TAT to propose Phang Nga airport construction

PHANG NGA, 15 April 2016 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to propose the construction of a new airport in Phang Nga province to relieve passenger congestion in Phuket airport, says TAT governor.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn has revealed that the TAT will be proposing the construction of Phang Nga airport to the National Policy Committee for Tourism, servicing Phang Nga Province and nearby Southern provinces.

The airport will also act as a transit hub to other destinations, and help relieve passenger congestion at Phuket International Airport. Three investment options are being considered for the construction. The government or private sector may be the sole investor, or the airport could be a result of a joint investment scheme.

It is expected that the construction will take 3-5 years before reaching completion.

TAT’s governor has further said that authorities will be proposing an extended runway construction plan at all airports to the government. An extended runway will accommodate the operations of larger aircrafts.

The government is also planning to open an airport in Phayao, expanding the civil aviation network in Thailand to help deliver tourists directly to their destination, enhancing the nation’s capability as the center of tourism in ASEAN.


-- NNT 2016-04-15

Villagers worried they may be relocated if an airport is to be built in Phang-nga



PHANG NGA: -- Villagers of a Thai Muslim community in Ban Tha Dindaeng, Tambon Lam Kaen of Phang-nga’s Thai Muang district have expressed serious concern with the government’s plan to lease a huge tract of land in a forest reserves in the district for the construction of a new airport.

They are afraid that they may have to be relocated to somewhere else and what will they do to make a living and what about their children.

There are about 400 people in Village Four in Ban Tha Dindaeng which is located in the forest reserves. They have been living there for many years.

Phang-nga governor Pakkapong Thaweesap said that an airport in Phang-nga would help relieve the congestion at Phuket airport which is only 40 kilometres away. He added that the airport would help facilitate the journey to Phang-nga for tourists.

Bangkok Airways has proposed to lease about 2,000 rai of the forest reserves in Ban Klong Thung Maprao in Tambon Lam Kaen to build an airport. The lease contract is 30 years and can be extended for another 30 years. The initial rental fee is 50 baht/rai per year but it can be adjusted up later on.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/169456-2/


-- Thai PBS 2016-06-21

"The initial rental fee is 50 baht/rai per year" seems like an excellent offer, snap their hands off. After all, in as little as 30 years (possibly 60) the state will have a wonderfull asset to call their own.

And to top it all, they want to build it in a forest reserve and kick the residents out.

Do the words "Forest Reserve" mean nothing! Surely this is protected land. Tourists probably enjoy the scenery that "Forest Reserves" provide, so lets cut them down and build an airport! In other forested areas of Thailand where people have encroached on "Forest Reserves" they have been kicked out and in some cases, i believe, prosecuted. Money talks and usually with a forked tongue!

50 Bht per rai/year ? In a Forest reserve ? Why have forest reserves when it means nothing ?

bear in mind 'TAT' is english slang for 'rubbish', as are most of their press releases.