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Govt delays decision on moving domestic flights to Suvarnabhumi airport



The Council of Economic Ministers on Wednesday has failed to reach the conclusion over the relocation of domestic flights from Don Mueang Airport to Suvarnabhumi, saying that it will make the decision in the next two weeks when information is more complete.

 Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld announced on the same day that the airline would not move flights back to Don Mueang. He said at a press conference that it has invested in a new office near Suvarnabhumi and the relocation would also cause disturbance to 1,500 staff.

 "Suvarnabhumi has the capacity to handle more flights," Tassapon said, adding that his airline last year accommodated 4.2 million passengers and expected the number to rise to 5.1 million this year.

 Thai Airways International earlier announced that it would move all domestic flights back to Suvarnabhumi at the end of this month. The decision stirred protest from some members of the labour union, led by the union chief Chamsri Sukchotirat. They were concerned that THAI's relocation would pave way for low-cost airlines' control of Don Mueang.

Meanwhile, Chamsri herself faced complaints from some union members who were disturbed by her action on fears that the protest would tarnish THAI's image.

 Transport Minister Sophon Saram earlier announced that all airlines would have to leave Don Mueang, to be in line with the "single airport" policy.

The council today discussed the public debts and credit extension.

 While saying that Thailand's public debts, with maximum amount of Bt1.4 trillion in the 2009 fiscal year, is comparatively low, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said it is necessary to watch out as in case of severe economic contraction, the public debt to gross domestic product ratio would jump equickly.

 He also added that the government will monitor how active banks are in extending new loans.

 Meanwhile, he said the council considered the proposal to promote steel production and assigned the Industry Ministry to survey the potential locations and establish good understanding with local communities in the areas.

 "When the project would materialise depends on public acceptance," he said.



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