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Two Arrested in at Thailand Airport for Endangering Aircraft

Two residents of the area surrounding Suvarnabhumi airport have been arrested for endangering aircraft at the Thailand airport. The two are accused of releasing yipeng lanterns into the air in the vicinity of approaching aircraft. Such actions, authorities warn, could result in an air disaster which could take the lives of innocent people.

Transport permanent secretary Chaisa-wat Kittipornpaibul said yesterday, ‘The country could be painted in a negative light and the lives of innocent air passengers put on the line’ Such actions could not be tolerated, and perpetrators would be apprehended he said.

The problem of compensation, for persons living in the area, which now is overcome by constant noise of planes landing and taking off, is an ongoing battle between the residents and the airport authorities. Talks to end the compensation problem, should be held immediately says Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri, adding that releasing more lanterns will cause more trouble and endanger innocent lives.

Police were alerted by air traffic controllers to the lanterns about 10 pm. Wednesday night. A squad of thirty police descended on a housing estate in Samut Prakan, arrested a 65 year old Thongbai Sannag, and her nephew Suchart Chantawong, 32 years old. The two were charged with causing a hazard to air traffic, which carries a sentence of up to five years in jail and/or 20,000 baht. They deny the charges claiming they were just bystanders watching the lanterns. The Lawyers Council has agreed to defend the pair.

Many residents say that they must endure the loud sound of aircraft passing over their homes every few minutes, 24 hours a day. They claim it is impossible to lead a normal life under such circumstances. They want AOT (airports of Thailand) to buy their homes so they can relocate.

Two Arrested in at Thailand Airport for Endangering Aircraft

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