Airport neighbours threaten to launch lighter-than-air missiles

Sep 1, 2007, 7:17 GMT

Bangkok - Authorities of Thailand's troubled new international airport are reeling under threats by nearby residents to disrupt air traffic unless their demands for compensation are met, media reports said Saturday.

Residents bothered by noise in the Bangkok suburb of Bang Phli threatened to launch balloons into the air starting on September 9 unless the government agrees to buy their homes from them.

The Bangkok Post reported that officials of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport were scrambling to forge a truce and avert the fight that could further damage the facility's reputation.

Homeowners in 32 housing estates are demanding payouts similar to those the airport authority previously agreed to pay to others whose properties lie in the noisiest flight paths. They also demanded an end to all flights between the hours of 9 pm and 5 am.

Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um warned residents to call off the potentially dangerous protest or face prosecution, the newspaper reported.

It said officials were hoping to negotiate a new settlement with property owners who suffer from vibrations and noise at less than 70 decibels. The airport authority earlier agreed to buy homes that are subjected to noise above that level.

The conflict is the latest in a string of problems plaguing the beleaguered airport that opened in September 2006, after decades of delays, cost overruns, and scandals over corruption and faulty construction.

The newspaper quoted an unnamed official of the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand as saying the agency would have to report the threat to all airlines, which could further damage the tarnished image of the airport that was once touted as a showcase for aviation in Asia.

Airport general manager Serirat Prasutanond said the residents' demands were troublesome because they came after officials agreed to settle complaints of other property owners who are more affected by the noise, the Post reported.

He also said officials had promised to pay some compensation for damages and soundproofing, but complained that the residents were now demanding more money.

Transport Minister Theera Hao-charoen said airport authorities were not ignoring the complaints of area homeowners, and were serious about seeking a negotiated compromise to ground the protest.