Thai Airways asked to consider Hua Hin international flights
Thai Airways has been asked to consider adding international flights to Hua Hin and other regional airports as part of a government plan to strengthen domestic tourism and improve air connectivity across Thailand.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting at the Ministry of Transport on 29 May, chaired by Mr Phattharaphong Phattharaprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Department of Airports, the Civil Aviation Training Centre, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, and Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.
Mr Phattharaphong said the talks focused on ways to develop Thailand’s aviation industry, increase flight routes, and promote travel from major cities to secondary destinations.
He said Thai Airways had been asked to consider adding domestic routes from major cities to regional airports under the supervision of the Department of Airports. These include Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Udon Thani.
The discussions also included the possibility of increasing international flights to Krabi, Surat Thani and Hua Hin from key source markets such as Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Officials said the aim is to make travel more convenient for the public and tourists, while helping distribute income to regional areas. The plan would be developed in coordination with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to encourage more domestic travel by both Thai and foreign tourists.
Regional airports to support tourism growth
Mr Phattharaphong said seven secondary destinations had been identified as part of the plan: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Hua Hin, Phrae and Roi Et.
He said relevant agencies had been instructed to prepare joint plans, while the Department of Airports had been told to speed up work under its regional airport development plan.
The aim is to upgrade regional airports so they can play a greater role in local economic development, supporting both ground services and air transport.
Mr Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports, said the department was ready to support additional flights. He said airports under its supervision had the capacity to handle aircraft and that staff were prepared to support expanded services.
He added that cooperation with local agencies would be important in linking air travel with tourism in each destination.
Thai Airways cooperation also discussed
The meeting also covered possible cooperation between Thai Airways and the Civil Aviation Training Centre.
Dr Waraporn Temkaew, Deputy Governor for Administration and Acting Governor of the Civil Aviation Training Centre, said the institute was ready to accept student pilots from Thai Airways as the airline prepares for future expansion.
Officials also discussed cooperation between Thai Airways and Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel to provide short-stay rooms for passengers or airline staff who need accommodation while waiting for flights.
Thai Airways also expressed interest in supporting the expansion of Krabi Airport’s market and tourist base. The airline said it would be ready to add flights if suitable opportunities arise.
Officials said the work would continue under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport, with the aviation sector seen as one way to support the economy and distribute income to regional areas.
