ICAO will check Thai aviation safety in July

BANGKOK, June 23 – Representatives of the International Civil Aviation Oganization (ICAO) will arrive in Thailand on July 14 to evaluate the safety aspects of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Somchanok Tiamtiabrat, Aerodrome Standard and Occupational Health Division's director of Suvarnabhumi airport, said ICAO representatives would arrive on July 14 to start their Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) at both major airports. The programme had been conducted in the country in 2015. Airport staff and outsourced workers were ordered to adhere to standard performances throughout the inspection period. The United States’ Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has helped prepare Thai officials for the USAP. Airports of Thailand Plc also sent its staff for training with TSA and an air safety organization of Israel. “As for everyday safety checks, targeted objects will be put in luggage heading for staff conducting searches. If they pass the search process without being detected, staff on duty will be sent for additional training right away. The intensified preparation should enable Suvarnabhumi airport to pass the USAP,” Sqn Ldr Somchanok said. She also confirmed the effectiveness of the inline baggage screening system of Suvarnabhumi airport. Transport authorities including Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith discussed the USAP by ICAO yesterday and acknowledged that ICAO officials would spend three days each checking Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. (TNA)