Suvarnabhumi Airport Set To Open On Sept 28

[sriracha john]

''To prevent further sabotage, it's better to have the airport operational as soon as possible,''

Odd logic indeed.

But you know Pongsak has a gold medal in that field. He is a pure winner.

In another report, commenting the delay of the first flight, AOT managing director Chotisak "insisted it was because of passengers who had spent time taking pictures of the new airport, not because of operational problems."...

So you see, even for a very simple incident, you always have 2 or 3 differents versions, depending of which lunatic official has the mic in his hands...

Back to Pongsak, his new motto is "sabotage". You'll see that next week, he will tell us that because of sabotage threats the opening of the airport will be postponed...

It's obvious : he said "the airport's telephone cables laid in ventilation pipes had been sabotaged before. It disrupted the airport's communication system."

Why he didn't reveal this information earlier ? He would have covered his ass to explain to his boss the previous multiples delay...

I think you're definitely on to something if openings are delayed. A built-in excuse. ... "sabotage"...

more intrigue in Thailand... along with "assasination attempts"...... and "charismatic individuals"....

it's like a cheap dime novel... a cheap B movie with dubbing...

sorry, but the overworked, underpaid worker, note he's not really an "official".. who pulled the wrong switch is going to be the fall guy. It would seem something is wrong if so little effort or a simple human mistake can throw the entire airport off course.

What other prudent safeguards were over-looked and not done???

What other hazards exist at this place???

Ponsak's words will be be haunting if something REALLY REALLY bad happens...

[sriracha john]

A gap of around 15cm between a car park floor and the fence is among five potentially dangerous spots that are causing concern for passenger safety at Suvarnabhumi airport. BP

SUVARNABHUMI PITFALLS

Trouble spots identified at the new airport

The modern look and beautiful design of Suvarnabhumi airport are harbouring potential dangers for unaware passengers and the airport authority is doing its best to get rid of the problems. A survey by the Bangkok Post found at least five spots where danger loomed and could stop air passengers from boarding the planes in time. The potential danger spots include the car park building and its walkway leading to the terminal's third floor, revolving doors, sharp-edged air-conditioners fixed on the floor, escalators, and the slippery marble floor at the departure area for out-bound passengers. Airport director Somchai Sawasdipol admitted yesterday that a design flaw was to blame for threatening passenger safety. At the car park building, there are no long cement walls around each floor to prevent cars from plummeting to the ground. The building was just fenced by an aluminium structure and lines of iron at its sides. The safety of drivers has been brought into question because if they reverse their cars carelessly they could plunge to the ground. Mr Somchai said there might be a need to build cement walls around each floor to prevent accidents. The 10 revolving doors at the terminal may cause problems for passengers not familiar with this type of door. Mr Somchai said the drawback was the doors stop moving and get locked if too many people use them at the same time. In the first two years, he said airport staff would be on hand to advise passengers on how to use the doors. Inside the terminal, several modern air-conditioners on the floor could harm careless people and their children with their sharp corners. Mr Somchai said tree pots might be placed near them to prevent people from hitting against their corners.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Sep2006_news03.php

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Sheesh... taking your life into the airport's hands when using this place...

[Ricardo]

Will we need to tip the doormen, on the revolving-doors, do you think ?

[Plus]

The blackout was at 1 AM, the delayed flight was at 5.30. I hope they can turn the eletricity back on a bit faster than that when they'll have 60 flights an hour. And what's that crap about some misguided "official" who flipped the switches off by mistake. Don't they have some sort of a back up or at least security around these all important switches. What if the maid accidentally flips them off next time?

It was reported that the official wanted to turn some airconditioners off, to which Pongsak with his sabotage theory replied "Why would anyone want to turn the air off at 1 AM?"

Why not? They don't run the air on full even in the daytime yet, to save 80k a day in electricity bills, as they explained themselves.

I don't know what is scarier - the accidental blackout, or the morons like Pongsak running the place.

[sriracha john]

Eerie experience interrupts rite

Ghostly encounters at Suvarnabhumi

Airports of Thailand (AoT) organised its largest religious rite at the new Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday to ward off evil spirits, only to experience an encounter with the unexplained. Rumours of occasional ''ghostly sightings'' have gone around since the first foundation brick was laid at the airport many years ago. The AoT is determined to correct the growing perception that the airport is possibly harbouring some ''uninvited inhabitants'' and to put its staff members' minds at ease. Yesterday's rite was presided over by 99 monks who chanted en masse to improve the luck of the new airport, set to open commercially on Thursday. However, halfway through the rite, a man appeared, quivering, and began to speak in a commanding voice claiming to be ''Poo Ming'', a guardian spirit of the land partially developed into the airport. He ordered that a proper spirit house be built at the airport to allow for its smooth operation. The man, who was unidentified, later passed out and woke up to find the spirit had left him. AoT president Chotisak Asapaviriya said the ceremony helped to boost the morale of airport staff, some of whom were unnerved after learning of frequent car crashes on the road running parallel to the airport's eastern runway. Some veiled figures have sometimes been spotted on the 6km-long road.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/24Sep2006_news01.php

[sriracha john]

UNBEARABLE NOISE

Suvarnabhumi opening beginning of a nightmare for KMITL

For the developers of Suvarnabhumi airport, its commercial opening on Thursday is a dream come true, while for those living under the flight path it's the beginning of a nightmare. ''I can't live and study in such a noisy environment, but I have no choice,'' said Surapat Phrasrirum, a 19-year-old engineering student at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Lat Krabang (KMITL). ''It was like thunder piercing through the air. It frightened me and deafened my ears,'' said Mr Surapat, a native of Ayutthaya, referring to the aircraft noise he has to put up with since the July 29 test landing at Suvarnabhumi. ''The blare will definitely affect KMITL students' studies. How can we concentrate on the lessons when the planes are landing and taking off above the campus every minute?'' said Mr Surapat, who was among 500 students taking part in the Sept 15 mass protest against Airports of Thailand (AoT)'s lack of noise reduction measures at the campus. ''We want the AoT to install noise barriers in our classrooms before the airport becomes fully operational,'' he said. KMITL, which has about 20,000 students and staff, is not the only place which will be affected by noise pollution generated from the world's biggest single-terminal airport, which will handle 76 aircraft an hour at peak time. According to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the new airport, more than 3,000 houses, 46 schools and universities, and 76 religious centres will be affected by the loud noise. The noise levels will differ. People living near the take-off points will suffer from higher noise levels than those living near the landing positions, said Somchai Sawasdeepon, general manager of Suvarnabhumi. The EIA, approved by the National Environment Board, demands the expropriation of land plots and the relocation of buildings within the noise hazard zones, the establishment of 13 noise monitoring stations and the installation of noise barriers in affected buildings, according to Sonthi Kachawat, an official at the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning overseeing the EIA implementation. ''None of them have been done so far,'' he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/24Sep2006_news05.php

[sriracha john]

CDRM concern on the readiness of the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport

Chief of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy, Gen. Sonthi Bunyaratkalin (สนธิ บุญรัตกลิน), has called executives of Suvarnabhumi Airport to report the readiness of the airport.

The meeting was held today in preparation for the airport’s opening on September 28th. Issues drawing concern over the readiness of the airport include aviation system and problems related to roof leakage at the airport’s passenger terminal.

- ThaiNews

[cclub75]

As we say... "ca sent le sapin" (it smells the wood of the coffin).

Britmaveric is taking the lead for the bet...

CDRM concern on the readiness of the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport

Chief of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy, Gen. Sonthi Bunyaratkalin (สนธิ บุญรัตกลิน), has called executives of Suvarnabhumi Airport to report the readiness of the airport.

[ding]

CDRM concern on the readiness of the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport

Chief of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy, Gen. Sonthi Bunyaratkalin (สนธิ บุญรัตกลิน), has called executives of Suvarnabhumi Airport to report the readiness of the airport.

The meeting was held today in preparation for the airport’s opening on September 28th. Issues drawing concern over the readiness of the airport include aviation system and problems related to roof leakage at the airport’s passenger terminal.

- ThaiNews

Chrissakes

The roof leaks?

[PeaceBlondie]

Chrissakes

The roof leaks?

...Only in the rainy season...half of the year.

And during the rest of the year, "who needs to fix the roof, on such a sunny day?"

[bkkandrew]

Eerie experience interrupts rite

Ghostly encounters at Suvarnabhumi

Airports of Thailand (AoT) organised its largest religious rite at the new Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday to ward off evil spirits, only to experience an encounter with the unexplained. Rumours of occasional ''ghostly sightings'' have gone around since the first foundation brick was laid at the airport many years ago. The AoT is determined to correct the growing perception that the airport is possibly harbouring some ''uninvited inhabitants'' and to put its staff members' minds at ease. Yesterday's rite was presided over by 99 monks who chanted en masse to improve the luck of the new airport, set to open commercially on Thursday. However, halfway through the rite, a man appeared, quivering, and began to speak in a commanding voice claiming to be ''Poo Ming'', a guardian spirit of the land partially developed into the airport. He ordered that a proper spirit house be built at the airport to allow for its smooth operation. The man, who was unidentified, later passed out and woke up to find the spirit had left him. AoT president Chotisak Asapaviriya said the ceremony helped to boost the morale of airport staff, some of whom were unnerved after learning of frequent car crashes on the road running parallel to the airport's eastern runway. Some veiled figures have sometimes been spotted on the 6km-long road.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/24Sep2006_news01.php

Oh this is perfect - we have avoid sabotage of both communications and electrical systems, non-printing boarding pass printers, take an umberella for the indoor rain and NOW!!! TAKE A MONK WITH US TO WARD OFF GHOSTLY INTERVENTIONS!!!

[sriracha john]

Don't forget knee pads for protection against the the razor-sharp edges of the air con units sitting on the floor, special sneakers to cope with the slick, broken-hip-inducing marble floor, and a lightweight portable chair to take periodic breaks on while trekking down the 3 kilometer long hallways.

[Soju]

Britmaveric is taking the lead for the bet...

What bet? I just asked him the other day if he'd like to make a bet on the airport opening but he never even responded. Methinks he doesn't really believe what he's posting but is just too stubborn to admit that all signs point towards the airport really opening in less than 72 hours.

[george]

Update:

CDRM to give Suvarnabhumi final check

BANGKOK: -- The Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) will inspect Suvarnabhumi Airport before it opens on September 28.

“The CDRM wants to make sure that everything is ready for the first day of full commercial service,” Lieutenant General Phalangkoon Klaharn, CDRM spokesman, said on Sunday after a meeting with Ministry of Transport and Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT) officials.

At the meeting, CDRM representatives were briefed on the airport’s readiness and were assured it would open on time.

To help expedite the move from Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang) to Suvarnabhumi and to ensure efficiency, the council has assigned 800 soldiers to be on standby starting September 28.

The soldiers will back up airport staff in case of a system malfunction; similar to the one experienced during the September 15 soft opening when a power glitch caused check-in counter computers to crash.

For example, Phalangkoon said, “They can help carry the luggage if the conveyors fail.”

The soldiers will remain on standby for 90 days after the opening day.

--TNA 2006-09-25

[BlackRose]

Is the TG 642 from this evening still going to Don Muang?

Chiang Mai Bangkok

[Maestro]

Is the TG 642 from this evening still going to Don Muang?

Chiang Mai Bangkok

Suvarnabhumi. See attachment.

Terminals 1 and 2 are at Don Muang, terminals (concourses) A to G are at Suvarnabhumi.

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

Maestro

[britmaveric]

Britmaveric is taking the lead for the bet...

What bet? I just asked him the other day if he'd like to make a bet on the airport opening but he never even responded. Methinks he doesn't really believe what he's posting but is just too stubborn to admit that all signs point towards the airport really opening in less than 72 hours.

We'll see.... I'll be the first to admit if I'm wrong. However seeing is believing.

[Cheeky Farang]

Is the TG 642 from this evening still going to Don Muang?

Chiang Mai Bangkok

Suvarnabhumi. See attachment.

Terminals 1 and 2 are at Don Muang, terminals (concourses) A to G are at Suvarnabhumi.

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

Maestro

Now Now Maestro, the flight you show arrives at termial D ------ D = Domestic @ Don Muang, we will have to give TG time to update thier website. (about 47years seems the norm)

[yorkman]

Ok...my E Ticket for arrival on the the 28th confused..until I nagged at the Royal Orchid Gold site...still worried though. I may hire a car for the onward....

[Maigo6]

I'm scheduled to arrive on 28th September, 15.25 from Tokyo.

I wonder if we will be given a souvenir as it's the first day of opening?

[jdinasia]

I'm scheduled to arrive on 28th September, 15.25 from Tokyo.

I wonder if we will be given a souvenir as it's the first day of opening?

"First detained by Immigration and excluded from Thailand" is a possibility

[lomatopo]

I'm scheduled to arrive on 28th September, 15.25 from Tokyo.

I wonder if we will be given a souvenir as it's the first day of opening?

Well you'll always have that stamp in your passport.

[Rinrada]

I'm scheduled to arrive on 28th September, 15.25 from Tokyo.

I wonder if we will be given a souvenir as it's the first day of opening?

Wait for us in the bar in arrivals (from Lon) and we can compare notes/souvis....@ 15-30hrs on the 29th.

[Maigo6]

I'm scheduled to arrive on 28th September, 15.25 from Tokyo.

I wonder if we will be given a souvenir as it's the first day of opening?

"First detained by Immigration and excluded from Thailand" is a possibility

Now that would be something to tell the grandchildren about eh ?

[erikr_]

I'm scheduled to arrive on 28th September, 15.25 from Tokyo.

I wonder if we will be given a souvenir as it's the first day of opening?

Wait for us in the bar in arrivals (from Lon) and we can compare notes/souvis....@ 15-30hrs on the 29th.

well just got confirmed to land on the new airport at 7:20 am on the 28th. I will get at least a special treat on arrival (though it will come from the misses being happy to see me again )

[BlackRose]

Is the TG 642 from this evening still going to Don Muang?

Chiang Mai Bangkok

Suvarnabhumi. See attachment.

Terminals 1 and 2 are at Don Muang, terminals (concourses) A to G are at Suvarnabhumi.

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

Maestro

Now Now Maestro, the flight you show arrives at termial D ------ D = Domestic @ Don Muang, we will have to give TG time to update thier website. (about 47years seems the norm)

Well I landed on the old Airport and had to wait two hours on the transfer terminal (very cold there at night by the way ) for my connected international flight :-)

Happy flying!

And for who have to go on the 28,,, good luck!

[sriracha john]

A worker races against the clock to finish building a booth inside the passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport, which is scheduled to open for full operation tomorrow at 3 am.

- BP

well, well... lets hurry up and slap this thing together...

good luck, everyone travelling...

and watch your step as you traverse the obstacle course.