File pictures courtesy of The Thaiger

 

The Transport Ministry has unveiled an ambitious plan to position the country as a premier aviation powerhouse for Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and improving air traffic management. The initiative aims to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness and reduce congestion at its busiest airports, while drawing major aerospace players to invest in the country.

 

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said Thailand’s strategic location between India and China offers a natural advantage for regional connectivity. He cautioned that without swift action, regional rivals such as Singapore will dominate the aviation sector. “The development of a robust MRO industry is no longer optional. It’s critical,” Phiphat stated.

 

Thailand’s aviation standing received a boost earlier this year when the US Federal Aviation Administration upgraded its safety rating to Category 1, allowing Thai airlines to resume services to the United States. United Airlines has since restarted flights to Thailand after an 11-year hiatus. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) also announced that the country achieved a 91.4% score in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s safety audit, surpassing the global average of 70.5%.

 

To address capacity issues at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, as well as Phuket International Airport, officials plan to redirect some traffic to underused airports in Krabi and Chiang Mai. CAAT Director-General ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon confirmed that Airports of Thailand (AOT) has drafted a new master plan for Suvarnabhumi Airport, including a new south terminal, MRO facilities, cargo centres and a pilot and technician training hub.

 

AOT also intends to establish a free zone to attract global aerospace manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus to store spare parts in Thailand, ensuring faster maintenance and emergency responses. To help fund these upgrades, the agency has proposed raising the passenger service charge from 730 baht, according to the Bangkok Post.

 

Thai Airways is also expanding, with plans to increase its fleet from 77 to 103 aircraft next year. CEO Chai Eamsiri said connecting passengers have risen from 6% in 2023 to 22%, with a target to match Singapore’s 30–40% range. The airline is partnering with Bangkok Airways to build a 10-billion-baht MRO facility at U-Tapao Airport.

 

SKY ICT CEO Sithidej Mayalarp, a company specialising in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems, stated that embracing automation, artificial intelligence and more flexible flight regulations will be key to securing Thailand’s aviation leadership. He noted a 4.8% increase in global passenger traffic this year and the return of Chinese tourists as further signs of recovery and opportunity.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand aims to become Southeast Asia’s top aviation hub, focusing on MRO expansion.

• AOT plans major upgrades at Suvarnabhumi Airport, including a new terminal and training hub.

• Thai Airways will grow its fleet to 103 aircraft and build a 10-billion-baht MRO facility.

 

Related Stories

 

United-Airlines-resumes-flights-to-Thailand-after-long-hiatus

 

Bangkok’s-Suvarnabhumi-ranks-12th-in-global-connectivity

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from TheThaiger 2025-10-31

 

 

 

 

 

Finally!!! some sensible project. 

But Thailand should target itself as an airways connection hub - although i know this will compete with Singapore.

Bangkok has a better location than Singapore - within 2 hours flight time, it can connect with way more countries than Singapore.

Imagine the stopover crowd through BKK and Suvarnabhumi... its another source of income!!!!

 

This is a blessing from BKK location and yet Thai government don't want to do this.

Is there no money in this that motivates any of the Thai government instead of them always focusing on railway, road and big projects development... LOL 

 

Quote

Thailand Targets Top Role as Southeast Asian Aviation Powerhouse

Aviation Powerhouse..., shouldn't that rather be Aviation Powerhangar?

Great news. Hope it works out as planned.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The initiative aims to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness and reduce congestion at its busiest airports, while drawing major aerospace players to invest in the country.

It needs to expand it's regional airports, take the strain away from Bangkok

I feel a 'Hub" cummin on ....... 🙂

 

Say it with me ...... Hub, hub, hubitty hub de hub de hub.

     They need to work on Don Mueng.   Used it last week.  With most major airports, and DM is a major airport, you board a plane and deplane from a terminal building using a skywalk extension connected to the aircraft.  With my DM flight, we had to board a shuttle bus and take a very long ride out to where the plane was parked, then enter the plane by exterior stairs.  Not good for anyone handicapped, not good if you are carrying baggage, and not good if it is pouring rain, as the stairs were not covered and we were standing on them for several minutes as the line backed up waiting to board.  Same thing on the return flight--which had an even longer shuttle bus ride back to the airport, with all of us standing crammed in like sardines.   It did take me back to the days of flying in the 1960s--but not in a good way.  

      

Is Thailand only ever gonna be the leader P4P and road fatalities?

Just some ideas as a frquent user of their main competition ... Changi

challenge 1

Get your check in/immigration (entry and exit) down to five minutes or less.

This is what Changi can do today.

The biggest wait these days at Changi is for baggage as you exit so quickly you wait 10-15 mins for your bag.

Challenge 2

Mid level affordable hotels within walking distance or by common shuttle bus departing every 10 minutes

(this would beat Changi where hotels are eye wateringly expensive)

Challenge 3

Pay airlines to come to your airport recognising that each plane brings revenue in the form of passengers

Challenge 4

Get your airspace right (Changi airspace is very congested and can add 30 minutes to a flight as your plane joins the flight path. As Johor airport grows this problem will get worse)

Ahh ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! What next manned flight to Pluto?

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

He cautioned that without swift action, regional rivals such as Singapore will dominate the aviation sector. 

 

Comparing Changi Airport with Bangkok's airports, I'm not surprised... 😆 

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

a premier aviation powerhouse for Southeast Asia

So 'Hub' has fallen out of fashion (through endless use)

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

with a strong focus on expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities

 

He must be joking,  What are you going to do, hire westeers.?

No no no - it's going to be a hub. A maintenance hub. Whoever called it a powerhouse obviously doesn't understand Thailand.

I remember many years ago, someone stole a whole GE jet engine from the maintenance hangar. Fortunately, someone later sold them the parts that would make a whole engine. 

A hub of airplane parts.

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said Thailand’s strategic location between India and China offers a natural advantage for regional connectivity. He cautioned that without swift action, regional rivals such as Singapore will dominate the aviation sector. “The development of a robust MRO industry is no longer optional. It’s critical,” Phiphat stated.

 

I believe this man will work wonders. Remember when he was minister of tourism and sports? He made Thai tourism what it is today!

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

as a premier aviation powerhouse for Southeast Asia,

 Oh really!

 

3 hours ago, newnative said:

     They need to work on Don Mueng.   Used it last week.  With most major airports, and DM is a major airport, you board a plane and deplane from a terminal building using a skywalk extension connected to the aircraft.  With my DM flight, we had to board a shuttle bus and take a very long ride out to where the plane was parked, then enter the plane by exterior stairs.  Not good for anyone handicapped, not good if you are carrying baggage, and not good if it is pouring rain, as the stairs were not covered and we were standing on them for several minutes as the line backed up waiting to board.  Same thing on the return flight--which had an even longer shuttle bus ride back to the airport, with all of us standing crammed in like sardines.   It did take me back to the days of flying in the 1960s--but not in a good way.  

      

I agree. 

I fly regularly to Hong Kong out of DM, mainly because it's 10-15 minutes away from my house,and ~ ฿100 taxi as opposed to 45 minutes  and  ฿600+  to BKK.

 

Every time, departing or arriving, we are bussed to a way off, outside parking bay just as you described!

 

I know that the outer parking is much cheaper for the airline than using a pier at the terminal.

-only a handful of these being utilised by some international carriers.

 

I can't think of any other major international airport (which I have visited) using this penny pinching, old fashioned method.

 

Maybe ok for Domestic flights within Thailand....but to 5 star airports like HK????

3 hours ago, Spilornis said:

Just some ideas as a frquent user of their main competition ... Changi

challenge 1

Get your check in/immigration (entry and exit) down to five minutes or less.

This is what Changi can do today.

The biggest wait these days at Changi is for baggage as you exit so quickly you wait 10-15 mins for your bag.

Challenge 2

Mid level affordable hotels within walking distance or by common shuttle bus departing every 10 minutes

(this would beat Changi where hotels are eye wateringly expensive)

Challenge 3

Pay airlines to come to your airport recognising that each plane brings revenue in the form of passengers

Challenge 4

Get your airspace right (Changi airspace is very congested and can add 30 minutes to a flight as your plane joins the flight path. As Johor airport grows this problem will get worse)

I think that you're mainly right, but...

Baggage waiting is a pain at most busy airports....especially if several arrivals all use the same baggage carousel. 

 

Airlines  being "paid" to come to your airport? 

Interesting idea but haven't heard of this in practice. 

Any actual documented examples?

 

Air traffic congestion. 

Mainly because..

-most Airlines wish to arrive at the same peak/premier/preferred arrival times.

- aircraft category mixes of 'medium' , 'Heavy' and 'Super'(A380), all requiring different in-line spacing or shuffling into like type categories.

-airspace organisation in confined locations including military operations and adjoining airspace "owned" or administered by a neighbouring country/authority. 

Preferred runway selection and arrival/departure routes based on noise mitigation. These might often be conflicting with adjoining FIRs.

 

Hence the 30+ minutes delays sometimes as the above criterion are met.

 

HKIA is surrounded closely by Shenzhen, Macao, Zhuhai and Guangzhou airports.

And the CAAC don't give away much in airspace usage negotiations!

 

3 hours ago, Stocky said:

So 'Hub' has fallen out of fashion (through endless use)

Don't fret, it will probably be a "Powerhouse Hub of Thunderdome proportions" by Monday, practically buzzing with "Swarms" of tourist flip flop percentages.

Alright then, let them have their new hub. But honestly, the fact that aircraft maintenance and repairs are included makes me a bit uneasy. After all, planes have brakes too! On the other hand, I completely trust them — they do have plenty of experience with brake failures, after all.

8 hours ago, newnative said:

     They need to work on Don Mueng.   Used it last week.  With most major airports, and DM is a major airport, you board a plane and deplane from a terminal building using a skywalk extension connected to the aircraft.  With my DM flight, we had to board a shuttle bus and take a very long ride out to where the plane was parked, then enter the plane by exterior stairs.  Not good for anyone handicapped, not good if you are carrying baggage, and not good if it is pouring rain, as the stairs were not covered and we were standing on them for several minutes as the line backed up waiting to board.  Same thing on the return flight--which had an even longer shuttle bus ride back to the airport, with all of us standing crammed in like sardines.   It did take me back to the days of flying in the 1960s--but not in a good way.  

 

This is more likely the fault of the airline, not the airport.  DMK has only a slightly less airbridge to passenger ratio than BKK but low cost airlines which are predominant in DMK don't want to pay to use them.

8 hours ago, newnative said:

     They need to work on Don Mueng.   Used it last week.  With most major airports, and DM is a major airport, you board a plane and deplane from a terminal building using a skywalk extension connected to the aircraft.  With my DM flight, we had to board a shuttle bus and take a very long ride out to where the plane was parked, then enter the plane by exterior stairs.  Not good for anyone handicapped, not good if you are carrying baggage, and not good if it is pouring rain, as the stairs were not covered and we were standing on them for several minutes as the line backed up waiting to board.  Same thing on the return flight--which had an even longer shuttle bus ride back to the airport, with all of us standing crammed in like sardines.   It did take me back to the days of flying in the 1960s--but not in a good way.  

      

 Sorry to read about your inconvenience - Thai Air Asia by any chance? Many of its International flights embark and disembark out on the apron at DMK.

 

I have flown with Air Asia on many occasions and I now have mobility problems but no problems. When I book online, I always pay for my baggage to go into the hold - no carrying problems. I also tick the box ünable to walk long distance" and a wheelchair is provided free of charge. When it comes to embarking or disembarking, a truck with a loading ramp (like food trolley loaders) is used to bus wheelchair passengers with attendants to and from the departure/arrival terminals at DMK. We enter or exit via the galley door so as not to interrupt passengers climbing or descending the steps. It is an excellent service provided free for passengers with mobility problems. Rain is also no problem as the loading van is covered.

The HUB of aircraft  maintenance  and the top students at the school for the gifted have proposed a new ECO-friendly SMART van for call-outs

39 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 Sorry to read about your inconvenience - Thai Air Asia by any chance? Many of its International flights embark and disembark out on the apron at DMK.

 

I have flown with Air Asia on many occasions and I now have mobility problems but no problems. When I book online, I always pay for my baggage to go into the hold - no carrying problems. I also tick the box ünable to walk long distance" and a wheelchair is provided free of charge. When it comes to embarking or disembarking, a truck with a loading ramp (like food trolley loaders) is used to bus wheelchair passengers with attendants to and from the departure/arrival terminals at DMK. We enter or exit via the galley door so as not to interrupt passengers climbing or descending the steps. It is an excellent service provided free for passengers with mobility problems. Rain is also no problem as the loading van is covered.

Yes, Air Asia.  Glad they have this good service for you.

What is this powerhouse nonsense? Everyone knows Thailand is a hub not a powerhouse.

17 hours ago, NemoH said:

Finally!!! some sensible project. 

But Thailand should target itself as an airways connection hub - although i know this will compete with Singapore.

Bangkok has a better location than Singapore - within 2 hours flight time, it can connect with way more countries than Singapore.

Imagine the stopover crowd through BKK and Suvarnabhumi... its another source of income!!!!

 

This is a blessing from BKK location and yet Thai government don't want to do this.

Is there no money in this that motivates any of the Thai government instead of them always focusing on railway, road and big projects development... LOL 

 

 

Technology and advances in aviation have reduced the need for the option you describe.

25 years ago, there would have been a need for a transfer hub, which is why Singapore and Hong Kong were so important. 

Times changed.  Aircraft can cover longer distances now. The introduction of the fuel efficient B787 and AB 350 have transformed aviation because they can service low density long haul routes reducing the need for transfers. This has been demonstrated by the expansion of long haul aviation routes without stopovers. There also has to be a demand. Delta is expanding in Asia, but it has selected SIN and MNL. Air Canada's expansion was direct to BKK, SIN, MNL and does not need a transfer  partner.  The Chinese carriers do not need a transfer hub at BKK. The next big destination will be Vietnam and it will be direct routes.