Thailand ambitions take off: 6 projects to boost transport hub status

The Transport Ministry of Thailand is advancing six airport development and construction projects to position the country as a regional transportation hub.

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that representatives from the ministry’s Airport Department, Airports of Thailand, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, and other relevant agencies recently attended the 59th Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Conference in the Philippines.

Held from October 14 to October 18, the conference attracted international aeronautical officials from 47 countries to discuss the economic development of air transportation. It was projected that the number of air passengers would double in the next two decades.

The conference highlighted the necessity for substantial infrastructure investment, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, said Manaporn.

“The conference also introduced the Net Zero Roadmap: Decarbonise Your Airport project, which encourages airports to achieve zero emissions and supports transportation equality.”

Following the conference, Manaporn indicated that the ministry is set to back the Department of Airports’ nationwide infrastructure investment plans. These plans aim to boost the capacities of existing airports and develop new ones in six provinces: Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Satun, Phayao, Kalasin, and Phatthalung, reported Bangkok Post.

The ministry has directed the Department of Airports to prioritise designs that ensure user safety and incorporate modern safety equipment to enhance security screening measures. The department is also urged to adopt a universal design to improve accessibility for disabled users, promoting transportation equality, said Manaporn.

“The development of new airports should be ecologically and sustainably focused, striving toward zero carbon emissions and achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 5.”

Danai Ruangsorn, director of the Department of Airports, reported that the airport projects in Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, and Satun are currently in the design phase and undergoing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). An approved budget for conducting an EIA for Phayao Airport next year is already in place. Meanwhile, the Kalasin and Phatthalung airport projects are in the feasibility study phase, Danai said.

“The airport projects will support transportation equality and employment across diverse values and cultural backgrounds, adhering to the principles of sustainability, flexibility, and comprehensiveness.”