Transport Minister Prajin Juntong agrees with a plan to empower Airports of Thailand (AoT) officials to assume the role of police in enforcing the law at Suvarnabhumi airport.
ACM Prajin said he will look into the plan's details and then forward it to the cabinet for consideration.
Prajin: Seeks better care for tourists
The change could lead to better care for tourists at the airport, AoT board chairman Prasong Phunthanet said yesterday.
Under the plan, a royal decree must be issued to make Suvarnabhumi airport a special control area and authorise AoT officials to arrest wrongdoers in the area.
If the cabinet approves the plan, AoT officials will act as assistants to police officers. They can fine wrongdoers and arrest suspects and hand them over to police, he said.
Mr Prasong said AoT officials should be empowered to handle cases of inappropriate behaviour, especially concerning illegal taxi drivers and tour guides, without the need to wait for the police, who are in many cases too slow.
In the 12-month period from Oct 1, 2013 to Sept 30 this year, 1,800 illegal tour guides and 837 illegal taxi drivers were arrested at the airport.
At present, AoT officials have to rely on police in arresting and fining offenders.
AoT staff can already help police enforce the law at Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket and Chiang Rai airports, Mr Prasong said.
Mr Prasong is also stepping up a plan to expand Phuket airport with the aim of doubling its capacity to 12.5 million passengers a year.
He wants the plan completed by September next year.
The project, with an estimated cost of 5.1 billion baht, includes 10 more parking bays and expansion of the car park area to serve up to 1,500 vehicles.