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Reports of U-Tapao expansion’s death greatly exaggerated
Budget approved, contractor signed, work to begin imminently
Phasakorn Channgam
The nearly 900 million baht expansion of U-Tapao Pattaya
International Airport is moving forward again after rumors that the overhaul
of the Vietnam War-era facility would be delayed proved untrue.
Royal Thai Navy officials have approved an 868 million
baht budget and last month signed a contract with ESCON Construction
Development Co. to begin transforming U-Tapao into a modern international
facility.
The government announced expansion plans in May 2009 with
a terminal capable of handling 1,500 passengers per hour, new parking
facilities, fuel depot, fire-fighting systems, x-ray machines and
improvements to other equipment and landscaping. But late last year whispers
were heard that the 600 million baht earmarked for the 25,200 sq. meter
terminal was used instead for flood relief and rebuilding in the north.
That turned out to be rumors put out by construction
contractors who lost the bidding for the project. With delays in getting the
full budget approved and no clarification from the military, the rumors only
gained momentum.
But Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome set the record
straight March 29, saying the budget was approved and Navy officials
announced the bid winner. Work is expected to start imminently.
About 468 million baht will be used for adjustments and
developing the departure and arrival halls and the remainder will be used
for purchasing the necessary tools and equipment for the airport.
Rattanachai Sutidechanai, chairman of the Pattaya City
Council’s Tourism and Sports Committee, said work should be completed by
September 2012.
The expansion became necessary after yellow-shirted
anti-government protestors shut down Bangkok’s two international airports in
2008. Pressed into service as the country’s main gateway, U-Tapao was
over-run with stranded travelers, causing horrific delays and critical
damage to the country’s image.
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Kasikorn Securities opens Pattaya branch
(L to
R) Manat Pinthong, Board of Network Services and Sales, and Mayor Itthiphol
Kunplome congratulate Natharin Tanthong, Chief Executive of Kasikorn Thai
Security (Public) Co., Ltd., and the Board of the Private Business Bank
Group of Kasikorn Thai Bank, and Padermpob Songkroh, MD of Personal Finance
Management for the opening of their new business center.
Phasakorn Channgam
Kasikorn Securities, a division of Kasikornbank PCL, has
opened its second Chonburi Province Business Service Center in Pattaya.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome was on hand for the March 29
grand opening of the “K Bank” branch on Sukhumvit Road, which will also
house the securities office.
Natharin Tanthong, chief executive of Kasikorn Thai
Security (Public) Co., Ltd., and the Board of the Private Business Bank
Group of Kasikorn Thai Bank was also featured at the opening ceremony, and
said that, “The company is focusing on investment growth for Kasikorn Thai
Bank, which has the opportunity and potential to access the investment
channel in capital markets and be competitive for customer groups of more
than 9 million subscribers.” She said the bank intends to open 48 such
centers across the country by year-end, either as full offices or “K
Investment Corner” mini-branches.
Natharin also said the Pattaya office will help the bank
cover more of the Eastern Seaboard. The Stock Exchange of Thailand is also
partnering with the company to install a “SET Corner” in the Pattaya branch
to provide stock-trading information and support.
In addition to securities services, the Kasikorn
Sukhumvit Branch offers consumer banking services and will hand out more
than 400,000 baht in Central Pattana Group shopping vouchers to customers
who open new accounts before June 15.
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