No fanfare for Don Muang close

BANGKOK: -- There will be no major ceremonies for Don Muang International Airport when it closes on September 27 after more than eight decades of service.

Instead, officials will host a religious ceremony on the last day in honour of Field Marshall Prince Chakrabpongse Bhuvanath of Phitsanulok, the founding father of aviation in Thailand.

On September 27, many airport employees will be involved with moving efforts, according to Airports of Thailand PcL. (AOT) President Chotisak Asapaviriya, all essential equipment and gear is expected to be at the new facility by September 28 when Suvarnabhumi takes over as Bangkok’s international airport.

AOT is closely coordinating the transport of equipment from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi with all partner agencies, including the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, the Department of Aviation and national carrier Thai Airways International.

For airlines that can not complete the move to Suvarnabhumi in time for the September 28 opening, the AOT will allow companies to use storage facilities at Don Muang rent free for three months.

--TNA 2006-09-04

Although I think the new airport is going to be a far more pleasant experience, I will miss Don Muang.The place holds so many memories for me, both good and bad. At its age, surely it must be part of Thailands heritage given so many stars, kings, heads of state and baboons have passed through there? Will any of you fine people not join me in a toast to the old place?

Who was Don Muang anyways? Will his family be upset that the airport is no longer going to be named after him?

Who was Don Muang anyways? Will his family be upset that the airport is no longer going to be named after him?

Don Ho's brother ?

Hey, the old gal isn't going anywhere,

Local carriers will still be using it, as well as heavy freighters,

And major international airlines apart from TG.