The construction of a new international airport in Phang Nga province is set to begin in 2027, according to Airports of Thailand. The new ‘Andaman Airport’ is being built to handle growing demand in the region, with Phuket Airport operating at full capacity during the busy tourist season.
A feasibility study examining the project’s investment potential, economic gains, financial returns, and environmental impact, is expected to be completed this year, says AoT director, Kirati Kitmanawat.
The development is expected to cost around 75 billion baht, according to a Nation Thailand report, with AoT eyeing potential investment from airlines and private investors.
Around 6,500 rai of land in the Khok Kloi district has been earmarked for the project, 40% of which is already owned by the government. This means savings of around 2.5 billion baht from not having to compensate dispossessed owners. The land is to the east of Kok Kloi township, between the town and the Phang Nga-Phuket main road.
AoT plans to rent the remainder of the plot from the Treasury Department, which will handle compensation costs for landowners.
Once construction starts in 2027, it should take around 4 and a half years, with Andaman Airport expected to open in 2032.
Kirati adds the construction of a new airport in the North will also begin in 2027, although no completion date has been set yet for Lanna International Airport in Lamphun province.
“The two airport projects will require a total budget of about 150 billion baht, with private investors invited to participate for the first time. Moving forward, AOT will devote its core budget to expansion of existing airports while the new airport projects will be funded in partnership with private investors.”
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
