Chiang Mai residents oppose plans for their airport to operate 24/7 over concerns of sleep disruption caused by aircraft noise and vibrations. The airport is considering this extension to accommodate the rise in tourism, but feedback from a recent public hearing attended by local leaders and airport officials will be considered before a final decision is made. #ChiangMaiAirport #Tourism #PublicHearing #SleepDisruption #NoisePollution #Vibrations #LocalFeedback
Residents Express Concerns
Residents living near Chiang Mai International Airport voiced opposition to the airport’s plan to operate 24 hours a day. The primary concern is the potential sleep disruption from continuous aircraft noise and vibrations affecting their homes. The opposition was expressed during a public hearing held for communities near the airport in tambon Mae Hia, Muang district of Chiang Mai.
Public Hearing Details
The public hearing took place at the Mae Hia municipal auditorium and was attended by Chiang Mai airport director Wg Cdr Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn and Thanawat Yodjai, head of the Mae Hia municipality. The majority of residents at the forum opposed the plan to keep the airport open 24 hours, tentatively set to begin on November 1st.
Current Issues Faced by Residents
Presently, the airport operates 18 hours a day, and many residents claim they are already struggling with sleep deprivation caused by noise pollution and vibrations from aircraft taking off and landing. Some have reported damage to the roof tiles of their homes due to these vibrations. The residents expressed concerns about the potential increase in disruptions if the airport operates around the clock and complained about inadequate compensation for their current grievances.
Reasons for the Proposed Extension
Chiang Mai airport aims to extend its operations to 24 hours to accommodate rising air traffic to the province as it experiences a post-pandemic increase in tourism and the upcoming start of the tourism season next month. Wg Cdr Ronnakorn stated that the airport currently manages around 150 flights daily, with 115 being domestic and the rest international.
Airport’s Response to Concerns
Wg Cdr Ronnakorn assured the residents that their concerns would be addressed promptly. The feedback and input from the public hearing will be forwarded to airport executives for consideration. Another public hearing is scheduled to take place, involving residents in tambon Suthep, who also live near the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why do Chiang Mai residents oppose the airport operating 24/7?
Residents living near Chiang Mai International Airport are concerned that the continuous aircraft noise and vibrations from a 24-hour operation would disrupt their sleep and further affect their already sleep-deprived lives. They also worry about potential damage to their homes from the increased vibrations.
Q2: What was the purpose of the public hearing held for communities near the airport, and what were the outcomes?
The public hearing was held to gather feedback from the local residents living near Chiang Mai International Airport about the proposed 24-hour operation. The majority of residents at the forum opposed the plan, expressing concerns over sleep disruption and property damage caused by aircraft noise and vibrations.
Q3: How is the airport responding to the residents’ concerns?
Chiang Mai airport director Wg Cdr Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn assured the residents that their concerns would be addressed promptly. The feedback and input from the public hearing will be forwarded to airport executives for consideration. Another public hearing is scheduled to take place, involving residents in tambon Suthep, who also live near the airport.
