When it looked certain two years ago that Suvarnabhumi Airport would be opened this year, all parties in the local aviation industry foresaw hard work ahead.

Among those bearing the greatest responsibilities for the move to Bangkok's new international airport is Thai Airways International (THAI)'s senior executive vice president and adviser for special projects Kobchai Srivilas.

Kobchai is in charge of moving the airline's light and heavy equipment from the old airport at Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi.

"I haven't stopped working for almost a year, even on Saturdays and Sundays. It has become part of my life," he said.

Kobchai said his initial reaction to being told he had been put in charge of THAI's "migration" to its new home was to worry about how he'd ensure the huge move went smoothly.

With hundreds of thousands of pieces of equipment and parts that are not

exactly ordinary bits of machinery, he started by

discussing the transfer with all related organisations such as the Metropolitan Police, expressway authorities, telephone companies and Airports of Thailand Plc.

"We needed help from

all these bodies. We would not have been able to do

it by ourselves," he said.

Kobchai assembled a team of experts that learned about airport equipment moves in countries such as Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea. But he said he was still concerned about some things.

Regular trips to temples in the provinces helped him cope with the seven-day routine.

Getting enough rest was also vital, he said, as he knows he needs sufficient rest to give him enough strength to carry on the work day after day.

"I am 59 years old and will retire on September 30, just two days after the new airport is opened.

"I should have a great time before leaving the job - the same as some of my colleagues. I should be resting more instead of this hard work.

"But I have heard that the company wants to hire me for another year just to

follow up on things,"

he said.

Kobchai had just returned from a trip to Chiang Mai, where he visited 40 temples to make merit to ensure success with his challenging work. That's a lot of temples, but it's a big task.

THAI will move its six operational activities - commercial cargo and mail, ground support equipment services, catering services, aircraft maintenance centre, customer services, and operations centre to Suvarnabhumi.

In addition to the transfer of equipment, on Wednesday evening next week THAI will start parking all its aircraft at the new airport.

A total of 27 planes will be flown without passengers from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi.

As for the readiness of over 17,000 employees who will shift to Suvarnabhumi, THAI has provided training sessions to help familiarise them with their new work environment.

THAI is also providing assistance to employees so they will receive the same benefits extended to

them at Don Muang, which includes return trips on employee buses, medical support, and help with

housing.

The National Housing Authority has assisted in arranging for employees to purchase houses at special prices.

THAI has also provided assistance to employees whose children must transfer to new schools.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation

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Confessions of Suvarnabhumi Man

A reader was moved by the upcoming opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport to write a limerick, which The Nation's Pravit Rojanaphruk has added to ...

After 45 years, the day is drawing near, from a snake filled swamp to a sky full of birds.

Square Face says we're ready, and so I agree, it will be a national event for all to see.

We've got the World's Tallest Tower, and the world's largest terminal too. So don't worry about a single snafu. But don't ask me, if a plane may strike, the tower too, because it's a little too tall. And please don't remind me, that the number of toilets at the world's biggest single terminal, is lower than the number at some upcountry gas stations, in this Kingdom of Thailand.

Yes, I know, about the corruption-ridden scanners, the leaking roof and all such things, but that's ancient history, I can assure you. In that you can trust, as our slick PR will provide some new topics to occupy your mind.

And that "sabotage" you've heard about, on some cable switches - that's just something we say, when there are some minor glitches.

I know about the noise, you heard it right. Let's have another meeting, to clear the air. Come and ask for compensation, if you care - but if it's not a mob, then why would I care?

Sue us, if you dare, but the legal delay could take longer than 45 years.

The flood may come, but we're prepared, and actually ready - whatever the boss may say.

We know it might get crowded, like Don Muang, but if the economy takes a tumble, there'll be plenty of room.

Forgive us please, if there's no train, but it's being done, without further delay. Maybe a year. Or maybe two, assuming no more delay, and no more graft.

You complained that it looked too Western, so we went to Chatuchak, to see what we could buy.

Now we've got statues, a red Thai pavillion, even huge nagas emerging from the floor!

But how can it be Thai, when the architect we hired is a German guy?

Lots of cash, was paid to Herr Helmut Jahn, but don't worry, for it's you dear, who'll pay the extra fees.

Don't ask us who will preside, at the airport's opening, for the political climate is less than clear.

So it will be a lovely walk, from the counter to planes, a kilometre or two, if you can stand the pain.

But your legs won't go to jelly, because the duty-free, is the real jewel of Suvarnabhumi. But that will cost Bt700 up front - before you can even think about buying.

And with fewer seats, and even fewer restrooms, it may be wise to think about shopping spree.

The taxi costs more - 50 baht more, to be exact - and we don't know yet, when they'll be at the curb.

But when you head, right back home, we know you'll smile, for one way or the other, you'll have survived.

And please remember, the airport will be ready, on September 28. The ruling party, needs to make people smile, though I can't smile, because it may not turn out to be what the leader desires.

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Moving 1.8 million pieces of equipment

The migration of 1.8 million pieces of equipment for THAI's six main operations at Suvarnabhumi will take place in three stages. Equipment to be transferred has been separated into different groups and will be transported by large lorries, including 10-wheelers and container vehicles. It will take approximately 2,200 trips to transfer the equipment, in addition to 800 service vehicles.

1  Pre-Transfer Period

The transfer of equipment that does not effect daily operations, such as office equipment and spare parts that are not used regularly. This stage took place last month and involved approximately 1,248 trips.

2  Critical Transfer Period

The transfer of equipment used in daily flight operations, such as ground support equipment services, cargo, and catering services. This will involve 1,086 trips over six hours.

3  Post Transfer Period

The transfer of equipment that may be moved after the opening of the airport, such as aircraft spare parts and equipment used in the parking bay. This will take approximately 595 trips.

The six routes to be used in the transfer between Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi are:

Route 1:

Vibhavadi-Don Muang (tollway)-Expressway 2-Motorway-Suvarnabhumi.

Route 2: Vibhavadi-Laksi-Ramindra-East Ringroad-Motorway-Suvarnabhumi.

Route 3: Phaholyothin-Laksi-Ramindra-East Ringroad-Motorway-Suvarnabhumi.

Route 4: Phaholyothin-Lumlukka-East Ringroad-Motorway-Suvarnabhumi.

Route 5:

Vibhavadi-Expressway 1-Burapavitee Expressway-Gingkaew Road- Suvarnabhumi.

Route 6:

Vibhavadi-Expressway 1-Burapavitee Expressway-Suvarnabhumi.