When Suvanabhumi Airport Opens, What Becomes of Don Muang?

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BANGKOK, Aug 5 (TNA)

 

When flight operations cease at Don Muang Aiprort, Thailand's Ministry of Commerce plans to convert at least a portion of Don Muang International Airport's existing departure areas into a central market after the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport is opened for commercial use on September 28, Deputy Commerce Minister Preecha Laohapongchana said Saturday.

 

The Don Muang Airport has two international terminals and one domestic terminal.

 

Departure areas are on the upper levels of the three terminals.

 

Arrivals are on the ground floor of the three terminals, while parking facilities are available for prospective shoppers.

 

A feasibility study has been conducted and will be soon given to Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, also a deputy prime minister, for his consideration before being submitted to the cabinet for a final approval, Mr. Preecha said.

 

The ministry plans to use 5,000 to 10,000 square metres of the airport's departure section for use as central market which will enable people to buy goods at fair prices, Mr. Preecha said.

 

Manufacturers will be allowed to display and sell their merchandises at the area, but their rights will be revoked if their goods are found to be overpriced or the quality is poor, he added.

 

(TNA)--E111

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Based on the following article, I'm thinking that Don Muang Airport will be somewhat similar to the famous Chatuchak market. I hope it is. It will be a lot more pleasant shopping at wholesale prices in air conditioned comfort than at Chatuchak. At Chatuchak, unless you are there early in the day it can get mighty hot, especially when browsing through the indoor areas.

 

Here is the article:

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Commerce Ministry to Develop Don Muang Airport into Wholesale Market

 

BANGKOK, Aug 8 (TNA)

 

The Commerce Ministry is set to come up with a plan to develop a certain section of the outbound passenger building of the Don Muang International Airport into the international wholesale market.

 

Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, Director-General of the Internal Trade Department, said he and Deputy Commerce Minister Preecha Laohapongchana would propose the plan with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak when he returned from a trip to the United States next week.

 

Initially, he expected, the wholesale market would require a total area of at least 40,000 square meters. Products placed for sale in the market are various ranging from consumer goods to farm products and must be made in Thailand.

 

He said the market would be established and operated by a joint venture set up under the state and private cooperation.

 

The government would jointly set up the venture through the Public Warehouse Organisation.

 

Mr. Siripol said the implementation of the plan was pending a clear policy of Dr. Somkid, who would have to propose it to the cabinet for consideration and raise it for discussion with Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited if he supported it.

 

He said he was confident Thailand