Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Thailand’s Transport Ministry has decided to pause plans for the construction of an airport in Mukdahan following a review by the Department of Airports (DOA). The study concluded that the economic feasibility of the project was not promising.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, announced that the government would instead pursue alternative solutions to improve travel connections to the region. The Ministry believes that using existing nearby airports could provide a more practical option. The high costs of building a new airport, coupled with a lack of economic returns, were cited as reasons for the decision.

 

Mukdahan’s closest airport in Thailand is located in Sakon Nakhon, approximately an hour’s drive away. However, discussions are underway to collaborate with the Lao government to explore using Savannakhet Airport, just across the border in Laos. This alternative would reduce travel time to Mukdahan to just 10 minutes.

 

The Transport Ministry plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate with the Lao authorities for a new travel route connecting the two countries. This would include discussions about potentially exempting Thai citizens from immigration checks, making cross-border travel more seamless. Additionally, the plan would involve introducing shuttle bus services to facilitate the journey.

 

Mr. Suriya emphasized that this approach would not only provide significant savings for the Thai government but would also lower travel costs for passengers. The plan would avoid the need for the multi-billion baht investment required to build an airport in Mukdahan.

 

This collaboration with Laos is seen as a win-win for both nations, improving travel accessibility while promoting economic ties. Furthermore, the Ministry aims to encourage the expansion of low-cost airline routes between Thailand and Laos to further enhance convenience for travelers.

 

A final agreement on the proposal is expected to be reached by 2026.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-04-29.

 

 

 

This is strange - a sensible idea !

3 hours ago, JoePai said:

This is strange - a sensible idea !

at first glance will be of no use to foreigners. the cost of an expensive visa just to catch a flight from a dodgy airport of no value to me.

A mininum of 2 plus hours to drive to Sakon Nakhon and 10 minutes to Savannakhet Airport, in your dreams.  Sure building an airport does not stack up.  What about high speed rail up this way?

20 minutes ago, craighj said:

A mininum of 2 plus hours to drive to Sakon Nakhon and 10 minutes to Savannakhet Airport, in your dreams.  Sure building an airport does not stack up.  What about high speed rail up this way?

This is for people who live in Mukdahan and the surrounding area - if you live in  Sakon Nakhon then Udon airport is nearer.

As for high speed train, they are (supposed?) to be building one from Bangkok via Khon Kaen/Udon to NK

36 minutes ago, craighj said:

A mininum of 2 plus hours to drive to Sakon Nakhon and 10 minutes to Savannakhet Airport, in your dreams.  Sure building an airport does not stack up.  What about high speed rail up this way?

You do know who builds them.... ?

Mukdahan's closest airport is surely Nakhon Phanom, which is halfway to Sakon Nakhon.

Good decision, the Isaan region already has enough if not too many airports offering a few domestic flights per day.

 

If Thailand had decent highways, most wouldn't even be needed. 

7 hours ago, Ombra said:

Mukdahan's closest airport is surely Nakhon Phanom, which is halfway to Sakon Nakhon.

Just now, Harrisfan said:

7 hours ago, Ombra said:

Mukdahan's closest airport is surely Nakhon Phanom, which is halfway to Sakon Nakhon.

2 hours vs 2.5 hours

Mukdahan/Savannakhet could be Asia's first answer to Basel-Mulhouse. 

Basel is in Switzerland, Mulhouse in France and on disembarking, the passengers walk through either the French or Swiss exit. 

Savannakhet's airport would require a minor upgrade - if at all - as the traffic there does not require A380 services every hour to the hours from all Southeast Asian capitals. A bus service from Savannakhet airport to Mukdahan across the bridge which has been in service for almost 20 years, would be the answer. 

But in true fashion of ASEAN and AEC2015 this will remain wishful thinking; not building an airport in Mukdahan means no commissions, no sale/purchase of rice fields at pristine pricing of lower Sukhumvit, no landfills etc. etc. etc. and, most importantly, no dependance from the red brethren across the Mekong.