The government is set to construct a new airport in Phayao with an estimated cost of two billion Baht, as part of an overarching plan to transform the northern province into a key tourist destination.
On Monday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his team visited areas in Tambon Don Si Chum and Tambon Baan Tham in Dok Kham Tai district to discuss the upcoming airport project, a focal point of the two-day mobile cabinet meeting in the province, scheduled to conclude on Tuesday.
Accompanied by Ratthaphol Naradisorn, the provincial governor, and more than 500 local residents, the cabinet ministers were warmly welcomed.
The Phayao airport initiative will span across 2,812 rai in Dok Kham Tai district, situated approximately 18km from the city center. The Department of Airports (DoA) will oversee the development of the new airport.
Planned features of the airport include a 2.5km runway, two taxiways, and a terminal design that integrates local Lanna artwork, showcasing the province’s unique identity, as outlined in a project report.
Anticipated to be operational by 2034, the airport is projected to serve an average of 78,000 users annually until 2037, with an expected increase to 94,000 users per year by then.
Currently, the project is in the phases of designing the runways and taxiways, along with conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study.
Prime Minister Srettha expressed the government’s commitment to realizing the project, emphasizing the significance of enhancing connectivity to bolster tourism in lesser-visited areas.
Furthermore, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul conducted discussions with the Provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee of the Upper Northern Region, focusing on the airport venture.
Patchaya Jittrapantawee, chairperson of Phayao’s Tourism Council, stated that local businesses are in favor of the airport project, foreseeing its potential to drive tourism growth and position the province as a medical hub in the northern region.
Ms. Patchaya highlighted Phayao’s capability to establish medical schools and facilities catering to Thai and Myanmar clients, provided there is adequate support through such an airport development.
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