction these exhilarating forms of transport are going to be using?

[sriracha john]

The first two years of arriving and departing passengers will have the distinct privilege to enjoy the exhilarating thrill and excitement of using the airport's currently planned form of transportation:

One of the better looking buses there SRJ Have we been informed as to which of the numerous highways still under construction these exhilarating forms of transport are going to be using?

Until the new highway completions are finished in 2012, the alternative routing will be a combination of the elevated highway:

onward down to New Petchaburi Road

before terminating at the Eastern Bus Terminal Ekamai. The Transportation Ministry anticipates typical travel times to and from the airport to be a snappy little six and half hours.

[leisurely]

Brilliant.

Seriously, when is the new airport opening? it will be so convenient for me. At last something to cheer about. Hooray. I am really looking forward to using it. I am somewhat sad.

[britmaveric]

Brilliant.

Seriously, when is the new airport opening? it will be so convenient for me. At last something to cheer about. Hooray. I am really looking forward to using it. I am somewhat sad.

Well flights are still being flown into BKK as of July, so that should tell you smth.

[Maejo Man]

I'm booked out of DM in early July, and I can't see any change there, and my travel agent has me booked to return there in early August. My money is still on a December opening (this year Brit )

[ratcatcher]

Starting from Phayathai and ending at Suvarnbhumi airport, the rail link will be 28km long and have eight stations. Its construction is expected to be completed in two years.

Wouldn't it have been more prudent to have the completion of the rail link co incidental with the airport opening?

The first two years of arriving and departing passengers will have the distinct privilege to enjoy the exhilarating thrill and excitement of using the airport's currently planned form of transportation:

Sri-Racha John, I know that your information is usually very accurate, but I believe that due to increasingly bad traffic congestion, (How bad can it get?) the Prime Minister (in his caretaker position) has ordered that a more fuel efficient and manoevreable form of transport be made available at the "soon to be opened " new airport in addition to the luxury fresh air conditioned buses in the picture above

.

This will give great opportunities to poor northeastern TRT supporters to operate in this stunning new project. They will all receive shiny new samlors which will reduce the travel time to and from the airport to a mere 4 hours. Arriving visitors will get a much more 'up-close' feeling for the eastern environs of this great city of Bangkok. All vehicles will be equipped with oxygen equipment to be used where necessary.

As can be seen from the attachment, they are easily capable of accomodating a pair of large farangs plus all baggage.

The 5 year concession has been awarded to Pantintong Shinywater until the multi mega billion baht, corruption free, high speed, elevated train system has been finally completed.

The "Caretaker" is convinced this innovative transportation project will prove to the world that Thailand is serious about solving transportation problems and reducing pollution. Sales of these modern 3 wheelers are expected to take off after they are seen in operation by millions of arriving tourists. Thailand is set to become the "Samlor Hub of Asia". Another 1st!

[sriracha john]

Excellent!

[Jai Dee]

THAI says it will be able to generate an additional 1.3 billion baht per year and accomodate the cargo of another 65 airlines once cargo service section at Suvarnabhumi completes

The management of Thai Airways is confident that the company will be able to accomodate another 65 airlines and earn an additional 1.3 billion baht per year after the opening of its cargo service at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Thai Airways Interim President Somchainuk Engtrakul (สมใจนึก เองตระกูล) said construction of Thai Airway's cargo warehouse at the new Suvarnabhumi airport is complete, and currently equipment is being installed. The installation is expected to finish and system test is expected to begin by the end of this month. The warehouse will be able to handle 1.5 million tons of cargo per year.

Mr. Somchainuk further disclosed that the company's board is currently considering purchases of Boeing 747-400s for use in cargo transportation, in accordance with the Ministry of Transport's policy to have Thai Airways increase revenue generation from the cargo business.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Somchai confirms the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport will be completed within schedule

Suvarnabhumi Airport Director, Mr. Somchai Sawadeephol (สมชัย สวัสดีผล) affirmed that the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport will be completed according to schedule. He said the official opening of the new airport will be determined by the government.

Mr. Somchai was speaking in response to the news report alleging that there is a delay on the installation of the Information Management System (AIMS) as well as the final touches in the airport. The news report claimed that the official opening will be delayed to 7 months.

Mr. Somchai added that the installation of AIMS is 100 % completed and is now under the progress of testing the system. He said all the airlines have moved their offices to the new airport already.

He revealed that the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited has approved the decoration plans when the airlines have submitted their documents for moving their offices into the airport. He said there have been much progress overall.

However, Mr. Somchai said the most worrying issue is about training the officials. He indicated that all the work should be completed within May. He stated that the government will make final decision about the official opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 April 2006

[jdinasia]

Mr. Somchai confirms the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport will be completed within schedule

Suvarnabhumi Airport Director, Mr. Somchai Sawadeephol (สมชัย สวัสดีผล) affirmed that the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport will be completed according to schedule. He said the official opening of the new airport will be determined by the government.

Mr. Somchai was speaking in response to the news report alleging that there is a delay on the installation of the Information Management System (AIMS) as well as the final touches in the airport. The news report claimed that the official opening will be delayed to 7 months.

Mr. Somchai added that the installation of AIMS is 100 % completed and is now under the progress of testing the system. He said all the airlines have moved their offices to the new airport already.

He revealed that the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited has approved the decoration plans when the airlines have submitted their documents for moving their offices into the airport. He said there have been much progress overall.

However, Mr. Somchai said the most worrying issue is about training the officials. He indicated that all the work should be completed within May. He stated that the government will make final decision about the official opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 April 2006

Will be finished according to schedule? ..... on time? ... isn't that about 10 months ago now? then again in Sept? Oh wait it opened in Sept! I remember 2 planes landing!

News reprts said 7 months late? From when? If I were a betting man I'd always vote the spread in Thailand!

[sriracha john]

Airport '7 months behind schedule'

The director of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport claimed the project was on time and would be ready by next month - but hours later his boss Deputy Transport Minister Chainant Charoensiri said the controversial airport would not be ready before 2007.

It will take at least seven months to give the finishing touches to the airport, said Gen Chainant.

It is impossible for the Suvarnabhumi airport to be opened commercially in June as planned, because it will take seven months to test systems and to complete unfinished work such as furnishing about 200 shops in the passenger terminals.

In addition, the specialised heavy-duty canvas used to cover the roof needed repairing and it would take about seven months, he said.

Somchai Sawadeephol, the airport director, said just hours earlier that everything at the airport was excellent, the last testing of the Information Management System (AIMS) was under way, and finishing touches and all decorating would be finished by the end of next month.

Mr Somchai said the Airports of Thailand Plc has approved the decoration plans, and airlines have submitted their documents for moving their offices into the airport. He said there has been much progress overall.

Gen Chainant begged to differ. The state-of-the-art IT connections for about 40 systems have not been completed and each system and the overall system must be tested prior to the airport's functional opening, he said.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will inspect Suvarnabhumi Airport before the commercial opening, Gen Chainant said. It is too soon to talk about the commercial opening now. - -

- BP

[Maejo Man]

Airport '7 months behind schedule'

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will inspect Suvarnabhumi Airport before the commercial opening, Gen Chainant said. It is too soon to talk about the commercial opening now. - -

- BP

So now we have a flexible opening date I had my money on Dec 5th, but looks like I have blown that one. Brit was right, I just got the year wrong

[Thaising]

Rushing to open on time may create hiccup and setback. Rather be late than sorry, just look back what happened at Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur airport.

[ratcatcher]

Wow, Is it possible that General Chainant is actually telling the truth and being realistic instead of uttering the usual B.S. about the airport opening "on time".

All credit to him for telling it like it is.

[Pattaya_Fox]

Wow, Is it possible that General Chainant is actually telling the truth and being realistic instead of uttering the usual B.S. about the airport opening "on time".

All credit to him for telling it like it is.

Truth ....... The truth is they don`t know, it`s more like another guess....a bit like the UK Wembley Stadium........don`t expect to use the new airport before next summer

[ilyushin]

open for commercial crop dusters flying VFR

[britmaveric]

I'm shooting for 2010!

[Pattaya_Fox]

open for commercial crop dusters flying VFR

With all the steam and heat haze generated around this airport from the bull sh**it that the authorities have utterred I`ll bet that they won`t even get the extra half mile and they`ll be flying IFR.

[Maejo Man]

I'm shooting for 2010!

Is that a firm bet Brit?

[britmaveric]

I'm shooting for 2010!

Is that a firm bet Brit?

No - can't be firm could be a later year. Anyone want to wager the airport will be outdated before it even opens?