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Published on September 15, 2007

In the case of home-owners who have not reached an agreement with the AoT yet, a tripartite committee will rule on the matter.

AoT acting president Kalaya Pakakrong said a memorandum of understanding had been signed yesterday and compensation worth about Bt364 million would be paid to 16 cases affected by noise over 60 decibels, including special compensation over 70 decibels.

Of these, Bt168 million would be spent on insulating and improving the affected buildings, including three temples, four educational institutes and two hospitals.

Another seven cases want the AoT to insulate their buildings, which will cost Bt169 million.

Kalaya insisted the AoT had not ignored the grievances of those living near the airport and that a working committee was negotiating with owners of some 200 houses to decide whether to buy their houses or pay them compensation.

An agreement should be reached by the end of September and residents affected by noise over 60 decibels would definitely receive compensation, she said.

Some owners who were affected by noise at less than 60 decibels also wanted to sell their houses or buildings to the AoT and were in the process of negotiation, while some who were affected by over 70 decibels want the AoT to insulate their houses, she said.

"I'm happy the residents in the area have accepted compensation to reduce the impact of the noise, because the AoT acknowledges their problem, but any assistance should be made according to rules and procedures," she said.

As for the residents who remain dissatisfied with the AoT's proposal, Kalaya said a tripartite committee comprising representatives of the residents, the government and the Lawyers' Council of Thailand would act on their complaints.

She added that the AoT would channel money to the Public Health Ministry on September 17 to arrange mobile medical units to assist residents and pay the Lat Krabang and Bang Phli districts to solve the flooding issue in the area surrounding Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The Nation