BANGKOK EPIC A Tale of Two Airports

Writing this story I experienced a minor glitch with a typo, after hastily keying in the word ‘tail', but unlike a tiger tail, the story of Bangkok's epic struggle with two airports seems to have no end. The latest comments from Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajaiva have resonated that Don Mueang may be allowed to operate as second international airport and fall under the private sector.

Opinions range far and wide whether the existing Suvarnabhumi airport should be substantially expanded to cope with rising traffic demands or to simply use both facilities as international gateways. Also a conflict between the AoT (Airport Authority of Thailand) who oversee the existing gateway and private management for Don Mueang could create a rather potent playing field.

The move does have Thai listed property developers closely looking at a proposed transport link between the two airports, as a major real estate boom has been created in Bangkok's increasing urban drive of high rise condos, retail and commercial areas in close proximity to the MRT and BTS.

Stay tuned on the issue as clarity continues to be as evasive as a tiger in the city.