Firstly, let me re-state that this IS a rumour site, so I don't know whether this can be confirmned. However, having said that, a Thai acquaintance told me that many of the problems associated with the new BKK airport stem from the recently departed Prime Minister of Thailand and the allegations of corruption that lead to his political demise.
She said the word is that all contracts went to 'mates' and the said 'mates' supplied the lowest quality matrial and work they could possibly get away with, to the point where most Thais are terriby embarrassed by the end product, given that it is so highly visible to all visitors to the country.
The whole terminal has an unfinished look and feel to it. Signs giving directions are almost non-existent, and what ones are there are confusing for someone used to airports - God only knows how inexperienced travellers cope with them. The floors remind me of PSP - perforated steel plating - the old temporary runway material used for throwing down a quickie temporary runway back in WW2 days. They actually move underfoot when there're just a few people on them - I'd hate to think what they're like with a 747 load of pax walking over them.
And is it only me who thinks it more than a little strange they've gone for the "twilight" look inside the terminal? It's so gloomy in the departure lounges, it's impossible to read a book. I find myself wondering if they've done that so the bare (or no) ceilings and general lack of finish won't be so obvious, or whether it's because the wiring can't handle the extra candle power required to provide adequate lighting? (It might be even simpler - maybe there aren't enough light fittings!)