7 new airports planned in Thailand

22nd Mar 2023

The Thai Department of Airports has announced plans to spend 50 billion baht building seven new regional airports. This programme aims to increase the number of journey choices available to Thai residents and international visitors and improve the country's connectivity.

The provinces of Nakhon Pathom, Bueng Khan, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Phayao, Phatthalung, and Satun will host the seven runways. The Nakhon Pathom airstrip will be constructed on 3,500 rai of ground in the Bang Len district and the Nakhon Chai Sri district, roughly 50 kilometres from Bangkok.

Central Thailand's Nakhon Pathom Airport is a 25 billion baht airport

Building a 25 billion baht airstrip in the Nakhon Pathom region of central Thailand will consume half of the DOA's funding. The aerodrome will be constructed on 3,500 rai of ground in Bang Len and Nakhon Chai Sri districts, approximately 50 kilometres from Bangkok. The airport's runway will be 45 by 2,500 metres. Before construction starts, the agency has completed feasibility studies and is finishing additional Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports.

Bueng Kan Airstrip is a THB 3.1 billion airport in Thailand's northeast

The Department of Aviation (DOA) has completed the feasibility studies for building a THB 3.1 billion airstrip on 2,500 rai of land in Pong Puea and Wisist subdistricts, Mueang district, Bueng Kan province, northeast Thailand.

The aerodrome will be approximately 12 kilometres from the province's clock tower and 15 minutes from the capital by car. The construction of a 45-by-2,500-meter airstrip, along with EIA studies and purchase plans, is in progress. Construction will commence in 2025, and the airport could be operational by 2027.

Mukdahan Airstrip is a 5 billion baht airport in Thailand's northeast

The DOA intends to invest 5 billion baht to build an airstrip in Kham Pa Lai subdistrict, Mueang District, Mukdahan Province, on approximately 2,000 rai of ground, 20 kilometres from Mukdahan City. EIAs and construction plans for the airport and transit facilities are also underway.

Construction is anticipated to commence in 2025, and the airport will open for business in 2027.

Southern Thailand's Satun Airstrip is a 4.1 billion baht airport

The feasibility studies for building a THB4.1B airstrip in Satun Province in southern Thailand are done. In progress are the buying procedure and EIA assessments. The DOA reports locating an appropriate site northwest of the city on 2,797 rai of property in the Mueang district's Chebilang subdistrict. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, and the airport could be operational by 2028.

Kalasin Airport, a 2 billion baht airstrip in northeast Thailand

With a budget of 2 billion baht, the Thai airport of Kalasin in the northeast is going through feasibility studies. Since it will serve both Kalasin and Maha Sarakham districts, the locals have asked that the airport be named "Sarasin."

Phayao Airport

In the district of Phayao, the third airstrip will be built in northern Thailand. The DOA has allotted 4,4 billion baht to develop Phayao airfield in the Dok Kham Tai district. The airport will be roughly 18 kilometres from the capital and have a 45-by-2,500-meter runway.

Phatthalung Airport

Also, the DOA plans to build a new airstrip in Phatthalung's southern region. Even though the agency has a tentative budget of 3.075 billion baht for building the airport, a good location has not yet been found. However, a potential building location is near the Phatthalung Rice Research Centre by Songkhla Lake in the Mueang district, approximately 10 kilometres from Phatthalung City.

Boosting Regional Connectivity

The DOA wants to make it easier for people in these areas to get around and to promote national tourism. Building these new terminals will help make sure that economic growth is spread out evenly across the country and will improve the comfort of both domestic and international travelers.

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused delays in the DOA's plans, but the agency is now making headway. With construction anticipated to begin in the coming years, the completion of these new regional airports will unquestionably contribute to enhancing Thailand's entire transportation infrastructure.