Suvarnabhumi Airport tightens security after baggage theft problem

vaBANGKOK, Sept 23 (TNA) – Responding to passenger complaints about baggage losses and scams in which travellers are falsely accused of shoplifting, Suvarnabhumi Airport Wednesday acted to tighten its management of service providers at the country’s showcase, port of entry.

Airport authorities notified a baggage handling service provider that it must tighten measures to screen the criminal records of their employees, or lose the Suvarnabhumi contract.

Following a baggage theft incident resulting in the arrest of seven employees of Bangkok Flight Services (BFS) and airline security guards, Suvarnabhumi Airport vice president Duangchai Condee confirmed that outsourced employees had been properly screened for possible criminal backgrounds.

When such a crime occurred, those who participated in theft would be blacklisted and no longer allowed to work at the airport.

Two companies now provide baggage handling services at Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Flight Services (BFS) and Thai Airways International (THAI).

Revised policies to resolve malpractice challenges at the airport and to restore confidence among foreign tourists have been implemented, including installing more surveillance cameras, and requiring baggage handlers to wear uniforms without pockets.

Ms Duangchai said that since the airport opened in 2006, about 99 per cent of the complaints, such as travellers being falsely-accused of shoplifting at duty-free shops, unlicensed taxis and baggage theft, have been satisfactorily solved. Services and security measures have been improved for the comfort and safety of passengers.

Suvarnabhumi airport is striving to become one of the world’s top ten airports. It is now developing its information and technology (IT) system by setting up a free wireless internet system for passengers’ convenience in the airport premises, like other leading international airports.

In order to build good relations between Suvarnabhumi airport and local residents, a Suvarnabhumi Fair 2009 was held on Wednesday at the airport’s parking area, where locals set up over 100 booth stalls for selling food and miscellaneous goods. (TNA)