Delays Foreseen In Opening Of New Airport

[PeaceBlondie]

Considering the style in which the Thaksin cabinet has played musical chairs, is there any Caretaker Acting Deputy Ministers who even know what they're overseeing? Does the transport minister have any First World master's degrees in civil engineering or urban planning? Do these generals who went to the academy with their fearless leader (who's out of office and out of the country) know anything about public health, foreign affairs, the sub-agencies of the Dept. of the Interior, etc.? Or do they just have a pretty face? I ain't seen no pretty faces except maybe on the fair lady ministers.

Oh well, let me calm down and drink a Pepsi Maxx.

[Toni]

IATA: Not enough gates for future growth

BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged immediate improvements to ensure a smooth launch for the new Suvarnabhumi airport.

David Inglis, an airport development expert at the airline industry group, identified shortcomings of Suvarnabhumi on the eve of the first technical flight today at the 155-billion-baht airport, to be presided over by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Reflecting the airlines’ perspective, he singled out an insufficient number of gates and constraints on baggage handling capabilities as the most critical areas.

He said the present number of gates, 51, was decided at a time when authorities projected 30 million annual passengers. Passenger numbers were later revised upward to 45 million. Given passenger growth projections, Suvarnabhumi would begin to feel as shortage of gates as soon as 2007 and would need 90 gates in 2010 and 113 in 2015, Mr. Inglis said.

He also advised Airports of Thailand (AoT), the operator of the new airport, to centralise passenger security screening to reduce inconvenience.

As well, he said AoT should expand the retail concession area, now at 18.000 square metres and granted to the King Power group, to enable it to generate more income and meet passenger demand.

The Suvarnabhumi passenger terminal is larger than that one at Hong Kong International Airport, but has only half the retail space of the latter.

The expanded retail space would help AoT improve cash flow and avoid imposing higher service fees for airlines, such as for landing charges, Mr. Inglis said.

About 60% of Hong Kong airport’s income comes from non-aeronautical sources while AoT is counting on retail rentals for only 20% of its income.

As there will be a lot of Airbus 380 super-jumbo jets flying in the second hlafof this decade, IATA also recommended that Suvarnabhumi dedicate more gates than the present five to the 555-seat aircraft.

IATA emphasised the airport should begin operation only when it is definitely ready, to avoid a repeat of the Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur experiences.

Source: Bangkok Post 29-9-2005, Thailand

[sriracha john]

Considering the style in which the Thaksin cabinet has played musical chairs, is there any Caretaker Acting Deputy Ministers who even know what they're overseeing?

It’s kind of hit and miss...

Deputy Prime Ministers

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak does seem to have a clue (probably why he's the odds-on favorite to be the new PM). Very business-minded and with an MBA from Northwestern U. (a very good USA school).

Deputy Prime Minster And Minister Of Interion (sorry for the typo... but it was direct cut n pasted from government's website ) "Dr." Chidchai Vanasatidya, the current sort-of-PM graduated with an M.A. from Thaksin's alma mater.... the "prestigious" Eastern Kentucky U. (USA).

, however for his PhD... he went to a different school than Takky, U. of Louisvelle, (which I can only assume is an additional typo on the government's website the U. of Louisville (a decent USA school). Oh, and he's the goof-ball guy who started all this latest update with the August airport opening pledge.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Chaturon Chaisang, M.Ec. Master of Economics, American U.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Surakiart Sathirathai, the laughably over-hyped replacement for the U.N. Kofi's job and his highly touted LL.D., Doctor of Laws from Harvard U.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Pinij Jarusombat, Bachelor of Laws, Ramkamhaeng U.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam, a well-versed law professor-type with a quite respectable JSD from U. of California, Berkley, (USA).

If it seems like there's a LOT of Deputy PM's... there are. Most in Thai history, btw.

Does the transport minister have any First World master's degrees in civil engineering or urban planning?

sorry, he's only got a bachelor degree from Thai u. .... but it IS in civil engineering.

Do these generals who went to the academy with their fearless leader (who's out of office and out of the country) know anything about public health, foreign affairs, the sub-agencies of the Dept. of the Interior, etc.?

Here's a sampling:

Most Likely To Know "at least something" About Their Job

Minister of Defense General Thamarak Isarangura Na Ayutaya,

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Kantathi Suphamongkhon

Most Likely Know To Know Squat About Their Job

Minister of Social Development and Human Security Mr. Pracha Maleenont

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Sudarat Keyuraphan, the lone woman in the cabinet and a ravishing beauty:

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives Mr. Newin Chidchob

Minister of Natural Resources and Enviroment Mr. Youngyut Tiyapairat

Minister of Justice Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop

Or do they just have a pretty face? I ain't seen no pretty faces except maybe on the fair lady ministers.

I totally agree. In addition to the lovely and foxy Sudarat above, the below very fetching and sexy Uraiwan, used to be in the Cabinet as Culture Minister:

Just to be fair... there are also handsome men in the Cabinet:

Oh well, let me calm down and drink a Pepsi Maxx.

Good idea.... do so while you can..

Thai Supreme Court president Charnchai Likhitjittha ® sits next to Supreme Administrative Court's Ackrathorn Chularat (L). Thailand's Supreme Administrative Court said it decide whether to invalidate last month's controversial snap polls by mid-May. In a separate issue, the Supreme Court will hear testimony from a Sriracha John over his protestations about the increasing unavailability of Pepsi Max in most stores.(AFP)

[cclub75]

Given passenger growth projections, Suvarnabhumi would begin to feel as shortage of gates as soon as 2007 and would need 90 gates in 2010 and 113 in 2015, Mr. Inglis said.

I love those kind of "projections" : we went in the past from 30 to 45 millions passengers in X years.

So it's perfectly reasonable to assume that in X years in the future, we will go from 45 to 67.5 millions.

Especially when oil price beats record after record, and airlines announce increase of "oil surcharge" almost on a daily basis...

Another projection (of my own) : in 10 years, airports around the world will be deserted. And Suvarnabhumi will be a museum. Or an amusement park.

[Plus]

They expanded the Rama 9 - Chonburi motorway between Bangkok and the airport exit, but it looks very busy in rush hours already, even before the airport is opened.

The surface is generally good by Thai standards, but there's one spot when the road passes under u-turn bridge just near the ariport, it subsided by about a foot around the pillar and driving fast in the right lane can give you a nasty shock.

Smaller and lighter cars, like Vios or Yaris might get airborn and flown into the next lane as they hit the bump with their rignt wheel, at speeds of about 140-150, I guess.

[OlRedEyes]

Those pics remind me of some used car salemen i've seen around

[Virgil]

More brilliant Thai construction .... I am looking forward to wading through Kings Power Duty Free.

Has anyone noticed the highrise building that is leaning over in BKK? It is near Saphan Taksin bridge. You can see it on your right as you are coming over the bridge heading east (towards the city). It is about 20 storeys tall, un-occupied, and has a distinct lean to the right. If you know the building please let me know.

Virgil, out!

[Greer]

I wonder what sort of expansion percentages they based the design upon? If the new airport has 51 gates and the existing outmoded one has more than that already!?

[sriracha john]

A veritable army of cops for the new place:

1,326 police positions approved for Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Police Commission Wednesday approved 1,326 positions for the immigration office at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Of the positions, 946 would be transferred from the Don Muang International Airport and the rest would be new positions.

- TN

[AlexLah]

hi all,

In SG right now and the local newspaper tells the new airport will open the end of this year (December).

kind regards

Alex

I am thinking of February 2007

[LaoPo]

hi all,

In SG right now and the local newspaper tells the new airport will open the end of this year (December).

kind regards

Alex

I am thinking of February 2007

That's close to reality...

From the TAT website: http://www.tatnews.org/latest_update/detail.asp?id=2869

"TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST FOR THAILAND"

"Over the next few years, Thailand is to benefit from major improvements in transport infrastructure that will facilitate movements of people to and through the kingdom. Here is a brief synopsis of some of these key projects.

NEW BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT)

Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi Airport is expected to open by early 2007, giving new impetus to the role of Bangkok and Thailand as Asia’s aviation hub."

LaoPo

Edited May 4, 2006 by LaoPo

[OlRedEyes]

Doesn't someone kindly wanna explain to me why this Thai preoccupation with hubs?

[backflip]

If I had a choice between a "hub" or "spoke", I'd choose hub.

[troglodyte]

If I had a choice between a "hub" or "spoke", I'd choose hub.

a hub beats a sharp spoke in the eye....

[penzman]

This hub mania, even though there is garanteed loss of face with the end result of most of these projects, they just can't help saying it. There has to be black money in it somewhere to ease the pain.

[Maejo Man]

Cracks and more cracks, but I see no mention of Bangkok being proposed as the next "Crack Hub" of Asia.

Now claims of sustandard transformers

AIRPORT RAILWAYAUDIT OFFICE INSPECTION

SRT asked to explain cracks

The State Railway of Thailand has been asked to explain to the state auditor cracks allegedly found in the concrete pillars of the electric train being built to Suvarnabhumi airport, a source said. Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka sent a letter to SRT governor Chitsanti Thanasophon on May 1 seeking an explanation of cracks found in 22 of 788 pillars and two other support beams.

The letter followed an inspection of the construction site by the Office of the Auditor-General.

A forum on ''Corruption in the Construction Circle'' organised yesterday by the Association of Siamese Architects, was told several parts of the Suvarnabhumi airport project were tainted by graft.

Pridi Buranasiri, former National Housing Authority governor, said he had an in-depth report on graft in the construction of the passenger terminal and a concourse building. Substandard transformers had been installed and the auditor-general should investigate, he said.

bangkok post today

[sriracha john]

shame the new airport isn't operational:

Rush of VIPs could clog up Don Muang

Airlines and airport officials are working on contingency plans to minimise the effects of heavy air traffic expected when foreign VIPs arrive en masse to celebrate His Majesty the King's 60th year on the throne next month. Industry sources said it was not an easy task since the arrival and departure times of those flights, which require high security and temporary closure of air space over Bangkok International Airport, are not known until the last minute.

Don Muang, Southeast Asia's busiest airport, is already heavily congested with one flight taking off or landing every minute during peak hours. Sixty international airlines operate from the facility.

continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/24May2006_news01.php

[Maejo Man]

Now it's October...m-a-y-b-e but the official opening is after high season?????

Suvarnabhumi Airport to open before October

Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal confirmed that Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport would be opened for commercial services before the high season would begin in October.

He said the Board on Suvarnabhumi Airport Development is unlikely to set a schedule for the opening of the airport for commercial services at its meeting on Thursday because there is a delay in certain construction works.

However, officials concerned would accelerate the construction to ensure readiness for the opening of the airport services as soon as possible, he noted.

He said the ministry would attempt to have the airport opened prior to October when a large number of tourists would arrive in Thailand because it is the high season.

In that period, a number of flights will increase significantly, making it difficult to manage the new airport.

It must take some time for the airport to accommodate the large number of passengers.

Mr. Pongsak said the airport’s commercial services would take place along with the ‘’soft opening’’ ceremony for the transfer of flight operation services from the Don Muang Airport to the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The grand opening ceremony of the airport could be officially set when the high season ends, the minister said. (TNA)

[Losangels]

[

Mr. Pongsak said the airport’s commercial services would take place along with the ‘’soft opening’’ ceremony for the transfer of flight operation services from the Don Muang Airport to the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Yea "soft opening" in October and a "hard landing" or even "crash landing" before the end of year and close for repairs till who knows when. So we can all go back to use Don Muang until the next minister declares another "soft opening".

[cclub75]

Yes, it's getting better and better.

Last week : we will set opening date next week end during meeting. Suuuuuuuure.

Now : sorry, can not make meeting, "because delay on some work."

But meanwhile, a new "deadline" is choosen : "we will open october" (paf, another blow for the "july sect").

"For the high season". A few lines after : "high season lot of planes, difficult to manage the airport".

What is he talking about ?

Is it really a good idea to open such a monster airport right for the high season ? It's the best solution to have chaos.

Anyway, I don't believe it. In october the guy will tel us "airport ready but high season, too many tourists, better to do a lot of tests etc".

[Jai Dee]

The Department of Civil Aviation affirms that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be opened this Sep

The Department of Civil Aviation will issue an announcement to all airlines worldwide that Thailand will open Suvarnabhumi Airport this September.

Following the meeting with the committees of Suvarnabhumi Airport and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Deputy Minister of Transport Chainant Charoensiri (ชัยนันท์ เจริญศิริ) revealed that the Civil Aviation Department will send letters to all airlines in the world.

The content of the letter confirms that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be opened in the end of this September.

Dr. Thaksin has also instructed relevant agencies to complete their projects in the airport on time.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 May 2006

[ovenman]

Dr. Thaksin has also instructed relevant agencies to complete their projects in the airport on time.

Gotta get that airport open before the next election!

[penzman]

Man! My head is spinning!

Suvarnabhumi airport to open in late September: Pongsak

The much-delayed Suvarnabhumi International Airport has become ready for commercial traffic and could open as early as September, Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongapisal said Thursday.

He told reporters at the new airport that contractors should finish up their work in the next month, and then the new airport will undergo two months of testing to ensure its systems run smoothly.

"The airport can open for commercial use by late September," he said.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had certified the new airport for operation, clearing the way for commercial traffic, he said.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30004894

[britmaveric]

certified the airport? Odd we having heard anything about that from the certifying agency themselves.

[ovenman]

certified the airport? Odd we having heard anything about that from the certifying agency themselves.

I thought that was a rather nonchalant admission, too. I would expect that when the ICAO certification is issued it'll be big news.

[britmaveric]

No mention on http://www.icao.int/ either. Me thinks Thai Govt officials are telling PORKIES again.

Edited May 25, 2006 by britmaveric

[Plus]

On the other hand:

New airport awaits certifying body's safety approval

Published on May 24, 2006

Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal says he expects the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to approve safety standards at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on July 6, paving the way for commercial operations.

http://nationmultimedia.com/search/page.ne...d=6&id=30004748

[ovenman]

Something must have been transposed in the translation. He must have actually said that the airport had applied for ICAO certification.

[John K]

Just another example of why engineers and politicians don’t mix. Cement can only dry just so fast. Is it just me or does this airport mirror Thaksin’s political status?

[ratcatcher]

Just another example of why engineers and politicians don’t mix. Cement can only dry just so fast. Is it just me or does this airport mirror Thaksin’s political status?

No John, it's not you. It's the Thai way. The only man in Thaiiland who can get things done, Dr.Pol Lt.Col. Mr Fix It, Saviour in Chief of Thailand , Mr."I'm Back'has decreed that the Airport MUST be finished by October.

Finished meaning certified crack-free and smooth running. All 24 bomb detector X ray machines installed and in working order for the planned mass influx of tens of millions of tourists. Let's not worry about a few porkies along the way or a bit of corruption. T.I.T.

Let's all hope that there are no major accidents due to shoddy workmanship and rushed openings in order for Square Face to save face.

You've got to give the guy credit for having the biggest balls outside of the Premiership. He's been AWOL for 2 months and now has come back to save the country from drugs, floods and poverty and still have time to be center stage to meet and greet the Kings & Queens coming to be with H.M.

Couldn't be better for the rascal.