Phatthalung unveils 71 billion baht airport plan to boost tourism

A plot of land spanning 1,496 rai near Songkhla Lake in Phatthalung has been earmarked for constructing a new airport, aimed at boosting tourism and transport in the southern province and its neighbours.

Anticipated to become a central hub for Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, the land in Khuan Maphrao subdistrict, Mueang district is owned by the Department of Rice (DoR). The decision to select this site was finalised by Phatthalung’s public-private working group during a meeting on August 19, as confirmed by Kittiphit Klapkhun, chairman of Phatthalung’s Chamber of Commerce.

Nisakon Wisitsora-at, the provincial governor, chaired the meeting, which saw attendance from senior state officials and representatives from airlines such as AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. Following the decision, the first round of negotiations with the DoR took place yesterday, September 16.

The new airport project, alongside plans to construct a bridge over Songkhla Lake, is expected to significantly enhance travel for both locals and tourists in Phatthalung and neighbouring Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat districts. The targeted districts include Cha-uat, Chulabhorn, Hua Sai, Chian Yai in Nakhon Si Thammarat, as well as Ranot, Krasae Sin, and Sathing Phra in Songkhla.

The bidding process for the bridge project is scheduled to commence next year, with construction anticipated to start in 2026 and take roughly 10 years to complete.

A feasibility study for the Phatthalung airport project, conducted from September 19, 2020, to June 13, 2021, concluded that the investment would be worthwhile, with an economic internal rate of return (EIRR) of 14.7%. The study projected that the airport could accommodate approximately 214,129 passengers annually, with around 28 flights per week, reported Bangkok Post.

Beyond its economic promise, the Phatthalung airport, estimated to cost US$2.14 billion (approximately 71 billion baht) to construct, is also expected to captivate travellers with its scenic surroundings. The site is about 10 kilometres from Phatthalung’s city centre, with a road leading to the proposed airport running along the picturesque lake, said Nisakon.

“The airport project will undoubtedly facilitate better connectivity and promote economic growth in the region.”