He is confident that through 25 years of experience at Airports of Thailand (AOT), he is in the best position to address all problems at the new airport.

One of the first things he has to do is to reassure the world about safety and passenger services at Suvarnabhumi, amid scandals that have plagued the airport's reputation.

To achieve this, he is urging airlines and airport-users to set up a working committee to survey problems at the new airport in order to enhance standards and services.

The working group will consist of representatives of airlines, including Thai Airways International, the Immigration Department, Airports of Thailand (AOT), the police force and tourism associations.

The committee's 30-40 members will be drawn from various sectors. Serirat said it would compile the problems and complaints and find solutions.

"We don't know who is responsible for the problems," Serirat said.

The group will focus on passenger-service areas and improve overall service standards.

A representative of one international airline said that AOT needed to work more closely with users because AOT alone could not solve all problems.

Many airlines are urging AOT to conclude repairs to taxiways and runways as they are worried about safety.

AOT has reported that the cracks constitute minimal damage and can be repaired so the airport can be used as normal.

Serirat said that Suvarnabhumi Airport was largely perceived negatively and AOT would reverse this.

He said 61 problems had been found at the airport, mostly related to passenger services.

"As the new GM of the airport, my first priority is to solve these problems. I will try to do that within one month," he said.

He added that some problems had already been fixed, such as expanding the arrival hall, rearranging domestic and international areas and adding more toilets. Waiting areas are being expanded for tour groups, while the lighting system is bring adjusted.

He also said AOT would ask King Power International, the operator of duty-free stores, to remove counters blocking emergency exits.

AOT is studying lowering the temperature at the passenger terminal after complaints of overheating.

Though there are many things to do, Serirat is confident that he can address all of them.

"I know how to run airports," said the man who was a candidate for the presidency of AOT which Chotisak Asapaviriya won, only to resign before he could be dismissed.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation