THAI Labor Union divided over Don Mueang-Suvarnabhumi transfer

THAI Labor Union divided over Don Mueang-Suvarnabhumi transfer

The Thai Airways International Labor Union has been split into two factions on the topic of relocating all flights from Don Mueang Airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Today’s (March 10) meeting of the Thai Airways International Labor Union was cut short after its president, Mrs. Jamsri Sukchotirat, along with a group of members, abruptly walked out of the proceeding due to disagreement on the transfer of all THAI flights from Don Mueang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport as part of the single-airport policy. The walkout caused the meeting to remain inconclusive and thus incited frustration among other members supportive of the policy. A protest stage has also been erected outside of the THAI Headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road with participation from labor union members of outside agencies, such as the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and TOT Public Company Limited.

Mr. Pakpoom Panrat, a THAI Labor Union member, criticized Mrs. Jamsri for involving outsiders into the issue and pointed out that the actions of the opposing faction would become detrimental to the company's image while also noting that the issue of flight relocation to Suvarnabhumi Airport had been brought up months ago. Nonetheless, he assured that most members of the THAI Labor Union are still hoping to continue talks to resolve the conflict.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009