AOT board member Chirmsak Pinthong said after yesterday's meeting that the company's contract would not be terminated. AOT will pay the company Bt90 million owed for two months' security work last year.

However, the consortium has been given a month to improve its performance.

AOT said it wanted more qualified security personnel deployed at the airport.

"If the company can not follow these conditions, AOT will terminate its contract," Chirmsak said.

In addition, AOT will fine the consortium Bt8 million for failure to meet its contract obligations.

"In assessing the performance of the Loxley consortium, we are not satisfied," he added.

But the company will be given the opportunity to improve its performance, he said. However, military personnel will monitor operations. AOT will pay for this.Chirmsak said the board wanted to emphasise security standards.

Chirmsak denied the board was ready to replace the consortium immediately but added the standards applied to Loxley would have to be met by any alternative.

Watcharapong Thongrung 

 The Nation