Betong Airport to Open Late This Year

 

 

BANGKOK, Aug 22 (TNA) – The government is actively developing southern border provinces and plans to open Betong airport in Yala province by the end of this year. 

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the government endorsed many large-scaled projects for the development of the far South and their implementation was making good progress. 

 

Miss Rachada said the government planned to open it by the end of this year and it would stimulate local economy because it would increase the number of visitors from 600,000 to 1 million a year. Tourism-related income would then exceed 4 billion baht annually.

 

Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-513625

 

-- © Copyright TNA 2020-08-23

 

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I sure wish that the Thai Government would show on what evidence people will be flooding back other than fingers crossed

Also.. Due to the fact there is some unrest in the deep south. Im not sure its nr. 1 on peoples list , but I am hoping I am wrong. People down there are very nice in general.

Betong is nice, and I like entering Thailand across the Malaysian land crossing.  Would love to spend more time there.

Spent a lot of time in Betong during the 90's. Arriving from the Malaysian side, as was working in Kelantan. Found it a very laid back and relaxed location, and preferable to the other option, Sungai Golok.

 

Had some bombings, the last about three years back, so that will always be a concern. Having any level of security is not an ideal look for a touted tourist location, so planned numbers will likely be difficult, if not impossible, to attain, even without the severe impact of covid. 

 

The new airport will make it a much easier trip from other parts of Thailand and that will likely drive the initial (internal) tourist influx. However, I would think that the prime target was the Chinese market, so, ideal to head there, early doors, for those of us lucky to still be in Thailand and able to get in while the going is good. That will definitely include me, to refresh my memories whilst I am still able to generate new ones.   

is it safe out there? i doubt

14 hours ago, Pique Dard said:

is it safe out there? i doubt

No it isn't safe out there, Thailand's roads are a blood bath.

 

As for Betong, it's a sleepy hollow, far from the madding crowds.

 

On 8/23/2020 at 6:16 PM, dabhand said:

Spent a lot of time in Betong during the 90's. Arriving from the Malaysian side, as was working in Kelantan. Found it a very laid back and relaxed location, and preferable to the other option, Sungai Golok.

 

Had some bombings, the last about three years back, so that will always be a concern. Having any level of security is not an ideal look for a touted tourist location, so planned numbers will likely be difficult, if not impossible, to attain, even without the severe impact of covid. 

 

The new airport will make it a much easier trip from other parts of Thailand and that will likely drive the initial (internal) tourist influx. However, I would think that the prime target was the Chinese market, so, ideal to head there, early doors, for those of us lucky to still be in Thailand and able to get in while the going is good. That will definitely include me, to refresh my memories whilst I am still able to generate new ones.   

Without any foreign tourists most bars and hotels will probably stay closed as at least 80 percent of visitors is Malaysian.