Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has unveiled “Thailand Vision,” a strategic initiative aimed at positioning Thailand as a prominent aviation hub within the Asia-Pacific region.
The unveiling of Thailand Vision signals the government’s commitment to bolstering the country’s aviation infrastructure, with a primary focus on revitalizing Suvarnabhumi Airport’s status to rank among the top 20 global airports within the next five years. To achieve this ambitious goal, the government has forged a collaborative partnership with Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), the entity responsible for managing six key airports across the nation.
Central to the vision is the comprehensive expansion plan for Suvarnabhumi Airport, designed to accommodate an estimated 150 million passengers annually by 2030. Already servicing 60 million passengers annually through its SAT-1 terminal, plans are underway to inaugurate a third runway in 2024, capable of handling up to 60 flights per hour initially, with a subsequent increase to 90 flights per hour. Further enhancements include the expansion of existing terminals and the addition of a new terminal, anticipated to cater to an additional 90 million passengers. Additionally, a fourth runway is slated for construction to facilitate up to 120 flights per hour.
In parallel, the government is undertaking significant upgrades at Don Mueang Airport, transitioning it into a point-to-point model to augment its capacity from 30 million to 50 million passengers annually by 2030. This transformation involves extensive renovations of existing terminals and the expansion of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, primarily catering to domestic passengers and capable of accommodating up to 27 million passengers annually.
Moreover, plans are underway to establish Andaman Airport as a secondary aviation hub, serving tourists visiting Phuket and surrounding areas. Concurrently, Phuket International Airport is set to undergo substantial expansion to meet the projected surge in annual passenger traffic, estimated to reach 18 million by 2030.
Beyond infrastructure enhancements, the government is keen on nurturing Thailand’s aviation maintenance industry into a comprehensive hub servicing both commercial and private aircraft. A pivotal aspect of this initiative involves the establishment of a state-of-the-art temperature-controlled cargo warehouse system, known as the Cold Chain, aimed at facilitating the efficient distribution of goods to over 280 million consumers in Thailand and neighboring countries.
Furthermore, the government underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration among airlines, tourism agencies, and hotels to collectively bolster the Thai aviation sector. Emphasis will be placed on optimizing flight schedules, aircraft configurations, and passenger services to enhance overall efficiency and passenger experience. In line with global sustainability trends, measures will be implemented to promote the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and environmentally friendly packaging, thus advancing Thailand’s green agenda.
By leveraging Thailand Vision, the government aims not only to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities but also to enhance the nation’s overall quality of life while fostering sustainable development for future generations.
