Joining a 1,000-strong protest at the King Mongkut Institute of Technology Lat Krabang yesterday, Chaisit Sakulthanyalak, 59, said he had lived in Monsinee Village for more than 10 years and the aircraft taking off and landing made him concerned he may not be able to live there anymore.

"The planes fly low and make a deafening noise," he said, adding he was already looking for a new home. If he could not find a new property, he would double glaze his windows, soundproof the roof, and put air-conditioners in every room.

"I've no idea how my life will be when 76 flights land and take off per hour. I don't think I can take it," he said.

Chaisit suggested the residents file a lawsuit before the Administration Court to have Airports of Thailand (AOT) or the government solve problems of the neighbourhood due to the noise.

Somsong Sarasin, 59, who has lived in Khehanakhon 2 Village for 29 years, said her village had already faced more flooding because the new airport's immense landfill to elevate the ground had drained rainwater out to nearby areas.

"Usually we face floods due to blocked drainages whenever it rains. But now we are faced with a higher-level of flooding. When we complained to the AOT, they just promised to send water pumps to help," Somsong said.

The discussion at King Mongkut Institute of Technology Lat Krabang had made the residents realise that many problems would emerge after the airport opens including noise, flooding, and traffic congestion.

"I want to continue living here but if we can't, I want the government to buy our properties and pay us compensation," Somsong said.

Anan Paengnoy

The Nation