THAI Labor Union opposes the move to Suvarnabhumi Airport

THAI Labor Union opposes the move to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thai Airways International (THAI)’s labor union opposes moving all THAI flights to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

President of THAI Labor Union Jamsi Sukchoterat together with THAI employees had submitted a petition to the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and on Transportation, seeking THAI's continued service providing at Don Muang Airport. They argued that it was not reasonable to move all operations to Suvarnabhumi Airport in order to save 640 million baht of expense, if the executives had vision, they should find the way to increase income and see the opportunity to compete with other airways, but not destroying the company’s competitiveness with this plan.

Moreover the government’s policy of “Single Airport” had not been clarified as there were still other airlines that provide their services at Don Mueang Airport. However if the Suvarnabhumi Airport was developed in the second phase, Don Mueang Airport could be used as maintenance center, and the company could then move all services to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Meanwhile both committees affirmed to examine the petition for transparency and maximum benefits of consumers.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Airport shift protested

Airport shift protested

Don Mueang residents and demonstrators rally in protest of the move of Thai Airways International's flights from Don Mueang Airport, requesting the government to revise its plan and hold a referendum.

Don Mueang residents and representatives from State Enterprises Workers Relations Confederation (SERC) gathered in front of domestic terminal of Don Mueang Airport, calling for the Government to revise its plan to move THAI flights from Don Mueang Airport back to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The airport shift is the result of the Government’s single airport policy, allowing flights to be operated solely at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Protesters pointed out negative effects from the airport shift, which include immediate unemployment of staff and entrepreneurs working in Don Mueang Airport as well as residents dwelling near the airport.

Mr Pruekpong Premsiri, a former Don Mueang member of Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) said that the gathering was to request the Government to hold a public hearing through public discussions. Then, people will have opportunities to express their opinions towards the move while the Government will be able to use the referendum as a part of decision-making process.

Today, the protesters collected names of people disagreeing with the policy. Then, the names and the objection will be submitted to Transport Minister Sopon Zarum to postpone the airport shift.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009