Thailand plans to build new airport in Nakhon Pathom
The Thai government has announced a plan to construct a new airport in Nakhon Pathom to alleviate congestion at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports and serve western Bangkok population.
Residents of tambon Bang Rakam in Nakhon Pathom’s Bang Len district show a map featuring the areas being eyed for the new airport. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)
Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - The Thai government hasannounced a plan to construct a new airport in Nakhon Pathom to alleviatecongestion at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports and serve westernBangkok population.
The Department of Airports on December 17 held a market sounding seminar withpotential co-investors prior to expected construction in 2023.
Since 2018, the Department of Airports has been conducting feasibility studieson a new airport in Nakhon Pathom province based on passenger demand, alongwith economic, engineering, and environmental factors.
The studies suggest areas in Bang Len and Nakhon Chai Si districts in NakhonPathom are the most suitable for the construction of an airport, as they areonly 1:10 hours away from Bangkok, and are located just 5.3 kilometers awayfrom the Bang Yai - Kanchanaburi motorway project. The area also has railaccess.
The proposed new airport is to be located on 3,500 rai (5.6 km2) of land, onwhich there will be a 45x2,500 meter runway, three passenger terminals of115,740 square meters, accommodating 5,100 transit passengers per hour, withparking facilities for 4,200 cars.
The new airport will help alleviate passenger congestion at Bangkok Don Muangand Suvarnabhumi airports which are now operating over their capacity.
Thai Deputy Minister of Transport ThawornSenniam said three investment formats are being considered, with inputfrom the private sector taken into consideration. The final project studies areexpected to be concluded in mid-2020, which will then be proposed to theMinistry of Transport and the Cabinet for approval.
According to the current timeframe, construction of the new airport isscheduled to commence in 2023, with an opening date set for 2026. Contractorswill receive a 30-year contract.
The new airport is being designed to handle 30 million passengers annually, andhave the capacity to service 11,770 commercial flights in 2046./.
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Residents of tambon Bang Rakam in Nakhon Pathom’s Bang Len district show a map featuring the areas being eyed for the new airport. (Photo: bangkokpost.com) 
