Transport Minister to take foreign envoys to tour Suvarnabhumi Airport

BANGKOK: -- Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal on Tuesday revealed that he and Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon would take a team of more than 100 foreign envoys to observe the readiness of Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday (September 8) before it is officially opened for commercial services on September 28.

He said the observation tour by the ambassadors of many countries to see the operation of various systems at the new airport is organized to give an assurance that the airport is now ready for its commercial services.

Mr. Pongsak projected that news on the observation tour would be covered around the world, which could make people in every corner of the globe aware that the Suvarnabhumi Airport would be opened for the services, replacing those of the Don Muang International Airport, as of September 28.

The minister said he is confident that all parties concerned in the new airport's various operational systems are fully ready to welcome the visit of the envoy team.

It would also help boost confidence among airlines and passengers in the new airport's service potential, he added.

--TNA 2006-09-06

Diplomats visit Suvarnabhumi Airport

BANGKOK: -- Representatives from 46 Bangkok-based embassies and consulates toured Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday as part of an effort to acclimate diplomats with the new facility.

Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafstrom said he was amazed by the airport, and confident that once it opens more Swedish investors and tourists would come to Thailand.

Hafstrom was among the 100 diplomats that partook in Friday’s event, which began at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Friday morning.

Visitors were welcomed by Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon, and then briefed by Transport Minister Pongsak Ratkaphongpaisal and other high-ranking officials from Airports of Thailand Plc.

They toured various areas of the new airport including the passenger terminal and VIP lounges.

Pongsak said the primary purpose of the visit was to introduce the foreign diplomatic community to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which will be the initial platform in welcoming visiting dignitaries and heads of state in the near future.

Friday’s tour was also an opportunity to assure officials that the airport and its security system were ready for the September 28 opening.

Laura Stone, the US Embassy’s spokeswoman, expressed particularly interest on security as Pongsak assured officials the system meets international standards.

--TNA 2006-09-08