Transport Mukdahan Governor Confirms Airport Project Will Proceed Following Cabinet Directive

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

The Governor of Mukdahan, Mr. Worrayan Boonnarat, has firmly confirmed that the development of Mukdahan Airport will continue as planned, despite recent national media reports suggesting the Ministry of Transport had scrapped the project due to concerns over economic viability.

 

Speaking at a press conference held at the Kaeng Kabao meeting room in the Mukdahan Provincial Hall, Governor Worrayan was joined by Mr. Kanit Pantayo, President of the Mukdahan Provincial Tourism Industry Council, Ms. Yaowalak Tangprakit, President of the Mukdahan Tourism Industry Association, and representatives from the Indochina Market business community.

 

He addressed the confusion caused by central media outlets, which cited a Department of Airports study indicating that the project lacked economic justification. “At present, the Mukdahan airport project is still moving forward,” the governor stated, noting that the 2025 fiscal year budget still includes funding for both the feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

 

Governor Worrayan also clarified that before proceeding with the master planning and infrastructure design, including runways, taxiways, and aircraft aprons, a comprehensive feasibility study had already been completed. This process had included a cost-benefit analysis. Consultants were subsequently hired to draft the master plan, and once finalised, the project will be submitted to the National Environment Board for evaluation before proceeding to budget allocation.

 

He further emphasised that the recent off-site Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Phanom on 29 April had reinforced the government’s commitment to the project. At that meeting, the private sector proposed fast-tracking the airport development, and the Cabinet issued a resolution instructing the Ministry of Transport and other relevant agencies to expedite the process.

 

As an interim measure, the governor revealed that travellers could utilise Savannakhet Airport in neighbouring Laos to access Mukdahan and surrounding areas until the local airport is completed.

 

The governor’s statement sends a strong message that the Mukdahan Airport project remains a priority for regional connectivity and economic development, in line with national policy.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1359142-transport-ministry-halts-plans-for-mukdahan-airport-looks-to-laos-for-new-travel-link/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-02.

 

 

 

 

 

[newbee2022]

Every province, bigger cities, or egomaniac Governor want to have their own airport?

[Sydebolle]

Governor Worrayan seems to throw a tantrum over the issue. No airport would rob him from the 15 minutes of fame as well as a statue on the main square of Mukdahan - while others might fear for the commissioning which would not take place. 

Needless to say, that a Basel-Mulhouse airport (being both a Swiss and a French airport) with a bus shuttling from Mukdahan to and from the gated airport would cost an absolute fraction (in the one digit percentage compared to an airport in Mukdahan which is literally 10 minutes away from the Lao Savannakhet airport). 

But don't hold your breath, Thailand has proven daily to be good for yet another surprise - on vera, as the French say 😉 

[hotchilli]

On 5/2/2025 at 5:23 AM, Georgealbert said:

At present, the Mukdahan airport project is still moving forward,” the governor stated, noting that the 2025 fiscal year budget still includes funding for both the feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

 

Keep the funds coming.

[isaanistical]

26 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

Governor Worrayan seems to throw a tantrum over the issue. No airport would rob him from the 15 minutes of fame as well as a statue on the main square of Mukdahan - while others might fear for the commissioning which would not take place. 

Needless to say, that a Basel-Mulhouse airport (being both a Swiss and a French airport) with a bus shuttling from Mukdahan to and from the gated airport would cost an absolute fraction (in the one digit percentage compared to an airport in Mukdahan which is literally 10 minutes away from the Lao Savannakhet airport). 

But don't hold your breath, Thailand has proven daily to be good for yet another surprise - on vera, as the French say 😉 

I'm sure the brown envelope(s) are more significant than the statue, but...

Has he ever tried the Savannakhet to  Mukdahan journey? A full day with native bearers and immigration, for Thais too. Absurd to compare it with central Europe.

A much quicker and simpler route is to fly to Nakhon Panom and drive the 100km. But there's no money - sorry, kudos - in that, is there?

[Watawattana]

Nothing but a vanity project.  Nearly as bad as the Edinburgh trams.

[Unamerican]

30 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

Nearly as bad as the Edinburgh trams.

What were they? I remember from 70 years ago, lots of them! And very useful/enjoyable too. 
But maybe this is something more recent?

[nahkit]

On 5/2/2025 at 5:23 AM, Georgealbert said:

the private sector proposed fast-tracking the airport development

So the contractors want it approved now and contracts handed out, before anyone can change their mind.

[Upnotover]

I'm glad Mukdahan is on the map, I was beginning to think it was a nothing kind of place.  Now in the space of a week we've got a potential Airport and Anthrax.  What's next?

[Watawattana]

1 hour ago, Unamerican said:

What were they? I remember from 70 years ago, lots of them! And very useful/enjoyable too. 
But maybe this is something more recent?

The old trams got ripped out in 1956.  New service opened in 2014, which most folks in Edinburgh felt was not needed and a waste of money as the bus network is so good.  A couple of links for you to have a look at and reminisce!

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Edinburgh

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Trams

[isaanistical]

20 hours ago, Upnotover said:

I'm glad Mukdahan is on the map, I was beginning to think it was a nothing kind of place.  Now in the space of a week we've got a potential Airport and Anthrax.  What's next?

Armageddon?

 

I've been there and I think it (NOT being patronising, honest) a very nice little place that wants leaving alone and not being ruined.