Press members given close-up view on flood-hit Thai air base

BANGKOK, November 2 (TNA) - The Thai Air Force base in Don Mueang Area of Bangkok was opened to members of the press on Tuesday evening who witnessed damage from flood waters on its tarmac. Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshall Ittiporn Supawong led the media trip, beginning with observations on airplane hangars and officers’ residences. The Air Force chief told reporters that the entire base had been totally swamped by around 1 metre high flood water. However, he said all aircraft were relocated to other military bases before the flooding, while the ones remaining on-site, including two C-130 planes, were awaiting maintenance. Ittiporn said following the inundation, some 13,000 of the air force crew members stationed at Don Mueang Area were relocated to bases elsewhere and only about 1,000 of the crew remained at Don Mueang for mandatory work. He said if flood water rose further, they would evacuate to the Suan Yaek outpost at the Department of Aeronautical Engineering in Bangsue Area. Asked about the Defence Minister’s order for the salvage of Don Mueang Airport to be done quickly by the air force, he said cooperation was needed on the task, and the air force was ready to work. He pointed out that sections of the airfield were now being managed by the Airports of Thailand (AOT). On the other hand, he said the massive flooding had also inflicted much damage on the air force itself, including on its operations and officers’ residences, and yet, it was still providing assistance the people. (TNA)