The Ministry of Transport in Thailand is rolling out the red carpet for tourists as it pours funds into transforming three provincial airports in Northeastern Thailand. Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan are on the brink of a major makeover, poised to become hot spots for year-round tourism. Assistant Transport Minister Manoporn Charoensri is leading the charge, aligning these upgrades with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s vigorous push toward secondary city tourism, making 2025 a pivotal year for the industry.
But what’s in store for these areas? With their rich cultural heritage and vibrant communities, the provinces are the perfect canvas for development. The Ministry has orchestrated a multi-faceted upgrade focusing on improving transport infrastructure to bolster tourism and enrich local lives. The plan includes collaborating with commercial airlines to ramp up flights, enhancing the appeal for travelers seeking less-trodden paths. Nakhon Phanom Airport now provides 12 flights daily, courtesy of Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air, which are planning four more from June 19.
Over at Sakon Nakhon, the action is just as thrilling. With eight flights daily, courtesy of Thai AirAsia and Nok Air, and four parking bays, the skies are buzzing. Meanwhile, Mukdahan Airport is in the spotlight, undergoing an environmental impact assessment phase, a step that could lead to a transformative turnaround.
Behind the scenes, Manoporn has tasked the Department of Airports with elevating Nakhon Phanom Airport’s facilities. The goal? Ensuring seamless, clean, and convenient travel with a focus on robust systems for electricity, efficient check-ins, and thorough security screenings. Seamless travel isn’t just about planes in the sky, though. Within the provinces, public transportation is also getting a boost to ensure hassle-free travel during peak periods.
Enter the Living Airport concept—a groundbreaking initiative to inject local flavor into the airport experience. Expect airports that buzz with local identity, offering spaces that celebrate regional products and host events tied to key festivals. It’s a move set to invigorate the local economy, bridging tourists with the heartfelt culture of these regions.
On April 27, a diverse group gathered for an eye-opening exhibition that closed the chapter on the Safe Agricultural Drones project. This fascinating collaboration involved Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, the Department of Rice, and the Ministry of the Interior, focusing on Nakhon Phanom’s unique agricultural needs. Here, drones have not only lifted spirits but productivity too, showing a boost for farmers across 22 rai in the Tha Uthen district, with ambitions to expand these gains nationwide.
Minister Manoporn’s vision soars well beyond airport runways. She’s entrusted a budget of 165.99 million baht (approximately US$4.97 million) to develop Nakhon Phanom Airport extensively, addressing everything from utility enhancements to fire system upgrades. Sakon Nakhon Airport isn’t left behind, with plans set for a 4.29 million baht (around US$128,535) development.
Looking ahead to 2025, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand is kicking off an ambitious developmental spree, unveiling projects covering an impressive 359.47 million baht (equivalent to US$10.77 million) budget. Among these, a hefty 208.91 million baht (about US$6.25 million) upgrade to their Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) is slated to begin in fiscal year 2026. Other tech makeovers include a 40.11 million baht (US$1.2 million) refresh of the Digital Voice Recording and Replay System, reflecting their February 2025 factory acceptance test.
With innovative upgrades under consideration, like a 58.13 million baht (US$1.74 million) enhancement to the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) at the NDB navigation station and aided control towers, the travel landscape in these provinces is set for a radical transformation.
From artistic local nuaces to sleek modern amenities, these airport developments are more than a mere construction project. They’re an ode to local culture merging effortlessly with the bustling energy of global travelers—a true celebration of culture and connectivity on the horizon in Northeastern Thailand.
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