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(Thailand): AOT beefs up security at Suvarnabhumi

Friday, 31 Jul 2009

  • Source: Bangkok Post

  • Date: 31/7/2009

  • Description:  AOT beefs up security at Suvarnabhumi

  • Link: [Click here]


     

    AoT beefs up security at Suvarnabhumi

     

    Baggage staff coming under closer scrutiny

    Writer: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
    Published: 31/07/2009 at 12:00 AM

     

    Airports of Thailand Plc is stepping up security to curb thefts from passenger baggage at Suvarnabhumi airport.

     

    AoT chairman Piyaphan Champasut said the board had expressed concern at a meeting yesterday about reports of thefts in the airport's luggage handling system.

     

    Several passengers have complained that valuables packed inside their bags had disappeared. They discovered the thefts when they collected their baggage from carousels at the airport.

     

    Mr Piyaphan said AoT management had proposed to the board ways to curb luggage theft.

     

    Stricter security measures would be imposed on staff in the airport's luggage sorting area.

     

    The number of inspectors in the area would be boosted and an additional 165 surveillance cameras would be installed.

     

    A special task unit would also be set up to inspect the luggage handling process.

     

    In addition, AoT plans to add 320 surveillance cameras to the airport's luggage handling area.

     

    Luggage handlers must wear uniforms without pockets, and will be required to wear luminous vests with a tag clearly stating their name and unit at all times.

     

    AoT also plans to make lockers available for luggage handlers to store their belongings.

     

    The handlers will be searched when they enter and leave the luggage handling area.

     

    AoT will act swiftly against staff caught stealing.

     

    They will be fired and the contracted company that hired them will face legal consequences.

     

    A firm whose staff steal from passengers' bags more than three times will have its contract terminated, Mr Piyaphan said.

     

    If luggage theft occurred, it was contracted staff who were responsible.

     

    But the AoT had to shoulder the cost of stepping up security at the airport to tackle the problem.

     

    AoT management has proposed that private firms pay a share of the airport's additional security costs, he said.