Transport Phitsanulok and Krabi Airports Achieve Certification as DoA Pushes for Further Approvals

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Two regional airports, Phitsanulok and Krabi, have officially received public airport operating certificates from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), marking a significant step towards raising national aviation standards and passenger safety.

 

The announcement was made by Deputy Transport Minister Monporn Charoensri, who confirmed that the Department of Airports (DoA) was awarded the certification for Phitsanulok Airport on 1 July and for Krabi Airport on 4 July. These are the fourth and fifth DoA-operated airportsto receive such certification, following Betong, Buriram and Surat Thani.

 

The certification process complies with Section 45 of the amended Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497 (1954) and B.E. 2558 (2015), which requires all government-operated public airports to undergo safety assessments before being allowed to continue operations.

 

Minister Monporn emphasised that all five certified airports must strictly adhere to CAAT standards and the conditions outlined in their certificates. This includes maintaining up-to-date airport operation manuals, ensuring accurate Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) and conducting annual internal safety audits. Compliance with aviation regulations is to be closely monitored, and the DoA has been instructed to accelerate certification procedures for other airports still undergoing assessment.

 

According to Danai Rueangsorn, Director-General of the DoA, the department is currently seeking certification for an additional 19 airports, which are at various stages of a five-phase certification process:

 

• Phase 1 (Preparation): Internal groundwork

 

• Phase 2 (Formal Application): Includes Phetchabun Airport

 

• Phase 3 (Document Review): Includes Pai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Phanom, Loei, Chumphon, Ranong, Narathiwat, and Phrae

 

• Phase 4 (Operational Assessment): Includes Hua Hin, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Trang, Sakon Nakhon, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen, Lampang, and Roi Et

 

• Phase 5 (Final Certification): Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is expected to be the next to receive certification

 

Minister Monporn highlighted that achieving certification demonstrates that these airports meet both physical and procedural safety standards, boosting confidence among passengers and airline operators. She also stated that it will enhance air transport connectivity and support the government’s ambition to develop regional airports into aviation hubs.

 

The DoA aims to secure certification for at least two more airports by 2026, aligning with Thailand’s broader strategy to modernise and internationalise its regional aviation infrastructure.

 

Section 45 of the Air Navigation Act as amended, stipulates that:

 

• All public airports, including those operated by government agencies (such as the Department of Airports (DoA)), must receive certification from the CAAT to continue commercial operations.

 

• The certification ensures compliance with ICAO standards(International Civil Aviation Organization) related to airport safety, infrastructure, operations, emergency response and air navigation services.

 

• Airports already operating prior to this amendment are allowed to continue, but must seek certification and inspection by CAAT, under a planned timeline.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-08

 

 

 

[George Bowman]

I live in the boonies of Phitsanulok and have used the airport many times throughout the years. And I must admit that the facilities and services have gotten much better. But as I read the article, my memory bank kicked in and reminded me of what happened in the past at the airport.

 

Got to the airport at 6am for a flight heading to Bangkok at 8am. The first thing that I noticed was how quiet the small terminal was. Hardly anyone was around. Come to find out the plane had left at 5am. What? I was asked if I had checked my messages. So while standing at the counter, I checked my texts. Yes, the airline had texted me at 2:30am informing me of the change in schedule. I am retired, I very seldom check my messages. My fault.

 

So why had the plane left early? Apparently, a well-known politician had been visiting the province for a couple of days and needed to get back to Bangkok. I never did get a refund. TIT.