Airport-danger probe plea

The government must investigate safety at Suvarnabhumi Airport's duty-free cargo facility and passenger terminal, according to Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr.

The call follows news that potentially dangerous cracks have appeared on the airport runways. Repairs have commenced.

Alongkorn worried the land on which the cargo facility was built had not been properly prepared and the building might subside.

Subsidence under the passenger terminal has led to cracks in glass walling.

"Airports of Thailand should urgently conduct an investigation into these matters," he said.

The Transport Ministry will have to decide whether the airport can continue to operate if repairs conflict with takeoffs and landings and passenger movements.

Alongkorn urged the Assets Examination Committee to consider action against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and transport ministers during his tenure for damage to the state.

The former opposition member of Parliament supported relocating domestic flights and some low-cost airlines to Don Muang airport.

"This will ease the burden on Suvarnabhumi, which needs repairs," he said.

The Nation Thailand
Sunday January 28, 2007