No putt-ing around: RTAF golf course revamp on hold for deeper study

The proposal to transform the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s Dhupatemiya golf course in Pathum Thani into a public park requires an in-depth study, as the location plays a critical role in the military’s strategic operations, stated Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Phumtham was addressing questions from the People’s Party (PP) MP for Pathum Thani, Chetawan Thuaprakhon, regarding the potential transfer of the Dhupatemiya golf course to the government for conversion into a public park.

Chetawan had earlier proposed that the government repurpose the site, which spans over 625 rai of land in Lam Luk Ka district, into a sports complex, with certain areas designated as a public park to enhance the green zone in the region.

Additionally, the opposition MP urged the RTAF to relinquish its Kantarat golf course in Bangkok’s Don Mueang district for a similar conversion into a public park.

Phumtham indicated that the matter is under review by a special House committee tasked with studying the transfer of military-operated businesses. This committee must gather input from the military as part of the process.

According to Phumtham, the Don Mueang area hosts commercial and military airports, necessitating a strategic operations system to safeguard the military airport.

The Dhupatemiya golf course area is reserved by the RTAF for strategic operations and national security purposes, housing military units and an air surveillance radar station. Consequently, it cannot be converted into a public park without significant considerations.

The minister also mentioned that the area is designated as an emergency landing site, which precludes the construction of any buildings.

Phumtham stated that if the committee’s study determines that changing the land use poses no impact or risk, the government is open to further discussions, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Thailand plans to withdraw military forces from the nation’s southernmost provinces by 2027, with a focus on bolstering volunteer forces in the region.