BANGKOK, Thailand – Officials from the Ministry of Transport have conducted an on-site inspection of the Bueng Kan Airport construction project to monitor progress and accelerate implementation, with the aim of improving air transport access and supporting development in Thailand’s northeastern border region.
During the visit, Deputy Transport Minister Mallika Jirapantwanich and Transport Ministry Inspector General Jirapong Theppitak met with local and aviation authorities to review the project’s current status and discuss next-phase steps. The airport is expected to boost tourism and regional connectivity, linking Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, while supporting trade, investment, and cross-border travel.
The project began with feasibility studies and site selection in 2021, followed by completion of terminal design work and revisions to environmental documentation in 2023. It is now in the final stage of environmental impact assessment review, with a formal meeting held on December 19. Once the review is completed, the proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.
The airport site spans areas in So Phisai and the capital districts, about 12 kilometers from the city center and the Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. The project covers more than 4,400 rai and is estimated to cost 8.2 billion baht, while remaining within a reasonable distance of the airports at Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom.
Traffic forecasts indicate approximately 149,000 passengers and 1,244 flights annually by 2032, averaging 4 flights per day. Economic analysis shows an internal rate of return of 12.66 percent and a benefit–cost ratio of 1.07. If approvals proceed as scheduled, construction could begin in 2029, with operations expected to start in 2032. (NNT)
