New Airport in Northern Thailand is set to begin building – Encouraging further travel

Set to occupy 2,812 rai in Dok Kham Tai district, the airport would boast a 2.5km runway, two taxiways, and a terminal featuring local Lanna arts. Projections suggest full operation by 2034, catering to 78,000 users annually initially and growing to 94,000 by 2037. Currently, the project is focused on runway and taxiway design, alongside an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led discussions addressing the project within the Provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee of the Upper Northern Region.

Patchaya Jittrapantawee, Chairperson of Phayao’s Tourism Council, expressed local businesses’ enthusiastic support for the airport, envisioning it as a catalyst for tourism growth and the establishment of Phayao as a healthcare hub. In the future, this might affect visitors and bookings to tourist accommodations, such as a hotel in Chiang Rai – prime examples of such being the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.