Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport confirms it is open for service to help the public.
Mr. Keerati Kitimanawat, President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), said that today (September 12), he went to the area as instructed by Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, to monitor the flood situation in Chiang Rai Province at Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport (CCHR). It was found that only the entrance and staff housing areas of CCHR were flooded, but the water did not reach the passenger terminal, the apron, and the runway. Although the electricity was cut off, CCHR has a backup power system sufficient to provide service. Therefore, aircraft can still take off and land. He confirmed that CCHR can still provide services to passengers and flights to serve as a center for passenger travel and a central agency for providing assistance. AOT is still coordinating with airlines to provide services, help evacuate passengers, and bring necessities to help those aff
ected by the disaster. However, all airlines providing services at CCHR, namely Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air, have announced the cancellation of all flights today.
At present, TAT is expediting the arrangement of vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers stranded at TAT from the airport. They are AOT 6-wheel rescue vehicles and vehicles from government agencies. If passengers wish to travel to TAT, AOT asks that people travel with caution and monitor the situation at all times. For information on TAT’s services, please contact Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport Public Relations at 053 798 000 or Facebook Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport – CEI at the link https://www.facebook.com/CEI.Airport?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Mr. Kirati added that AOT has acted in accordance with the order of the Minister of Transport, which has assigned the TSR to be the command center by setting up a rescue center of the Ministry of Transport. The TSR has already prepared ac
cording to the order. Officials from various agencies can immediately be stationed to coordinate facilitation and public safety. In addition, the order has also assigned AOT to dredge the open drainage system and prepare water pumps to be ready for use at all times. At present, AOT has prepared all aspects. In addition, the TSR has arranged an area for nearby people to take shelter at the multipurpose building, as well as providing drinking water and consumer goods to flood victims.
Source: Thai News Agency