Bangkok: Thailand’s Transport Ministry is taking swift action to develop and construct six new airports, positioning the country as a central transportation hub in the region. Thai Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced this initiative following his attendance at the 59th Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Conference held in the Philippines. The conference underscored the need for significant infrastructure investments as global passenger numbers are expected to double over the next two decades.
According to Lao News Agency, the DGCA conference brought together representatives from 48 countries and international aviation organizations, including Thailand’s Department of Airports (DOA), to discuss vital civil aviation issues under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Air Transport: Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive’. The discussions highlighted the critical necessity for infrastructure development, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, in anticipation of rising passenger volumes.
Following the conference, the Transport Ministry laid out a strategic vision for Thailand’s air transport future, focusing on passenger growth, infrastructure development, and travel facilitation. The ministry urged the DOA to prioritize sustainable and inclusive investments in airport infrastructure nationwide, which includes enhancing current capacities and constructing six new airports in Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Satun, Phayao, Kalasin, and Phatthalung.
Danai Ruengsorn, director-general of DOA, indicated a commitment to expedite infrastructure development across various regions. Presently, feasibility studies for future airport projects are in progress, with Mukdahan and Bueng Kan airports advancing through the design and environmental impact assessment (EIA) stages. Satun Airport is in the process of selecting contractors for its design and EIA.
Phayao Airport has secured budget approval for design and EIA slated for 2025, while the feasibility studies for Kalasin and Phatthalung airports have been complete
d. Furthermore, the DOA plans to incorporate insights from recent meetings to guide future airport development and elevate DOA-operated airports to international standards.