Airports of Thailand (AoT) will allocate 12 billion baht to compensate residents impacted by noise pollution from the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The decision was confirmed after a meeting on November 25 involving AoT, the Transport Ministry, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), following residents’ demands for relief from aircraft noise caused by the newly opened runway.
The compensation plan outlines three categories of affected residents: those legally eligible for payment, individuals with unresolved land ownership issues, and others who do not qualify under existing criteria. According to Transport Ministry deputy spokesperson Kittiphon Ruayfuphan, those meeting eligibility requirements will receive payments once the compensation rate is finalized.
Residents facing land ownership disputes will be supported to correct their documentation, potentially making them eligible for payments. Additionally, those living near the third runway without owning their land may still receive compensation pending a survey by the Pollution Control Department to confirm the impact of noise pollution.
The BMA, acting as a mediator, has guided residents on filing compensation claims and urged AoT and the Transport Ministry to expedite evaluations. The initial compensation payments are expected to begin early next year.
The third runway, completed recently, measures 4 kilometers in length and 60 meters in width. Running parallel to the first runway, it primarily handles landings, increasing the airport’s flight capacity from 68 to 94 flights per hour. While the new infrastructure enhances operational efficiency, the resulting noise pollution has raised concerns among nearby residents.
Officials, including BMA council chairperson Surajit Phongsingwitthaya, have reassured the public of swift and fair claim evaluations. The AoT’s collaboration with relevant authorities underscores efforts to address community grievances effectively.
