Royal Thai Air Force relinquishes golf course for airport expansion

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday made a startling decision to relinquish its longstanding ownership of the Kantarat Golf Course, situated near Don Mueang Airport, to make way for the expansion of the airport, confirmed a spokesman from the Defence Ministry.

Jirayu Houngsub, the political affairs spokesperson at the Defence Ministry, disclosed that the intricate details of the handover process to the Airports of Thailand (AOT) were currently being finalised by a special committee, of which he is the head.

“This move comes as part of our government’s initiative, under the guidance of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Defence Minister Klungsang, to evaluate the utilisation of land held by the armed forces and return unused portions to the state for public benefit.”

Furthermore, Jirayu revealed that discussions with RTAF Commander-in-Chief, ACM Phanpakdee Pattanakul, had successfully secured an agreement for the transfer of the golf course rights to AOT to facilitate airport expansion. He added that compensation negotiations with RTAF were underway, enabling the development of the Thupatemi Golf Course in Pathum Thani, along with a new sports complex for public access.

In another significant development, Jirayu highlighted the formation of a sub-committee to address the demands of residents and businesses in Sattahip district, Chon Buri. They are advocating for the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to take over electricity generation and distribution from the Royal Thai Navy, reported The Nation.

“Sattahip’s unique reliance on the navy for electricity, a practice spanning over 80 years, is now being reconsidered. With the district’s burgeoning population and commercial establishments, residents seek improved services through the PEA.”

He assured that the subcommittee is meticulously weighing national security concerns against the residents’ desire for enhanced services, aiming to devise a seamless transition for the PEA to assume responsibility for non-military electricity provision, thereby modernising services for the district.