Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

The Department of Airports held its second public hearing on the proposed construction of a new airport in Satun Province. The meeting, which took place at the Aphaianuraj 1 Conference Room of the Sinkiatiburi Hotel in Mueang District, brought together local officials, project consultants, and a wide range of stakeholders to discuss the project’s design and environmental impact assessment (EIA).

 

Mr. Thanapat Denburana, Chief of the Satun Provincial Office, presided over the session, which aimed to gather input from government agencies, local residents and other concerned parties. The hearing focused on the design of runways, taxiways, aircraft parking bays, terminal buildings and supporting infrastructure, as well as on the EIA report and proposed mitigation measures.

 

The new airport is expected to significantly enhance transportation options in Satun, aligning with the “Air-Sea-Land” concept that integrates travel by air, sea and land. This infrastructure development is seen as a key driver in boosting tourism and facilitating easier access to the province.

 

Speaking at the event, Mr. Chatchai Kasantikoon, a senior civil engineer with the Department’s Construction and Maintenance Division, along with representatives from the consulting firm responsible for the project, outlined the details of the development plan and gathered public feedback to refine and improve the proposal.

 

A central theme of the project is the integration of Satun’s local identity into the airport’s architectural design. The terminal building will be inspired by the manta ray, symbolising the richness of the province’s marine ecosystem, while also incorporating elements such as the traditional buffalo kite and patterns from the region’s Down Buding textile. The design will also reflect features of the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark and the colours of the Andaman Sea, aiming to create a structure that resonates with the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

 

This new airport project is a part of the Department of Airports’ wider strategy to enhance regional connectivity and economic development, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community participation.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-19

 

 

 

The only advantage is a quicker way to Langkawi ?

Oh please, not again!

It can join Betong, Naratthiwat, Pattani, Trang, Chumpon, NST, and Hua Hin on the list of barely used / never used airports in Southern Thailand.