Thailand’s Department of Airports plans to build six new airports worth a combined Bt26 billion, with Bueng Kan Airport expected to become the first project submitted to Cabinet after its environmental impact assessment (EIA) received approval. The plan forms part of a wider strategy to expand regional air travel capacity and improve support for tourism and infrastructure projects across the country.
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Department of Airports director-general Danai Ruangsorn said on May 7 that the development programme covers six locations across Thailand. Bueng Kan Airport, valued at Bt8.1 billion, has already secured approval for its EIA from the National Environment Board and is expected to be submitted to Cabinet within 2026.
Construction at Bueng Kan is scheduled to begin in 2029, with the airport expected to open in 2032. Once completed, it would become the 29th airport operated by the Department of Airports.
Phatthalung Airport, worth Bt3 billion, is currently at the consultant selection stage for project design and EIA preparation under a Bt42-million contract. The department expects to sign the contract within May 2026, while the design and EIA process is expected to take 600 days before final approval.
If approved by the Transport Ministry and Cabinet in 2028, land acquisition and compensation payments for Phatthalung Airport would begin in 2029. Construction is expected to start in 2030, with the airport projected to open in 2033.
Mukdahan Airport, valued at Bt5 billion, is revising its EIA report following recommendations from the expert review committee. Phayao Airport, worth Bt4 billion, is undergoing detailed design work and EIA preparation.
Satun Airport, valued at Bt4.1 billion, is also at the detailed design and EIA stage, with a consultant currently being selected to oversee the project. Kalasin Airport, worth Bt2 billion, remains under review as authorities reassess its feasibility study.
Danai also confirmed that the proposed Nakhon Pathom Airport project had been terminated following a post-Covid review in 2019. The review concluded the project was not financially worthwhile, while environmental concerns and opposition from local residents also contributed to the decision.
The Department of Airports is also moving ahead with upgrades to existing airports. Chumphon Airport’s runway is being extended under a Bt1.5-billion budget to support the Landbridge project, while land expropriation surveys have started at Phrae Airport ahead of planned budget allocation in 2026.
The Nation reported that authorities also plan to upgrade Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phitsanulok and Udon Thani airports into regional hub airports. Biometric systems and advance passenger screening are expected to be introduced at Krabi and Udon Thani airports by 2027 to meet international safety standards.
Picture courtesy of The Nation
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 8 May 2026