An AoT source said the new board would soon pick Gen Saprang as its chairman. It would be the first time a high-ranking army officer was given charge of the airport authority, the source said.

Tackling corruption was likely to be his first priority, and it was a task which needed a decisive leader, the source said.

Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen said yesterday that all agencies under his jurisdiction must uphold transparency, and that he welcomed the new AoT board to investigate corruption allegations involving the airport project.

Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said he would set up an ad hoc team to closely monitor and evaluate the airport's operations.

The airport has encountered a lot of problems that have yet to be reported to the Transport Ministry, he said.

Mr Sansern cited the noise problem affecting people living near the airport. The AoT should have relocated those affected to temporary living quarters right away, he said.

Mr Chaisak said that as an immediate solution, pilots would be asked to adjust flying techniques when approaching the airport for landing.

Flight frequencies would also be better allocated to both runways to reduce noise impact.

He also plans to send out a team of airport officials, pilots, air traffic controllers and airline representatives to visit affected residents and work out solutions together.