Bomb emergency practice at airport

PHUKET AIRPORT: Phuket International Airport staff underwent a training session today to prepare its staff to deal with a terrorist bombing aboard an aircraft. More than 40 people from both Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways took part in the operation, while more than 100 personnel from local hospitals and other local organizations looked on. The drill, which began at about 3 pm, took about an hour to complete and involved investigating a bomb threat aboard an aircraft on the runway. Officers practiced procedures to transfer passengers out of the aircraft and to safety as fast as possible and methods of checking luggage for explosive devices. Drama was provided when a fake bomb “exploded” and medical personnel had to treat the injured, while firefighters battled a non-existent fire. “We must organize such training every two years according to the regulations for an international airport,” explained Lt Cdr Boonchart Prompoon, Director of the Airports Authority of Thailand, Phuket. “This training will give travelers an increased sense of security when visiting Phuket. We are always ready to deal with emergencies,” he added.