Was surprised to come across a couple of articles which indicate that there are plans to construct an airport at Betong in Yala province. With a possible start date at end of 2015. These are:

http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/newairports/betong-airport

http://jpp.moi.go.th/media/files/final_-_PERAK_YALA_-_GROUP_3_FINAL_final.pdf

Would not have thought that the population base (even with the advent of ASEAN) would have been sufficient to support such an investment. But, if it does happen, certainly adds an extra option for border runs in a very pleasant (save for the very occasional bomb attack) location. Paid a number of visits there back in the 90's when working in Northern Malaysia and enjoyed the laid back life style plus the less frenetic night life.

Anyone with any info / update on this proposed construction?

This was in the news october 2014.

New airports look set to be built in Uttaradit, Kanchanaburi and Sa Kaeo provinces, while existing facilities in Yala’s Betong district, Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district and Mukdahan would also receive major upgrades to boost capacity.

I think Yala really needed an airport.

A more recent report of a few months back indicates that the plans for the new Betong airport have been approved with construction due to start in 2016 and operational by 2018.

http://thaitribune.org/contents/detail/325?content_id=14735&rand=1444796081

'On October 6, 2015 in the meeting of Ministers (cabinet), having Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha, prime minister and head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) as a chairman had approved the construction of the Betong airport at Yala Province, southern of Thailand with total budget of 1,900 million baht.'

Good news as have been wanting to pay a return visit to the area but put off by the accessibility issues.