Bangkok”s controversial new airport, called Suvarnabhumi, has been universally condemned by the resident airline industry for opening too soon, a fact tacitly agreed by Thai deputy transport minister Sansern Wongcha in a statement. He said that there are five critical problem areas: ”Noise pollution caused by aircraft landing and takeoff; the passenger terminal safety system; overly slow freight handling and cost reduction; mass transport to passengers; and improved area management of the airport vicinity where residents experience inconveniences and other difficulties.”
Long overdue, and the subject of political intrigue and serious financial questions, the new airport officially opened on 28 September, replacing the outmoded and dilapidated Don Muang. Airlines have been quick to criticise the futuristic building, a major hub for the Star Alliance, although typically nobody is prepared to be publicly quoted.
A 612-room Novotel, opened at the beginning of September, is located just a three-minute walk from the terminal through a 200m air-conditioned underground walkway. A direct rail link currently under construction will connect the hotel to existing transport systems, downtown Bangkok and its central business districts by early 2008. Current access is via a five-lane dual carriageway which connects to the new Bangkok ” Chonburi highway.