New airport in Phang Nga to serve provinces on Andaman coast

The premier, who also doubles as finance minister, visited the southern province on Friday to follow up on the Transport Ministry’s proposal to build a new airport in Phang Nga to boost tourism in the Andaman coast to the west of Thailand. The provinces that lie along the Andaman coast are Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Ranong.

Srettha was accompanied by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol. The team was welcomed by Phang Nga governor Ekarat Leesen and representatives of local administration and private sector.

“This project is good for people in the South, who will benefit from the comprehensive infrastructure that supports future expansion in tourism industry,” Srettha said. “The government also aims to develop the transport system linking the new Andaman airport to Phuket Airport, which will benefit the local economy of both provinces.”

Srettha added that in the next 18 months relevant agencies will study the location and estimate the area required for new airport, as well as start the land expropriation process.

Suriya, meanwhile, said earlier that studies indicate Phang Nga's Khok Kloi subdistrict in Takua Thung district would be suitable for the new airport. He added that the ministry was now exploring to see if the airport would be operated as a joint venture with the private sector or under the control of the Airports of Thailand or Department of Airports.

As per the ministry’s plans, once the Andaman airport is up and running, Phuket Airport will switch to serving only domestic flights.