BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is moving ahead with plans to unlock the potential of all 28 regional airports under the Department of Airports (DOA), seeking to transform them into centers for transportation, tourism, and investment while promoting more balanced regional development.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the Ministry of Transport has continued efforts to increase revenue at regional airports through aviation activities and the management of commercial areas. The ministry recently facilitated the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the DOA and the Treasury Department to streamline procedures related to state land management.
Under the agreement, the DOA will be authorized to directly manage and sign lease agreements for state-owned land with private-sector operators for projects valued at no more than 500 million baht. Land within airport premises may be leased for up to 10 years, while land outside airport boundaries may be leased for 20 to 30 years, depending on the nature and scale of the project. The revised framework is expected to give airports greater flexibility in attracting retailers and service providers, while generating additional state revenue and supporting tourism and local economic activity in surrounding communities. (NNT)
