a serious question about the security of Thailand's main aviation infrastructure

not before time this gets an airing .............................


COMMENTARY


Hubbub of trouble
Wednesday December 03, 2008 10:00
By Boonsong Kositchotethana
Deputy As

The seizure of Bangkok's two airports and an air control tower by supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy raises a serious question about the security of Thailand's main aviation infrastructure and the gateway to the Kingdom.

Regrettably, the police put up little or no resistance when these anti-government protesters rampaged through the terminals of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports and raided Suvarnabhumi's air control tower - all in three different timeframes in a rather loosely coordinated plot. Adding insult to injury was the army's ignoring the call for reinforcements, thus easing the way for PAD demonstrators to fulfil their aim of removing the Somchai Wongsawat administration at any cost.

Airport and airline officials as well as hired security guards simply melted away, pulling down the shutters and abandoning their posts at the approach of PAD members, some of whom carried sticks and baseball bats.

Clearly, the airports' security was blatantly breached and the chaotic scenes beamed into homes around the globe have informed the world that our airports are unsafe. Those images will certainly take a very long time to fade away.

The fact that even bare-handed demonstrators can lay siege to top security establishments also informs terrorists how easy it would be to carry out their evil missions in Thailand. The confidence in Thailand's safety has been shattered, and will take a very long time to rebuild.

After the PAD supporters finally retreat, some 70 airlines which operate through the 155-billion-baht Suvarnabhumi Airport will have to seriously reassess the security risk factor and ask themselves whether they still want to resume operations through Thai airports and be exposed to insecurity.

Many passengers going through Suvarnabhumi, the majority of them tourists, have become angry, annoyed and even felt threatened. They are likely to choose other holiday destinations next time. It can easily be anticipated that many of those discretionary travellers may never come back to Thailand at all and potential newcomers will decide to go elsewhere.

The dream of making Bangkok the aviation hub of Southeast Asia has been shattered, and the Airports of Thailand Plc's aspiration to make Suvarnabhumi, which was opened in September 2006, among the top 10 international airports in the world next year, is now laughable.

It is not difficult to understand why several international airlines will shift their regional operations away from Suvarnabhumi to rival airports like Singapore's Changi Airport or Kuala Lumpur International, where security and safety have not been an issue, let alone being more efficient while providing economic incentives in terms of lower airport service payments.

This shameful and disastrous turn of events will only serve to chase airlines, which have played a pivotal role in spinning Thailand's economic wheels, away quicker than they otherwise might have.

Air traffic through Thailand looks set to slump anyway because of the faster-than-expected deterioration in the global economy.

The PAD's tactic of closing airports to press its political agenda is not unprecedented; in fact just three months ago the PAD's supporters blockaded the airports in Phuket, Hat Yai and Krabi, wreaking havoc on the southern tourism industry.

But this time around, the seizure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang will have far more disastrous effects than they may - or may not - have imagined.

Obviously, the government and authorities failed to learn anything from the previous senseless and embarrassing blockades, having failed completely to come up with any measures to tackle such an untoward political problem which served only to underscore the fact that Thailand's airports are unsafe.

The government, PAD and the armed forces have been busy playing their own games and have been insincere in unlocking the political stalemate which continues to devastate the country economically and politically.

The PAD has succeeded in taking our economy hostage, forcing Thailand to pay massively for its political agenda.

The confidence in Thailand's safety has been shattered, and will certainly take a very long time to rebuild.Security and safety issues at Thai airports need swift and drastic reform to reach the same standards adopted by airports in more civilised countries, if Thailand wants to rebuild its travel industry in particular and the economy in general. We cannot afford to allow any more airport seizures.

bangkokpost.net

I seriously think a lot of the airlines will try and look for any excuse to move their hub from Bangkok to either or both Singapore or Malaysia. Which in turn can damage Thailand’s tourist industry even more, and cause a nasty inconvenience for travellers.

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Originally Posted by Mid

if Thailand wants to rebuild its travel industry in particular and the economy in general. We cannot afford to allow any more airport seizures.

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I think it is too late, the damage has been done.

A great deal of my friends who visit several times a year have said enough is enough, and are now planning their vacation elsewhere in Asia.

Also, my Uk business partner was due to fly to Thailand on 5th December to finalise significant investment plans, thanks to the twats in Yellow, I can kiss that goodbye. I am sure I am not the only one who has lost vital income as a result.

Clearly the author of this article is waxing and inquiring rhetorically. Consider the source as well {BKK Post}. Obviously, PAD was allowed to invade and subsequently occupy the airport. The basic mainframe of general security as it concerns Swampy....?? Never going to develope unless they really care to chase it. Can you imagine a major terrorist incident or a hijacked plan situation...?? I believe high security has been vacant from the inception. And nothing will improve until such an incident.

Good article. Makes you also wonder if any of the yellow-shirt fuckwits have sabotaged any of the airport machinery or even planted bombs...

Thai....shooting Themselves In The Foot Again. And Then They Wonder Why.

doom and gloom this morning .....................:(



Problems abroad
Wednesday December 03, 2008 10:24
By Pavin Chachavalpongpun


The political face-off between the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the Somchai Wongsawat government has not only seriously caused great political instability, but also tremendously damaged the country's international standing and reputation.

The political crisis is no longer limited within the domestic realm. It has far-reaching implications on Thailand's foreign affairs.

As of Tuesday morning, a Thai court dissolved the ruling party and banned PM Somchai Wongsawat from politics, plunging the kingdom into further uncertainty. Although the PAD responded to the verdict by suspending their protest until further notice, the damage to the country has been done.

The loss of revenue from tourism is enormous, indeed as much as that of Thailand's image as one of the ultimate tourist destinations in the world. More than 350,000 passengers have reportedly remained stranded in Thailand since the closing of the airports. Countless foreign tourists voiced their disappointment in the way the PAD has held the country hostage and the government's inability to solve the crisis.

Some US Congressmen have warned that Thailand is slipping into becoming a failed state. A failed state is defined as a state whose central government is so weak or ineffective that it has little practical control over much of its territory. Max Weber once said that a state could be said to succeed if it maintains a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within its borders. When this is broken, such as through the domination of warlords and terrorists, the very existence of the state becomes dubious; and the state could become a failure.

Within Asean, at least three members - Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia - suggested that Thailand give up its chairmanship this year due to its escalating political violence. Thailand is thus being put on a par with Burma, whose government was forced to relinquish its chairmanship in 2005 because of its legitimacy crisis.

Unable to cope with the increasing violence, the Thai government has decided to postpone the Asean summit to March 2009.

Cambodia quickly tied Thailand's political crisis with its military aggression over the territorial disputes near the Preah Vihear temple. Prime Minister Hun Sen even lectured Thailand on how to solve its troubles in a democratic way.

With Thailand sinking into deep turmoil, many doubt if it could exercise leadership in Asean, particularly at this juncture of the launching of the Asean Charter.

Meanwhile, Thailand, once a vital player that helped promote democratisation in Burma, has found itself lacking in moral authority to preach to its neighbouring military state. The PAD, despite its name bearing the term "democracy", has initiated the idea of "New Politics" whereby future parliaments would consist of 70% appointed members and 30% elected. The new political paradigm is scarily analogous to the future political structure of Burma, where a portion of parliamentary seats is reserved for the military.

As the political division is getting wider, compromise is becoming a rare commodity. Can Thailand, experiencing this difficulty all by itself, have any legitimacy to urge the Burmese junta to search for political reconciliation with its opposition and ethnic minorities?

The PAD, however, is not the only player that has tainted the country's international credibility. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now a fugitive, has been strident in further inflaming the political situation in Thailand on the global stage.

In his interview with an American journalist in Dubai last week, he warned that a military coup would lead to inevitable bloodshed.

He let the world know that Thailand has plunged deeply into an anarchic state, with the rule of law being bluntly rejected by the opposition.

Although it may be true, the fact that Thaksin is painting a gloomy picture of the current political situation so as to serve the little legitimacy he has left, has further put Thailand in the international limelight. In June 2006, Thaksin, while still in power, sent a personal letter to US President George W Bush, lamenting the democratic situation in his home country.

"Having failed to provoke violence and disorder," Thaksin said, "my opponents are now attempting various extra-constitutional tactics to co-opt the will of the people."

The political conflict at home has also made the work of Thailand's diplomatic missions aboard more difficult. The profound political division is clearly evident inside the Foreign Ministry.

One ambassador is said to have recently challenged the headquarters' instruction on how to explain to foreigners in a way that would play down the fatal incident of Oct 7, in which the police used excessive force against protesters.

The ambassador emphasised that it did not matter where his political stance was. What really mattered was the fact that diplomats, like other professions, must have integrity and ethical professionalism.

The prolonged political bickering has effectively hampered the country's active foreign policy. Thaksin's foreign policy initiatives have been much criticised for being unsustainable. It has already been an uphill task for Thai diplomats to continue Thaksin's past policies.

Now, with the country falling further into turmoil, the Foreign Ministry is preoccupied with having to explain to the outside world about the domestic situation, as well as protecting the country's image, which has seemed to be a mission impossible.

A good image and a solid reputation take years to blossom. Sadly, it has been snatched away in the blink of an eye. The notion of Thailand as the "Land of Smiles" is becoming obsolete. It is fast turning itself into a land of misery and strife.

The writer is a Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.

bangkokpost.com

The most disgusting thing I think is the fact that none of the PAD leaders will ever be charged or prosecuted for their crime.

It seriously puts a doubt on Thailand’s legal system and Thailand’s responsibility towards tourist and any future foreign investment.

Although I agree that the security, or lack of it, was a total farce. How many of the OAT cronies supported the PAD and just "let it happen"?

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Originally Posted by Mid

Now, with the country falling further into turmoil, the Foreign Ministry is preoccupied with having to explain to the outside world about the domestic situation, as well as protecting the country's image, which has seemed to be a mission impossible.

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Mission impossible indeed. Especially given every Embassy in the country knows exactly what's going on. Reaction on the diplomatic front from "democratic" nations remains to be seen. Some will choose to ignore the situation. Others may place trade restrictions on Thailand further throwing an ailing economy into deeper into decline.

Related to Thailand Security. The occupation of the airport aside, Thai "security" is lax beyond anything appropriate in today's terror troubled world.

Should any terrorist organization be inclined to stage a Mumbai style attack in Bangkok, they would find it a much easier target than even Mumbai.

^ Sadly, 100% True

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Originally Posted by Thai Pom

Sadly, 100% True

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Problem for me is the price I would have to pay for "appropriate security". Having big brother watching my every move as is the case in many countries would certainly dampen the appeal of Thailand. For the moment, I willing to play the odds and take the risk.

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Problem for me is the price I would have to pay for "appropriate security".

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sediment noted though in reality it's cheap ,

use the military budget for education globally .................










I'll get my coat >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>:)

A colleague carried out the insurance survey for "Swampy" before they opened and it complied with security requirements in all aspects.
Now I understand that there are serious meetings at No1 Lime Street (Lloyds) regarding the extent of future cover !!

My colleague was 100% correct with his assessment at the time so he is in the clear but the other lads are having a 'Pisstaking Fest" at the moment :rofl:
Almost wish I was back in the "smoke" to join in !!!!!

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Originally Posted by gjbkk

The most disgusting thing I think is the fact that none of the PAD leaders will ever be charged or prosecuted for their crime.

It seriously puts a doubt on Thailand’s legal system and Thailand’s responsibility towards tourist and any future foreign investment.

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......they have the highest protection gj.

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Originally Posted by gjbkk

It seriously puts a doubt on Thailand’s legal system

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Thailand has no proper legal system, what on earth gives you the impression otherwise?

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Originally Posted by gjbkk

Thailand’s responsibility

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Never use those two words in the same sentence unless you are posting in the jokes and funny stories forum.

UDD wants PAD to pay for economic damage




(BangkokPost.com) - The pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) demanded the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to be responsible for the costly damage after the group closed down Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports for a week.

UDD leader and political talk show host Jatuporn Promphan on Wednesday said laying siege to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang had caused great economic loss to Thailand and the PAD must pay for the damage done to the country.

According to Mr Jatuporn, it is still uncertain whether the PAD would end its demonstrations for good or whether the protesters want to take a vacation. He believed the PAD will return to hold anti-government rallies again.

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Originally Posted by Norton

Related to Thailand Security. The occupation of the airport aside, Thai "security" is lax beyond anything appropriate in today's terror troubled world

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Exactamundo, and we all knew that the minute the airport was first occupied.

Since 2001 the real world has realised that airport security is paramount and rightly so. Thailands inability to see things from any other perspective other than their own throws up some glaring inadequicies at times, If any of those idiots who occupied the airport had the equivalent conciense of any westerner they would never have gone to the airport, let alone stay there a week. Morons, they are.

half time between the reds and the yellows. Play to resume after the 5th?

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Originally Posted by Spin

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Originally Posted by gjbkk

It seriously puts a doubt on Thailand’s legal system

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Thailand has no proper legal system, what on earth gives you the impression otherwise?

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Originally Posted by gjbkk

Thailand’s responsibility

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Never use those two words in the same sentence unless you are posting in the jokes and funny stories forum.

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you should have quoted my post in its entirety then you would understand that the legal system will be perceived as nonexistent and a threat to both future tourism and investment. :)


Having said that, responsibility and Thailand in the same sentence does sound like a joke!

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Originally Posted by kmart

Good article. Makes you also wonder if any of the yellow-shirt fuckwits have sabotaged any of the airport machinery or even planted bombs...

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No way. That CEO of AOT has poked his nose around and everything is a-OK! :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Norton

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Originally Posted by Thai Pom

Sadly, 100% True

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Problem for me is the price I would have to pay for "appropriate security". Having big brother watching my every move as is the case in many countries would certainly dampen the appeal of Thailand. For the moment, I willing to play the odds and take the risk.

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I expect the Islamic terrorists are looking at Thailand with glee. The prevention of such an attack is nil and sadly the response would probably be even worse.

Law enforcement in Thailand is neither proactive nor reactive.

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Originally Posted by chitown

Law enforcement in Thailand is neither proactive nor reactive.

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it is extortionative

good articles, in 6 months all will be forgotten, people have short memory