"The cracks in the runway

and taxiways are truly an urgent matter that could become cri-tical, particularly to the safety of passengers, if nothing is solved," said Prapan Koonmee, chair-

man of the National Legislative Assembly's Suvarnabhumi Airport subcommittee.

Prapan and his panel visited the airport yesterday to inspect the construction-related problems, as well as alleged irregularities in the space allocated to duty-free shops.

The panel found several

cracks on the runways and taxiways as well as in the terminal buildings and floors, which they believe are a result of construction flaws.

"If the airport had been operational for two or three years we could put it down to heavy use. But the current situation shows the problems at Suvarnabhumi are likely to come from its construction," said Prapan.

He added the runway and taxiway cracks had spread and as much as 100,000 square metres of tarmac would be affected if nothing were done.

"It is crucial that the involved parties find the causes and solutions to this matter," said Prapan.

He claimed debris from a cracked runway overseas had caused an aircraft accident that killed 130 people.

The subcommittee will conclude its investigation in two to three weeks and then report to the government.

It will ask parties involved in the airport's construction to give evidence on Friday.