More problems for Don Mueang

[NickysGayPattaya]

I don't often post from other sources, but we had a thread on getting to Don Mueang and Air Asia moving there.

Looks like their problems aren't over yet.

"Korean carrier cites facility shortcomings
Contrary to what Thai authorities claim, Don Mueang airport appears not yet ready to resume international flights, as the South Korean budget carrier TтАЩway Airlines says the problems it encountered has prompted it to halt service there.
TтАЩway, which said it was bombarded by тАЬuncountableтАЭ complaints from Thai and foreign passengers alike, blasted Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) and Thai officials related to airport operations for failing to provide sufficient service and facilities to support international flights through BangkokтАЩs old airport.

In a formal complaint submitted earlier this week to agencies including the Civil Aviation, Immigration and Customs departments, TтАЩway regional manager Choi Byung-moon listed seven major deficiencies at the airport, which AoT earlier vowed would be ready by Aug 1."

I don't want to copy the whole article (I don't think I can for copyright reasons - but you can find it here - http://en.isnhotnews.com/?p=21725

Nicky

(PS Is this a "dump on Don Muang" thread? hmmmm" I just mourn for the passing (for me) of Air Asia into the land of the unreachable)

[pong]

this is simply the tipical Thai tradition:
break down your opponent in as many ways as you can to get a discount on the tariff. Or is it an Asian thing?
Asian/Thai also is repairing things with faults only at the very last minute/second.

[luvthai-2]

With rainy season under way the airport will most likely be under water again. Water was so deep last year the wing tips were barely visable.

[gerefan2]

the South Korean budget carrier TтАЩway Airlines

You pay your money you take your choice.....I can't think of anything to beat a Korean Budget Airline!
Seen Koreas safety record?!

[fountainhall]

This topic has also been discussed on gaythailand.com. For anyone interested, the thread is http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic ... ang-ready/ (http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/8064-don-muang-ready/)

I made a long comment (Post#4) and have quite major doubts about the accuracy of at least some of the story.

[Sooty]

This morning's Bangkok Post has joined in the chorus http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/eco ... guaranteed (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/308173/airport-readiness-guaranteed)

With rainy season under way the airport will most likely be under water again. Water was so deep last year the wing tips were barely visable.

A little out of context as a huge percentage of the country was also flooded, including about 60% of Bangkok. Don Muang isn't usually prone to that type of flood but most airports are flat by need so without substantial drainage it can happen, but last year was exceptional.

On a better note, it was announced yesterday that work on the MRT link to Don Muang, which is under construction, will be 'speeded up' to be completed by the end of the year. A little optimistic I think.

[fountainhall]

Water was so deep last year the wing tips were barely visable.
As Rainbow suggested, that really is a major exaggeration. The water barely covered the landing gear (although that's bad enough!). If you saw such a photo, it must have been a pretty creative cameraman!

A major 3.5 meter flood wall has now been erected around the airport perimieter, as has a new improved pumpling system, plus three drainage pools have been expanded. With Don Mueang about to service 4 million or so passengers with Air AsiaтАЩs move on October 1, the authorities absolutely can not afford another disaster like last year.


it was announced yesterday that work on the MRT link to Don Muang, which is under construction, will be 'speeded up' to be completed by the end of the year. A little optimistic I think.
More than optimistic, frankly. Bloody impossible! IтАЩd love to know where you read this. I've seen it in neither of the English papers. There are plans to extend the MRT to Don Mueang and Rangsit, but I have heard nothing about construction having even started! There is certainly nothing on the MRT website about it.

Didn't read it. It was an impromptu news conference shown on Thai TV news last night, which included a statement from an AOT official that a third Bangkok airport will be needed within 10 years.

[Hmmm]

At least there is now this option to get between the two airports ;)
http://notthenation.com/2011/03/thai-be ... arnabhumi/ (http://notthenation.com/2011/03/thai-begins-flights-from-don-muang-to-suvarnabhumi/)