0
Mr Somchai's denial that there is runway subsidence brings to mind the denials which were issued by the government when SARS first appeared in Thailand. Any answer, statement or comment seems to do as long as it does not mean losing face or involve admitting there is a problem which could harm Thailand's reputation.
It also seems that the airport authorities are more interested in pacifying the local community rather than ensuring the safety of people flying into or out of the airport.
====================================================================
More woes at troubled new airport
Runway subsidence claims, probe ordered
Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen has ordered an investigation into a report of land subsidence and cracks on a runway at Suvarnabhumi airport. But the airport's director Somchai Sawasdeepol denied there was any subsidence in the runway now in use although he agreed experts must find the cause of problems on taxiways.
Adm Theera said he ordered agencies to conduct an investigation immediately after receiving the report.
According to sources at the Transport Ministry and Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT), AoT board member Tortrakul Yomnak reported slight subsidence on a runway at Suvarnabhumi during a meeting yesterday on the re-use of Don Muang airport.
According to an AoT source, cracks were found at the takeoff area of the western runway. As an immediate solution, pilots were advised to shift their takeoff area. The western runway would be closed for repairs and the eastern runway would be used instead, the source said.
A runway with soaked foundations could gradually subside due to the heavy weight of landing flights.
During the floods last year, contractors warned AoT of possible problems with the runway, the source said. Contractors sought permission to pump excessive water out of the airport right away but AoT did not grant it for fear of causing trouble to communities around the airport
Mr Somchai denied any of the runways in use were subsiding. As for the water seeping underground, he said specialists must be hired to test both runways and taxiways.
Meanwhile, yesterday's meeting on the possible re-use of Don Muang airport was inconclusive.
Demand for the re-use of Don Muang, currently serving only chartered flights, is gaining momentum due to congestion and problems with taxiways and runways at Suvarnabhumi.
Full article: http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/20Jan2007_news00.php
