Thailand Sets Aside $192M for Airports Upgrade

17th Dec 2019

Buriram Airport

The Department of Airports (DoA) is set to spend $192 million in 2020 to upgrade Thailand’s regional airports.

Bangkok Post reported on Monday that the total figure serves as the opening salvo under the leadership of Thawi Kesisamang, the new acting director-general. Participation of private firms would be sought next year through a bidding.

Kesisamang began his stint on Monday and has immediately launched an initiative to improve regional airports.

Among the airports covered by the capex are the construction of Krabi airport’s taxiways, new terminals at Buri Ram and Narathiwat airports, and the expansion of bays and a new international terminal for Surat Thani airport.

Likewise, the DoA is mulling over building a new airport at the Bandung district in Yala province. It is planned for commercial operations in mid-2020.

Kesisamang was admired and promoted as new director-general for his successful implementation of road building when he headed the Highways Department.

He also proposed for runways be lengthened to 2,400 meters from 2,100 meters to accommodate larger aircraft.

A source from the DoA was said to have ordered Kesisamang to oversee the department’s 10-year $1.1-billion development project. Of the total, $900 million will be used to upgrade 17 airports until 2022, while a portion will be allocated for the national interest.

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