THAILAND TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF $9 BLN ON “EASTERN AVIATION CITY”

Thailand will begin construction on the 290-billion baht ($8.82 billion) U-Tapao aviation city early this year 2023. The project will generate 15,600 additional jobs in the first five years and drive growth in Thailand’s aviation industry, Tipanan Sirichana said in statement on January 27, 2023.

The investment plan is slated to turn the Vietnam-war era U-Tapao airport into a new international airport linked up with a budget terminal, Don Muang airport, and the country’s main Suvarnabhumi Airport. The public-private project located in Thailand’s industrial east will cover 1,040 hectares (2,570 acres) and is aimed at attracting tourists.

The project named “EASTERN AVIATION CITY” will also include a free trade zone for cargo, an aviation training centre and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, a government website shows.

One Works was appointed as the lead designer for the project. The international architectural design and consultancy firm is hoping to increase traveler comfort while showcasing the colorful Thai culture. The exterior of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) was inspired by the traditional yor (fishing nets) in the nearby coastal towns in the Rayong Province. The bright, airy interior, meanwhile, will feature large skylights and plenty of verdant greenery.

The PTB will also be outfitted with an array of dining spots that evoke the spirit of Thai street markets. To top it off, the building will have a centrally-located Smart Eco Hub Retail area for shoppers and a Culture Village that will provide entertainment for all visitors. Essentially, it’s a place where you can dine and unwind before, during or after a trip.

“In the true sense of Thai hospitality, the PTB has been designed to put the passenger first—creating an inviting environment where the passenger can relax and appreciate

Thailand’s people-oriented services and culture as part of their journey,” the firm said in a statement.

With the expansion, U-Tapao International Airport could ultimately welcome between 60 million and 75 million passengers per annum. Perhaps we should call it the Eastern Aviation Metropolis.

• Robb Report, (2023), from https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/thailand-new-aviation-city-1234801545/ • Reuters, (2023), from https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/thailand-begin-construction-9-bln-aviation-city-this-year-2023-01-27/