People living near Chiang Mai airport have raised concern over the effects on their health of aircraft noise, vibrations and emissions when the airport begins operating around the clock on November 1.
The 24-hour operations are intended to promote tourism in Chiang Mai, by extending services to passengers who may prefer to arrive late at night.
Pitak Kannikar, headman of Village 10 in Mae Hia sub-district, said he would like the authorities to monitor aircraft noise and emissions near the airport, adding that the roofs of some house in the area have cracked, allegedly from vibrations caused by low-flying aircraft.
Sutat, a resident of Village 5, Mae Hai sub-district, said that elderly people will find it harder to sleep if there are aircraft arriving and departing throughout the night.
Chawapat, a resident of the Nimman Noradee community, said that the increased emissions from more flights may worsen her health, as she suffers from allergies and asthma.
Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of Pollution Control Department, says that he has ordered the pollution control office in Chiang Mai to monitor air and noise pollution around the airport.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit says he has instructed Airports of Thailand to hold discussions with airlines, seeking to arrange their flights at Chiang Mai airport in a way which will have the least impact on the local communities and to design remedial measures for affected residents.
The first late night flight to leave Chiang Mai will be Thai VietJet flight VZ822, thirty minutes after midnight on November 1, bound for Osaka in Japan.
It is anticipated that, during the final quarter of this year, the number of passengers using Chiang Mai airport will increase by about 30%, from the current average of 4,800 per day, with 20 daily international flights.
