August 28, 200619 yr (Bangkok Post)The controversial CTX bomb detectors at Suvarnabhumi have proved to be too slow in screening luggage for transit and no-frills passengers. Some foreign airlines are also unable to complete construction and installation of facilities at the new airport in time for the official opening next month. Airport director Somchai Sawasdeepon said an additional baggage X-ray and conveyor system, similar to the one at Don Muang, would have to be purchased and installed by Sept 28. Using the CTX system, airport staff need at least 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete a flight luggage check. This was too slow for transit and low-cost passengers. The airport first thought of moving the X-ray machines used at Don Muang international airport to Suvarnabhumi, Mr Somchai said. However, the reinstallation would take some time and might not be completed by the opening date. "So Airports of Thailand Plc has agreed to acquire a new system," he said. The CTX machines would remain the main bomb detection system. The government spent more than four billion baht acquiring the 26 CTX machines from the United States, hoping the high- tech system would keep the airport and travellers safe from terrorist attacks. The deal drew allegations the machines were overpriced and some politicians might have pocketed kickbacks from suppliers. Mr Somchai said some foreign airlines were behind schedule in setting up their offices because of delays in the granting of construction funds by their head offices. They would be allowed to use facilities owned by Thai Airways International, or those at Don Muang airport, until their new facilities were completed, he said.
August 28, 200619 yr Yes this story was on page 6 of the BKK Post. I find this an incredible story..They spent 4 Billion baht for a system that won't do the job they need...This should be Front Page Headline news in every paper...But no one seems to care... If the new system is to be bought, installed and certified in 30 days, I bet that this will be another inside job...and a lot more money will change hands..
August 28, 200619 yr So a similar xray system to the one at Don Muang has to be bought....does he mean that it will be bought from the same company, and will they use the same agents?....it wouldn`t surprise me.
August 28, 200619 yr (Bangkok Post)The controversial CTX bomb detectors at Suvarnabhumi have proved to be too slow in screening luggage for transit and no-frills passengers. Some foreign airlines are also unable to complete construction and installation of facilities at the new airport in time for the official opening next month. Airport director Somchai Sawasdeepon said an additional baggage X-ray and conveyor system, similar to the one at Don Muang, would have to be purchased and installed by Sept 28. Using the CTX system, airport staff need at least 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete a flight luggage check. This was too slow for transit and low-cost passengers. The airport first thought of moving the X-ray machines used at Don Muang international airport to Suvarnabhumi, Mr Somchai said. However, the reinstallation would take some time and might not be completed by the opening date. "So Airports of Thailand Plc has agreed to acquire a new system," he said. The CTX machines would remain the main bomb detection system. The government spent more than four billion baht acquiring the 26 CTX machines from the United States, hoping the high- tech system would keep the airport and travellers safe from terrorist attacks. The deal drew allegations the machines were overpriced and some politicians might have pocketed kickbacks from suppliers. Mr Somchai said some foreign airlines were behind schedule in setting up their offices because of delays in the granting of construction funds by their head offices. They would be allowed to use facilities owned by Thai Airways International, or those at Don Muang airport, until their new facilities were completed, he said. That's strange, the airlines themselves blame the airport-authority, saying that they were unable to gain access to their new working-areas, due to the late completion of the airport. It must be the start of the BLAME-THE-FARANGS season !
August 28, 200619 yr I think many of the Airlines were convinced that the Airport wasn't going to open until next year, and didn't push their Head Office's for either budgets, or even signing lease agreements with the Airport.
August 28, 200619 yr If the new system is to be bought, installed and certified in 30 days, I bet that this will be another inside job...and a lot more money will change hands.. Unfortunaltely, there wont be enough time for a transparent tendering process to take place. New Benz's all round at the AOT.
August 28, 200619 yr I think many of the Airlines were convinced that the Airport wasn't going to open until next year, and didn't push their Head Office's for either budgets, or even signing lease agreements with the Airport. Well doubt they will bother - not as if it will actually open.
August 28, 200619 yr Same old, same old,.... Pay three times for everything. The scanner scandal is / was old news, actual procurement took place some time ago now. Its just coming under the spotlight again now because Thaksin is inceasingly under scrutiny. And the countdown to the new airport is ticking away. Just hope Thailand never tries to build a nuclear reactor.
August 28, 200619 yr It is true that they paid too much money for the CTX scanners, and someone pocketed some of that money. The company in the USA that manufactured them is called invision, and was purchased by General Electric. The U>S> government fined GE Invision five million dollars for violation of international law. The Thai Prime Minister was notified by the American Government. Every airport that has planes flying to the States or connecting flights to the states must have the lugage scanned by a CTX scanner or the bags can;t go. Barry
August 29, 200619 yr They have already got the CTX scanners up-and-working. After 28th September, when Don Muang closes, they can then move all their existing scanners across, to boost facilities at the new airport, at no significant extra cost. No brown envelopes would then be needed. But TiT, so my money says, the sniffer dogs will still fart in their sleep !
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