AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The new international airport in Bangkok, Thailand will be fully operational in 2006, according to the Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The prime minister, who arrived on a test flight to the airport with other officials, said that the problems at the airport that have been posing potential safety problems are being resolved. The facility has reportedly had a problem with everything from corruption to animals, including cobras, monitor lizards and rats.

The deputy managing director of the airport Somchai Sawadiphol said that problem with the cobras and lizards is resolved by the workers building the airport, as they catch and eat the animals.

Additionally, trees and bushes around the airport are being cut down to make sure that migratory birds that usually congregate there each October do not find food and shelter, as they could pose a risk to aircraft, The Associated Press reported.

The prime minister said he is confident that the airport, originally set to open today (29 September), would be operational by the end of June next year or at the latest in October.