The government is accelerating airport upgrades and expanding domestic and international routes to strengthen connectivity and support its ambition of becoming a regional aviation hub.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said the government is pursuing an aviation strategy aimed at improving connectivity between major cities and emerging destinations while enhancing the country's long-term aviation and logistics capabilities.
The push follows discussions led by Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit with the Department of Airports, the Civil Aviation Training Centre, Thai Airways and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel on expanding flight networks.
The plan includes increasing links between major cities and secondary destinations such as Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Udon Thani, while attracting more international flights from Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong to tourism centres including Krabi, Surat Thani and Hua Hin.
The government is also working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to develop new travel routes connecting primary and secondary cities.
Seven airports in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phrae and Roi Et have been identified for aviation infrastructure upgrades to support future passenger growth and tourism demand.
Regional airports are expected to play a greater role in driving local economies. She said the Department of Airports confirmed facilities under its supervision are prepared to support expansion through improvements in infrastructure, personnel and transport connections.
Particular attention is being given to Hua Hin Airport, which is upgrading safety standards to meet requirements for future international operations.
The airport can handle 300 passengers per hour and accommodate two Airbus A320 or Boeing 737-800 aircraft simultaneously. It previously operated international services to Kuala Lumpur before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The aviation strategy is also linked to development of the Eastern Economic Corridor, particularly the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project.
She said the project represents a 218.8-billion-baht regional transport and logistics hub with capacity for up to 60 million passengers annually.
Ms Lalida said strengthening air transport networks and infrastructure was central to positioning Thailand as "a leading regional centre for travel, tourism and investment".
