The House Committee for Transportation is truly abuzz with excitement as it keeps a keen eye on the development of Andaman International Airport in Phangnga, Thailand. This much-anticipated project is slated to open its runways to the skies by the year 2030, and it’s poised to be quite the game-changer!
Leading the charge is Kroomanit Sangpoom, the charismatic committee chairman and Pheu Thai MP for Surin. Just this past Saturday, Kroomanit, along with other distinguished panel members, toured the bustling construction site nestled within the Khok Kloi and Lo Yung sub-districts of Takua Thung district. The mission? To take stock of the progress being made on land restitution and transportation infrastructure. Spoiler alert: things are looking pretty darn good!
But wait, there’s more. This ambitious project, which promises to inject a healthy dose of prosperity into the local economy, has prompted the birth of a special subcommittee. This elite team has been tasked with diving deep into the investment value of the airport, not to mention its ripple effects on the public.
In the age of social media, nothing goes unnoticed. Our man on the inside, committee member Anucha Burapachaisri, took to his social channels to give followers the inside scoop. The committee, he shared, mingled with a gaggle of relevant sectors during their site visit, including the mighty Airports of Thailand, the dedicated folks at the highway department, and the tireless champions at the rural road department and local land office. No stone was left unturned!
Spanning over a colossal 7,300 rai of land, Andaman International Airport is gearing up to be a mammoth in the aviation world. With its two runways and 44 aircraft docking bays, this airport will be a beehive of activity, handling an impressive 43 flights per hour. Oh, and did we mention it will host a whopping 22.5 million passengers annually? Anucha definitely spilled the beans on this one.
A small hiccup in the journey was the initial choice of location over in Khlong Thung Ma-phrao reserved forest area in Thai Muang district. Conservationists were up in arms, and let’s face it, rightly so. A rethink led to the project being greener-lighted on the more hospitable grounds of Takua Thung district.
In September, a significant stride was made when Airports of Thailand inked a contract worth 20 million baht with a consultant company. This half-year partnership is set to churn out a meticulous preliminary feasibility study, taking a holistic peek into economic, transportation, environmental, social, and community impacts.
With an eye on the future, the detailed design and blueprinting won’t kick off until the ink is dry on the Initial Environmental Impact (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes. Anucha paints a vibrant picture of the Andaman International Airport as a complementary heavyweight to Phuket airport, which is currently bustling at full throttle.
This spectacular project is more than just an airport; it’s a beacon of economic growth, connectivity, and sustainability that will lift Phangnga and its neighbors to new heights. As the countdown to 2030 continues, the world waits with bated breath for this airborne marvel to take flight!
This project seems like a step in the right direction for Thailand’s economy. More airports mean more tourism!
But what about the environmental impact? These projects often come at the cost of natural habitats.
True, the original location was controversial, but they’ve moved it to a less sensitive area. That seems responsible.
They always say that but rarely deliver. Watch them sneak in more destruction later.
It’s nice to see development outside of Bangkok. Regions like Phangnga need this to catch up.
As someone who loves exploring Thailand, I can’t wait for more local airports. Makes travel so much easier!
Agreed! More airports mean less time wasted in transit and more time enjoying the country.
Assuming this massive project doesn’t just serve big corporations and actually benefits local communities!
The job creation from this airport could be huge. Locals need those jobs desperately.
Another concrete eyesore. Seriously, how many more airports do we need?
With Phuket airport being overloaded, this new one is necessary to ease the burden.
Still, we need to prioritize eco-friendly solutions! Earth > convenience.
Kroomanit seems to be doing a great job leading this project. Hope he keeps the momentum going until completion.
He’s got a reputation for getting things done. We need that determination badly here.
Let’s hope he stays true to his word and delivers.
I just hope ticket prices don’t skyrocket to fund this new airport.
There might be introductory offers, but long-term, who knows? Fees always find a way to rise.
Look at it this way – competition usually helps keep prices in check.
How does this project align with Thailand’s sustainable development goals? It’s barely mentioned!
Good point. It needs to be balanced with conservation efforts. Big infrastructure projects can’t ignore sustainability anymore.
Exactly. Otherwise, it’s just more greenwashing without real change.
I love Thailand, can’t wait to see how this new airport will affect tourism flows by 2030!
Let’s be real, infrastructure is good if done right. But enforcement and regulation in Thailand? That’s another story entirely.
Hope they include enough public transport options to the new airport. Accessibility should be a top priority.
Transport links are key. Without them, an airport in the middle of nowhere won’t serve its purpose well.
This project is one thing, but what are the plans for after it’s built? Maintenance is just as crucial.
This could make visiting Phangnga as easy as a quick weekend getaway from Bangkok!
I really wonder how this will affect the smaller local airports in the area. Will they just shut down?
It’s possible. Centralizing air traffic could make others redundant.
That would be a shame for regional diversity and connectivity.
Big fan of the project as long as they uphold the environmental assessments diligently. Vital to get that part right.
Seems like there’s a lot of optimism, but I’m skeptical until I see the actual execution.