The new airport at Betong in Yala province was formally opened to commercial services on Monday by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who arrived from Bangkok on the inaugural flight.
Gen Prayut flew in on Nok Air Flight DD6260, which departed from Don Mueang international airport at 10am for Betong airport.
He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, Deputy Transport Minister Athirat Rattanaseth and their officials.
The opening ceremony was held after the prime minister and his entourage landed.
In his speech, Gen Prayut said the government planned to promote Betong as a model city for border trade and tourism under the triangle of stability, prosperity and sustainability programme. Betong had a richness in tradition, culture and natural beauty that attracted tourists from within the country and abroad.
He hoped Betong airport, the country's 29th, would provide greater transport and travel convenience for the people and help promote the South's aspiration to be a strong tourist hub.
Gen Prayut was scheduled to return to Bangkok via Don Mueang airport at 4.45pm.
