Airport post service ‘safe from attack’

A new automated postal service intended for restricted items at Suvarnabhumi airport is subject to strict security, says Aerodrome Standard and Occupational Health Division’s director Somchanok Tiamtiabrat.

He said the company has confidence in the security screening system at Suvarnabhumi airport and is sure the postal service would not be targeted by villains.

The Airports of Thailand (AoT), which runs the airport, had asked Thailand Post Co to install automated postal machines for passengers to drop prohibited items and have them sent back to their home address.

The self-service machine is provided at two locations, the domestic departure hall and international departure hall on the 4th floor, according to Sqn Ldr Somchanok.

The service is intended to provide convenience for passengers who do not want to discard banned items before boarding.

Earlier, passengers could return to the airline check-in and place prohibited items in their luggage or they throw the items away prior to x-ray screening or at the security checkpoint.

It would be difficult for people with ill intentions to take advantage of the service to commit a crime, Sqn Ldr Somchanok said.

Officials will check the items before passengers drop them into the machine, he added.

Details of senders and receivers will also be recorded.

Sqn Ldr Somchanok dismissed the possibility that a dangerous item could be delivered through the machine, saying the airport has tough security and safety measures.

CCTV cameras are installed at several locations of the airport to monitor passengers.

Security officers are on patrol around the clock, while airport officials have worked closely with police officers, the state’s security officials and Interpol on security.

Deputy director for Suvarnabhumi airport Chadanisa Chumnanvej said the new postal service is on trial.

Speaking after inspecting the trial run service yesterday, Ms Chadanisa admitted the service was complicated.

A team of postal officers would tell passengers how to use the machine, she said.