THAI asks ministers to resolve relocation issue

 The ministers will meet on Wednesday.

 "The economic ministers should make the decision. If they resolve against the relocation, they should have good reasons," said acting president Narongsak Sangapong.

 The move followed the lack of decision from the economic ministers last Wednesday. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that it was noted that THAI made the decision before the government resolved if Suvarnabhumi would be used as Thailand's single airport. He also said passengers are disgruntled over the move.

 On Friday, the airline just affirmed that it would move its domestic operations from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Suvarnabhumi, effective March 29. In a statement issued on Friday, the board of directors, the management and the committee charged of moving the operations resolved that the relocation is necessary to satisfy and maximise passengers' benefits.

 " Passengers will be benefit from flights operating from Suvarnabhumi Airport, with the readiness of airport facilities and personnel involved. By operating from Suvarnabhumi Airport, THAI will be able to further develop network operations and improve handling efficiency. It will also increase convenience for passengers' international and domestic connecting flights. In a ddition, the move will help THAI benefit from utilising aircraft, including aircraft rotation and flight frequency," it said.

 It said "THAI realises the importance of boosting tourism, especially in the domestic market, by moving domestic flight operations back to Suvarnabhumi. This decision is based upon government policy aiming to aid in tourism industry recovery, which will support and enhance tourism activities in Thailand. Furthermore, the country's economy will improve from the increased number of passengers flying to and from Thailand.

 "After all THAI flights start operating from Suvarnabhumi, in order to facilitate passengers travelling to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, THAI will provide the following additional facilities effective  March 26: 36 domestic check-in counters from 24; increase the provision of "e-Check-in" service together with baggage loading, for passengers using "e-Check-in"; increase passenger lounge area an additional 284 square metres, on top of previous space allocation of 650 square metres; eElectric car on special requests; increase ground staff to assist and facilitate passengers travelling on domestic flights.

 "Moreover, THAI has worked in cooperation with the Airports of Thailand (AOT) to prepare all facilities for passengers and working area for ground staff who transferred from Don Mueang Airport, to facilitate the transition of domestic operations."