Sabotage suspected in airport power cuts
Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal ordered an investigation into three electricity blackouts at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday morning which he believed were part of a coordinated attempt to derail the airport's commercial operation beginning yesterday. Airports of Thailand (AoT) also filed a complaint with police against a suspect spotted on video footage from the airport's security cameras.
''We want to know who is behind the sabotage, and what is the motive,'' Mr Pongsak said.
Security at the airport would be stepped up and people entering and leaving the airport checked.
More security cameras would be installed at the airport, especially in control rooms, he added.
The security measures also require officials entering and leaving the airport's control rooms to pass security cameras.
They are to sign their names and give phone numbers before entering and leaving the control room as well. Staff will have to wear ID badges.
The first power blackout took place at 1.02am at Thai Airways International (THAI) check-in counters, which was followed by a second at 1.08am at Bangkok Airways counters and a third at 1.10am at AIMS building.
The blackout at THAI check-in counters forced staff to process passengers manually.
The power outage caused the first commercial flight from Suvarnabhumi, bound for Phitsanulok, to be delayed for 30 minutes. Mr Pongsak said the airport's telephone cables laid in ventilation pipes had been sabotaged before. It disrupted the airport's communication system.
''To prevent further sabotage, it's better to have the airport operational as soon as possible,'' he said.
The airport's full commercial opening is scheduled for Sept 28. Yesterday's operation saw two carriers using the airport: six THAI flights, to and from Phitsanulok, and two Jetstar flights, from Suvarnabhumi to Singapore.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who was inspecting Suvarnabhumi's readiness on its first day of commercial operations yesterday, also ordered the airport's design firm, MJTA, to help prevent operational disruptions caused by any future electricity blackouts.
Mr Suriya has asked MJTA to connect all electricity systems in the airport to make it easier for officials in the electricity control room to identify spots in the airport where blackouts occur.
AoT vice-president for management Somchai Sawasdipol said the suspect appearing in the video footage from security cameras was questioned by airport security officers.
He is an AoT electrical mechanic who entered the airport's electricity control room outside his working hours, at 1am and left at 1.05am, Mr Somchai said.
However, the mechanic denied doing anything wrong.
He said he switched the cut-outs as he mistook them for switches for an air-conditioning system. AoT handed over the suspect to police.
Bangkok Post 2006-09-16
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
The complaint list is getting bigger
Not enough toilets!
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/special ... i/ff6.html
Not enough toilets!
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/special ... i/ff6.html
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Speedy probe into official's role in airport blackout
An investigation into the airport official who pulled the wrong power breaker, causing a blackout at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the soft opening on Friday, will be completed within a week, the caretaker transport minister said yesterday.
Pongsak Ruktapongpisal said after attending a meeting with the board of the Airport Authority of Thailand (AOT) that police had interrogated the official who is said to have caused the blackout, as well as three or four witnesses.
However, it has not yet been decided whether the official deliberately pulled the wrong power breaker.
Pongsak said the official had been temporarily suspended from his job until the investigation is complete and the police can conclude the case. He expects the investigation to be completed within a week.
If found to have cut the power on purpose, the official would be charged with a criminal offence under the 1978 Air Transportation Act as he had impeded airport operations.
Meanwhile, AOT managing director Chotisak Asphawiriya said 10 more closed-circuit TV cameras would be installed at the airport within the next few days.
Commenting on the delay of the first commercial flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday, Chotisak insisted it was because of passengers who had spent time taking pictures of the new airport, not because of operational problems.
The Nation 2006-09-17
An investigation into the airport official who pulled the wrong power breaker, causing a blackout at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the soft opening on Friday, will be completed within a week, the caretaker transport minister said yesterday.
Pongsak Ruktapongpisal said after attending a meeting with the board of the Airport Authority of Thailand (AOT) that police had interrogated the official who is said to have caused the blackout, as well as three or four witnesses.
However, it has not yet been decided whether the official deliberately pulled the wrong power breaker.
Pongsak said the official had been temporarily suspended from his job until the investigation is complete and the police can conclude the case. He expects the investigation to be completed within a week.
If found to have cut the power on purpose, the official would be charged with a criminal offence under the 1978 Air Transportation Act as he had impeded airport operations.
Meanwhile, AOT managing director Chotisak Asphawiriya said 10 more closed-circuit TV cameras would be installed at the airport within the next few days.
Commenting on the delay of the first commercial flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday, Chotisak insisted it was because of passengers who had spent time taking pictures of the new airport, not because of operational problems.
The Nation 2006-09-17
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Tighter access control at Suvarnabhumi Airport after system crash
Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal ordered a reorganization of access to key operation areas within Suvarnabhumi Airport to prevent any further possible human errors.
The order comes days after an airport employee switched off power to vital computer systems that caused a delay to Thai Airways International flight TG 8860 from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, which was Suvarnabhumi’s first commercial flight during its soft opening on September 15.
Pongsak held a meeting Sunday with Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT) senior executives, who were led by Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Somchai Sawasdeepon.
In light of the power supply incident, officials concluded that tighter access restrictions be applied to areas vital to airport operations.
Areas coming under greater control include locations regulating power supply, and mechanical and central control rooms for facilities such as elevators and escalators.
The AOT has appointed teams to closely monitor these areas in order to ensure airport efficiency and safety.
In addition to facilities inside the passenger terminal, airport employees will also constantly monitor and report activities in other key areas, like the cargo and warehouse zones.
TNA 2006-09-17
Caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal ordered a reorganization of access to key operation areas within Suvarnabhumi Airport to prevent any further possible human errors.
The order comes days after an airport employee switched off power to vital computer systems that caused a delay to Thai Airways International flight TG 8860 from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, which was Suvarnabhumi’s first commercial flight during its soft opening on September 15.
Pongsak held a meeting Sunday with Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT) senior executives, who were led by Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Somchai Sawasdeepon.
In light of the power supply incident, officials concluded that tighter access restrictions be applied to areas vital to airport operations.
Areas coming under greater control include locations regulating power supply, and mechanical and central control rooms for facilities such as elevators and escalators.
The AOT has appointed teams to closely monitor these areas in order to ensure airport efficiency and safety.
In addition to facilities inside the passenger terminal, airport employees will also constantly monitor and report activities in other key areas, like the cargo and warehouse zones.
TNA 2006-09-17
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Airport completely prepared for 28 Sept.
Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT) officials reconfirmed that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be ready by the September 28 opening, despite recent set backs.
Srisuk Chandrangsu, AOT chairman of the board, said that on the opening date all systems within Bangkok’s new international airport, including the public transportation links, will be fully operational.
Srisuk based his confidence on simulations and tests that AOT and relevant organisations – including Thai Airways International Plc. (THAI) and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand - have conducted since January.
Testing has included the handling of over 10,000 pieces of luggage and involved four international flights on September 1.
According to Srisuk, simulations have been conducted twice a week, from which weekly reviews have been used to evaluate, make improvements, and formulate solutions to possible problems. AOT officials are, therefore, confident of the systems in place, in particular the baggage-handling.
THAI will conduct two more international test flights on September 22, even though low cost airline Jetstar is already operating three daily trips between Singapore and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The flights will be night time tests conducted on THAI’s Bangkok-Seoul and Bangkok-Beijing routes.
Srisuk says testing should proceed smoothly.
TNA 2006-09-17
Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT) officials reconfirmed that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be ready by the September 28 opening, despite recent set backs.
Srisuk Chandrangsu, AOT chairman of the board, said that on the opening date all systems within Bangkok’s new international airport, including the public transportation links, will be fully operational.
Srisuk based his confidence on simulations and tests that AOT and relevant organisations – including Thai Airways International Plc. (THAI) and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand - have conducted since January.
Testing has included the handling of over 10,000 pieces of luggage and involved four international flights on September 1.
According to Srisuk, simulations have been conducted twice a week, from which weekly reviews have been used to evaluate, make improvements, and formulate solutions to possible problems. AOT officials are, therefore, confident of the systems in place, in particular the baggage-handling.
THAI will conduct two more international test flights on September 22, even though low cost airline Jetstar is already operating three daily trips between Singapore and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The flights will be night time tests conducted on THAI’s Bangkok-Seoul and Bangkok-Beijing routes.
Srisuk says testing should proceed smoothly.
TNA 2006-09-17
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Security Beefs up at Suvarnabhumi Airport
In the wake of the Hat Yai bombings and Friday’s power outage at Suvarnabhumi Airport, caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal will increase security at airports across Thailand.
The announcement came after a meeting between the minister, Suvarnabhumi Airport security officials and police officers. Particular attention was given to Suvarnabhumi Airport with its opening scheduled for September 28.
In direct response to Friday’s power outage which caused a delay during Suvarnabhumi’s inaugural commercial flight, Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT) will apply stricter access controls to key areas at Bangkok’s new hub.
Personnel entering the passenger terminal will now be required to wear proper passes and identification at all times. Construction at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s interior is still being conducted.
Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Somchai Sawasdeepon is also considering sealing off several entrances to the passenger terminal which will not be needed until September 28.
The AOT will ensure that security arrangements, including patrol units and equipment, are fully operational by the time Bangkok’s new airport opens next week. Local police and army personnel will also be mobilised to ensure safety during the first few days of operation.
The AOT has assigned 1,100 employees to security, 700 of which will patrol the facility’s exterior and the remaining 400 working inside the passenger terminal. A dozen police dog teams and another 1,800 contracted security officers will also be deployed.
Earlier, Supreme Commander General Ruengroj Mahasaranond said between 500 to 600 conscripts will be assigned to the airport to not only ensure safety but also assist if any logistical problems arise during the opening.
TNA 2006-09-17
In the wake of the Hat Yai bombings and Friday’s power outage at Suvarnabhumi Airport, caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal will increase security at airports across Thailand.
The announcement came after a meeting between the minister, Suvarnabhumi Airport security officials and police officers. Particular attention was given to Suvarnabhumi Airport with its opening scheduled for September 28.
In direct response to Friday’s power outage which caused a delay during Suvarnabhumi’s inaugural commercial flight, Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT) will apply stricter access controls to key areas at Bangkok’s new hub.
Personnel entering the passenger terminal will now be required to wear proper passes and identification at all times. Construction at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s interior is still being conducted.
Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Somchai Sawasdeepon is also considering sealing off several entrances to the passenger terminal which will not be needed until September 28.
The AOT will ensure that security arrangements, including patrol units and equipment, are fully operational by the time Bangkok’s new airport opens next week. Local police and army personnel will also be mobilised to ensure safety during the first few days of operation.
The AOT has assigned 1,100 employees to security, 700 of which will patrol the facility’s exterior and the remaining 400 working inside the passenger terminal. A dozen police dog teams and another 1,800 contracted security officers will also be deployed.
Earlier, Supreme Commander General Ruengroj Mahasaranond said between 500 to 600 conscripts will be assigned to the airport to not only ensure safety but also assist if any logistical problems arise during the opening.
TNA 2006-09-17
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
AVIATION SUVARNABHUMI PITFALLS
Trouble spots identified at the new airport
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
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.
Although the lines are beautiful and make it look like a ''see-through'' building, 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.
An unusually ''large space'' was also seen at the corner of the walkway, which is again fenced by an aluminium structure and slings. It connects the car park building and the terminal's third floor. The space is too wide and would put the life of small children in danger if they were around as they could accidentally fall through it.
To solve the problem, Mr Somchai said a strong plastic fence would be built along the walkway.
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. Technicians are also needed to regularly adjust their sensors because a malfunction could easily cause the doors to stop working and trap people.
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.
Bangkok Post 2006-09-18
Trouble spots identified at the new airport
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
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.
Although the lines are beautiful and make it look like a ''see-through'' building, 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.
An unusually ''large space'' was also seen at the corner of the walkway, which is again fenced by an aluminium structure and slings. It connects the car park building and the terminal's third floor. The space is too wide and would put the life of small children in danger if they were around as they could accidentally fall through it.
To solve the problem, Mr Somchai said a strong plastic fence would be built along the walkway.
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. Technicians are also needed to regularly adjust their sensors because a malfunction could easily cause the doors to stop working and trap people.
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.
Bangkok Post 2006-09-18
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Bas quoted:
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.
Hi Bas,
Lets hope that they have done a better job than the new terminal at Paris CDG, where the roof fell down and killed several people. With all the potential pitfalls of modern air travel in these times of Islamo-fascists, (or whatever GWB is calling them this week) it would at least be nice to think that the roof stays over your head where it belongs.
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.
Hi Bas,
Lets hope that they have done a better job than the new terminal at Paris CDG, where the roof fell down and killed several people. With all the potential pitfalls of modern air travel in these times of Islamo-fascists, (or whatever GWB is calling them this week) it would at least be nice to think that the roof stays over your head where it belongs.
Dont be afraid on this roof Steve:STEVE G wrote: Hi Bas,
Lets hope that they have done a better job than the new terminal at Paris CDG, where the roof fell down and killed several people.
Holes in Airport’s roof not a big problem
Three big holes in Suvarnabhumi Airport’s roof will not delay the September 28 opening, said airport General Manager Somchai Sawasdeepon.
“We are working hard to fix the holes and it is not a big problem,â€
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Suvarnabhumi Airport opens on schedule
Suvarnabhumi Airport will start full operation according to the schedule of Sept 28, 2006, said Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin today.
Earlier, there were speculations that the coup might further delay the opening of the new airport.
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) officials also confirmed that Suvarnabhumi Airport would start full operation as scheduled of September 28, 2006.
The Nation 2006-09-20
Suvarnabhumi Airport will start full operation according to the schedule of Sept 28, 2006, said Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin today.
Earlier, there were speculations that the coup might further delay the opening of the new airport.
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) officials also confirmed that Suvarnabhumi Airport would start full operation as scheduled of September 28, 2006.
The Nation 2006-09-20
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Ok,
forget the hype. It's going to happen
The airport will open and there will be chaos just as there was when Heathrow opened
All the stuff about access and feeder roads is up front crap. It will get sorted eventually
Positive thinking please
Are we all 'windging Poms' or other national depressives
Enjoy. Lifes too short death, is forever
If you don't like it 'f**k off somewhere elsle
sorry if I'm too blunt, but I do come from the only real Kingdom in the Western world-----Yorkshire--- Leeds United will get back up there soon. !!!!
forget the hype. It's going to happen
The airport will open and there will be chaos just as there was when Heathrow opened
All the stuff about access and feeder roads is up front crap. It will get sorted eventually
Positive thinking please
Are we all 'windging Poms' or other national depressives
Enjoy. Lifes too short death, is forever
If you don't like it 'f**k off somewhere elsle
sorry if I'm too blunt, but I do come from the only real Kingdom in the Western world-----Yorkshire--- Leeds United will get back up there soon. !!!!
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
Energy-cutting measures at Suvarnabhumi help airlines save
Bangkok Airways senior officials said Suvarnabhumi Airport will help airlines dramatically reduce fuel costs due to less air traffic congestion compared to Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang).
“At Suvarnabhumi, we can save about 400,000 to 500,000 baht a day on fuel expenses,â€
Bangkok Airways senior officials said Suvarnabhumi Airport will help airlines dramatically reduce fuel costs due to less air traffic congestion compared to Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang).
“At Suvarnabhumi, we can save about 400,000 to 500,000 baht a day on fuel expenses,â€
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
No problems for THAI night flights despite heavy rain
The first three night flights by Thai Airways International Plc. (THAI) at Suvarnabhumi Airport were successfully completed late Friday despite heavy rain.
“The flights confirm that THAI is ready to serve at Suvarnabhumi day and night,â€
The first three night flights by Thai Airways International Plc. (THAI) at Suvarnabhumi Airport were successfully completed late Friday despite heavy rain.
“The flights confirm that THAI is ready to serve at Suvarnabhumi day and night,â€
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.