Though Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen insisted that withdrawing the proposal would not delay the reopening of Don Muang in March or April, certainly this adds to the already-huge confusion over the future of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Most of the confusion derives from conflicting figures. Government agencies are successfully fishing for information about Suvarnabhumi and their representatives are all too ready to share their knowledge and comments with reporters.

Sometimes, you wonder who in fact runs the airport - Airports of Thailand or those other agencies out there.

Sometimes reporters receive similar figures but for different matters.

For example, the Bangkok Post reported yesterday that 11 aero-bridges were damaged. The figure coincides with an earlier report that 11 aero-bridges could not be accessed and used due to taxiway cracks.

While supporting the move of domestic flights to Don Muang, Thai Airways International chairman Chalit Pukbhasuk said Suvarnabhumi was now catering for 41 million passengers per annum.

However, Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said last week that Suvarnabhumi was now serving 43 million passengers.

Which figure is correct?

 Probably, we have to wait until the end of this year, when AOT submits its annual report to the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Certified by auditors who have to meet good-governance standards, the report should then be the most reliable source. Right?

achara_d@nationgroup.com