Plans for new airport in northern Thailand set to take off

[webfact]

Plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, yesterday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si Chum and tambon Baan Tham in Dok Kham Tai district.

 

The mobile Cabinet meeting in the province, scheduled for two days and concluding today, included this airport project on its agenda. The provincial governor, Ratthaphol Naradisorn, and over 500 local inhabitants warmly received the Cabinet ministers.

 

The proposed Phayao Airport, under the Department of Airports (DoA)’s supervision, would occupy an area of 2,812 rai in Dok Kham Tai district, approximately 1 8kilometres from the city centre. The airport design would feature a 2.5km runway, two taxiways, and a terminal influenced by local Lanna arts, showcasing the province’s identity.

 

The airport is projected to be fully operational in 2034, accommodating an annual average of 78,000 users until 2037 when it is expected to serve around 94,000 users annually. Currently, the project is in the phase of runway and taxiway design. Simultaneously, an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study is being conducted.

The 62 year old Thai prime minister emphasised the government’s commitment to making this project a reality, asserting that enhanced connectivity is crucial for promoting tourism in less-visited cities. He assured that the government would carefully weigh the airport’s investment and economic benefits.

 

In related discussions, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a meeting with the Provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee of the Upper Northern Region, which also addressed the airport project.

 

Patchaya Jittrapantawee, the Chairperson of Phayao’s Tourism Council, confirmed that local businesses fully support the airport project. They believe it will boost tourism and assist the province in establishing itself as a healthcare hub in the northern region.

 

Patchaya highlighted Phayao’s potential for developing medical schools and facilities for Thai and Myanmar clients, given the provision of an airport, reported Bangkok Post.

 

by Mitch Connor

Picture courtesy of Thai.News

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19

 

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[ripstanley]

I do not think I will be around when it opens. I would hate to see hordes of Chinese invading Phayao.

[edwinchester]

Wonder what the artist was on conjuring up that fanciful image?

[Tom89]

Phayao a health care hub? Tourists flocking to Dokkhamtai Hospital?

[ourmanflint]

Has anyone asked if they want it? There's an airport in Nan and an unused one in Phrae. The new railway to Chiang Rai will be coming soon as well.

Has someone in govt been buying up cheap land in Phayao by any chance?

[hotchilli]

Hope it has CATIII ILS so it can land in poor visibility

[wensiensheng]

A primary tourist destination? Ridiculous.

[Robin]

Primary tourist destination??  It will need a railway (been coming for years)  and some hotels first.  Health hub.  Phayao hospital is busy already, serving locals. 

[happysoul]

I hope it's not the drawing that made the PM say yes 😉

 

And if the drawing is supposed to show how the airport will look like, I'm really looking forward to ride my bike on those lovely paths next to the taxiway. After that go in the underground building to get a cold rest and a smothie ! 555555

 

Don't know why, but this drawing makes me think of HR Giger

[Uttaradit farang]

About time Uttaradit got an airport. Can be a pain flying to Sukhothai or Phitsanulok.  

[rickudon]

94,000 users a year. How is that going to be economic, equals about one flight a day!

[bamnutsak]

These new airports/refits/expansions seem to be a bit hit or miss.

 

 

 

Thailand’s New Deep South Airport: Dead on Arrival?

A new airport in Betong is supposed to spark development in Thailand’s troubled south, but practical considerations limit its potential.

 

https://thediplomat.com/2022/04/thailands-new-deep-south-airport-dead-on-arrival/

[Georgealbert]

21 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

These new airports/refits/expansions seem to be a bit hit or miss.

 

 

 

Thailand’s New Deep South Airport: Dead on Arrival?

A new airport in Betong is supposed to spark development in Thailand’s troubled south, but practical considerations limit its potential.

 

https://thediplomat.com/2022/04/thailands-new-deep-south-airport-dead-on-arrival/

Agree.
 

There are currently only 19 of the DOA's (Department of Airports) 29 current airports that have scheduled commercial air services, while the rest either only have a handful of flights each week or no commercial flights. The airports I believe, with no scheduled flights are Tak, Nakhon Ratchasimi, Pattani, Petchabun, Pai, Mae Sariang, Uttaradit and Betong.

 

AOT (Airports of Thailands) operates 6 airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport and Chiang Rai International Airport.

 

U- Tapao Airport is operated by RTN (Royal Thai Navy)

Edited March 26 by Georgealbert