Thai Prime Minister Contemplates Converting Air Force Base into Commercial Airport

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been approached by provincial authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima to consider Converting Air Force Base into Commercial Airport. The appeal was made during a meeting yesterday, March 24, to foster business growth and encourage tourism in the province, according to deputy spokesperson Kenika Ounjit.

During the meeting, provincial authorities proposed the conversion of the local air force base into a commercial airport to facilitate business expansion and boost tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The request specifically targets Wing 1 of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to be utilized by the private sector for commercial flights.

In response, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has tasked Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit with evaluating the feasibility of this proposal before reaching a final decision.

It’s noteworthy that between 1986 and 1997, the old airport situated within Wing 1 operated commercial flights.

However, the region now relies on Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, managed by the Department of Airports, for its air travel needs, even though commercial flights are currently unavailable there.

Previously, Nok Air operated flights connecting Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Nakhon Ratchasima province. Unfortunately, the service was discontinued due to profitability concerns.

However, there are reports indicating that the budget airline is keen on reintroducing flights to Nakhon Ratchasima, particularly if they are permitted to utilize the old airport at Wing 1.

Nakhon Ratchasima Airport is situated approximately 25 kilometers away from the city center in the Chalerm Phrakiat district. In contrast, Wing 1, located in the Mueang district, offers much closer proximity to the city.

Presently, the nearest operational airport to Nakhon Ratchasima is in Buriram. If this proposal to utilize Wing 1 as a commercial airport is approved, it could significantly benefit the local economy and tourism sector.

In other developments, there are plans in motion for the construction of a new airport in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. This project, estimated to cost around 2 billion baht, forms part of a broader strategy to elevate Phayao into a prominent tourist destination.

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha, accompanied by his delegation, recently surveyed potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si Chum and tambon Baan Tham in the Dok Kham Tai district.