The government is betting on regional airports to drive Thailand's next wave of tourism and investment growth, with upgrades to facilities, flight routes and technology aimed at transforming them into economic gateways.
Ministry of Transport officials on Friday outlined progress on the Airport for Regional Development strategy, which includes expanding international services, improving aviation safety and attracting new commercial opportunities as part of Thailand's goal of becoming a global aviation hub by 2029.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit reviewed developments during his first 90 days overseeing the Department of Airports, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai), Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) and Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.
The initiatives cover infrastructure, safety, technology, personnel, revenue generation and management, with the DOA implementing its Airport for Regional Development strategy by strengthening airports as economic gateways.
Udon Thani Airport has opened customs, immigration and quarantine facilities for international flights, launched the Udon Thani-Suvarnabhumi-Tokyo (Narita) service and increased domestic flights by 50%.
Hua Hin Airport is being upgraded to international status, with the Hua Hin-Kuala Lumpur route restored and services to Singapore, Taipei and Shanghai under preparation.
The department is also working with airlines to establish routes linking secondary cities with economic centres in China, Malaysia and elsewhere. Its Fly and Drive project with the Tourism Authority of Thailand links eight tourism provinces under the "3-3-1-1" concept.
Safety improvements include accelerating installation of the long-delayed ILS/DME system at Khon Kaen Airport, which has been pending for more than 10 years.
The system will support international flights and improve landing efficiency in adverse weather. A task force has also been established to tackle bird strikes, which cause more than 530 million baht in annual damage.
To increase revenue, the Department of Airports is promoting Otop products and extending commercial leases from three years to up to 30 years to attract maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), cargo and aircraft-hangar investment. The measures are expected to generate more than 380 million baht over five years.
Aerothai has increased the discount on domestic air navigation charges from 25% to 30% and is deploying Digital Tower systems at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang and remote tower systems at Narathiwat and Betong.
The CATC has trained 4,634 people, including 1,992 graduates, and has produced more than 3,500 pilots.
