Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT) has established a crisis center as officials make final preparations for the new Bangkok International airport Suvarnabhumi's opening early Thursday, the Thai News Agency reported on Wednesday.

"The center will deal with problems in various areas including check-in, electricity, and computer and communications systems," said Chotisak Asapaviriya, AOT president, who also voiced concern that the airport staff was still a little unfamiliar with the new equipment.

But he is confident there will be no major problems on Thursday.

The AOT's center is similar to the one created by the Ministry of Transport, which aims to control traffic congestion during the transition period that began Wednesday with Thai Airways International Plc. relocating all remaining essential equipment to the new hub.

Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang), which has served travelers for nine decades, will hand over commercial aviation responsibilities to Suvarnabhumi at 3 am on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2006)