ID :
172598
Sat, 04/02/2011 - 14:20
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/172598
The shortlink copeid
Songkran Festival to spur 1.5m passengers through Bangkok Airport
BANGKOK, April 2 (TNA) - Celebrations of Thailand's traditional New Year, or the Songkran Festival, this year are expected to attract up to some 1.5 million international and local passengers through the country's main Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Spokeswoman Wilawan Natwilai said that the 1.5 million Songkran travellers were expected during the upcoming April 9-18 holiday period, or some 150,000 visitors daily, and that most of the Songkran celebrants this year, or some 80 per cent, were anticipated to be foreign visitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan; while the rest should be local travellers.
According to the spokeswoman, the overall Songkran celebrants in Thailand in 2011 represent some 35.5 per cent year-on-year increase, as some 8,555 flights have been prepared during the period.
Wilawan urged those travelling through Suvarnabhumi Airport during the forthcoming Songkran Festival to arrive ahead of time for their flight check-ins and passport and baggage inspections in order to avoid unnecessary delays from large passenger inflows.
The airport spokesperson said requests have also been made to Thailand's Police Immigration Department for additional personnel in order to facilitate passport checking procedures and security enhancements, including more patrols and the setting up of a 24-hour emergency support centre.
Wilawan also advised passengers carrying onboard liquids, including gel and spray-based products, to store them in closed-lid 100 millilitre bottles, at a maximum of ten bottles placed inside a 20x20 zip-locked bag for each passenger, with any further amount suggested to be loaded in the luggage compartment of their flights.
Passengers are also advised to prepare for security inspections by placing all their metal-based and electronic belongings in containers provided at the checkpoints to avoid unnecessary delays. (TNA)
Suvarnabhumi Airport Spokeswoman Wilawan Natwilai said that the 1.5 million Songkran travellers were expected during the upcoming April 9-18 holiday period, or some 150,000 visitors daily, and that most of the Songkran celebrants this year, or some 80 per cent, were anticipated to be foreign visitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan; while the rest should be local travellers.
According to the spokeswoman, the overall Songkran celebrants in Thailand in 2011 represent some 35.5 per cent year-on-year increase, as some 8,555 flights have been prepared during the period.
Wilawan urged those travelling through Suvarnabhumi Airport during the forthcoming Songkran Festival to arrive ahead of time for their flight check-ins and passport and baggage inspections in order to avoid unnecessary delays from large passenger inflows.
The airport spokesperson said requests have also been made to Thailand's Police Immigration Department for additional personnel in order to facilitate passport checking procedures and security enhancements, including more patrols and the setting up of a 24-hour emergency support centre.
Wilawan also advised passengers carrying onboard liquids, including gel and spray-based products, to store them in closed-lid 100 millilitre bottles, at a maximum of ten bottles placed inside a 20x20 zip-locked bag for each passenger, with any further amount suggested to be loaded in the luggage compartment of their flights.
Passengers are also advised to prepare for security inspections by placing all their metal-based and electronic belongings in containers provided at the checkpoints to avoid unnecessary delays. (TNA)
