Samtam 05/10/2006 22:00
Have just returned from using the new airport. Was initially surprised by how quick it was to get there: 35 minutes from Sathorn Road, and back: 45 minutes. Check in etc was very easy and straightforward, but I had no check-in luggage and I had checked-in online. The architecture of the airport looks visually pleasing. Inside I'm sure it will be a very nice airport when it's completed. But oh dear, when? And why the rush to have opened it before it was actually completed? There are quite a few lavatories airside, but they are not signposted at all. And the mess and scruffiness of the new facility is really shameful, if Thailand wants to create the right impression. The floors are damaged, (granite tiles etc) and others in need of a very determined scrubbing. There are some design faults, like being able to access the departure lounge's lavatories - yes good that each one has those - before going through boarding pass procedures. The solution - drag a row of chairs across to block that access. All looks a bit Heath Robinson, which is surprising given the amount of money and planning that has presumably gone into it. All these things can be overcome, but there needs to be a determined effort to fix the snags, and somebody competent overseeing that. My outbound journey was to Changi, (a facility that is 19 years old, and frankly, it was how I hope Suvarnabhumi will become....efficient and buzzing efficiently. The contrast was very stark.
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