Academic challenges airport move

The Udon Thanibased independent academic said yesterday he filed the lawsuit on Monday in his capacity as a citizen affected by the airport move.

He said had evidence of a conflict of interest behind the move, saying it stemmed from internal disputes between the Democrat Party and Bhum Jai Thai Party.

He cited a National Economic and Social Development Board resolution to confirm development of a mass transit system linking Suvarnabhumi Airport to the "green line" Skytrain route at Phyathai Station and have the Mor ChitSaphan Mai Skytrain extension to link with Don Muang Airport.

Airlines were being moved to the new airport despite this resolution clearly stating that transport links should be built for both airports, he said.

So there was a hidden agenda and a conflict of interest behind Sopon's order to shift Thai Airways and other airlines by March 29.

"I see that a major construc¬tion contractor company with ties to the government that also had many state project concessions. This firm is a bidder for the second phase of Suvarnabhumi Airport construction's 10 projects, which would use a total of Bt73.7 billion in funds, because of the airport's aim to support 60 million travelers a year.

That was different from Sopon's earlier comment that the projects would only cost Bt10 billion.

Somkid also revealed he had received threats via phone calls for lawsuits he filed against senior officials but he said he was not shaken by them as he just wanted to serve as a good citizen.