Bangkok's New Int'l Airport to Triple Number of Toilets

Authorities in Thailand said Wednesday they will triple the number of toilets at the newly opened Bangkok international airport following a flood of passenger complaints.

The sprawling Suvarnabhumi International Airport only has some 100 toilets for the more than 100,000 daily passengers, sparking frustration and anger among those having to stand in long lines.

"We are aware of this burden on the passengers and I have ordered a quick resolution to this problem by ordering the building of 200 more toilets. The project has already begun," the head of the Airports Authority of Thailand Chotisak Asapaviriya told The Associated Press.

The 400 million baht ($US10 million; ?8 million) project is expected to be completed within 45 days.

"I guarantee that by then passengers and visitors to the airport will find convenient relief," Chotisak said.

Opened last month and hailed as the new air hub for Southeast Asia, the airport has not been without problems, including slow unloading of luggage, insufficient seating at departure gates and a cramped taxi pickup area.

Most recently, some of the parking bays have been temporarily closed for repairs due to the uneven surface of the ramp approach, Chotisak said.

Copyright: The Associated Press WorldStream -- 10/26/06

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