The news that AOT, the organisation that manages Thailand’s international airports, is proceeding with plans to build a new hub in Phang-Nga, has been welcomed by local stakeholders.
Conceived as a way to ease pressure on the region’s infrastructure, the construction is part of the 140 million baht (US$3.8 million) Andaman-Lamphun project, with the goal of building two new airports in Lampuhun and Khok Kloi in Phang-Nga for 70 million baht each.
With Phang-Nga’s proximity to Phuket, where there has been demand from local businesses for a second hub on the island to process the surge in arrivals, the new airport is welcomed news. Phuket’s rapid tourism recovery has driven a sharp rise in recovery, but it has also impacted the island’s population profile.
Bill Barnet, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, explained the effect of the influx of travellers and the need for increased connectivity.
“Covid-19 saw a dramatic urban flight of new residents from Bangkok and expat migration from Hong Kong, Singapore, the US and others. Also, the Russian-Ukraine conflict sparked a significant rise in residents. The island’s real estate sector has boomed, and the island is now embroiled in a looming infrastructure crisis.
“The need for a second airport (nearby) is not all about tourism – though it’s hard to ignore that the current facility also serves a growing Khao Lak hotel sector – Phang-Nga is (also) a secondary gateway for nearby Krabi.
“The long-term growth of Phuket and the Andaman region is clearly moving ahead, and a single airport on the island simply cannot cope with the growing population and urbanisation of Phuket. Something has to give.”
Duncan Worthington, chief strategist, Infinity Communications, cites how the move might increase footfall and boost the local economy.
He said: “We don’t see the Phang-Nga airport significantly impacting our business. If it drives arrival numbers (and not simply disperses them), then there could be some trickle-down benefits by creating more businesses and local jobs.”
Worthington has some reservations about the construction project’s impact on the environment but believes if the work is carried out sustainably, then it can only be for the good of the region.
“Infrastructure is a concern – the road network from the new airport to the coastal resort destination, as well as those inland, will need upgrading to support the increased traffic volume, which could mean expansion and land appropriation. Several national parks and green spaces in the area also need to be protected.
“Overall, the move is a good one. Short-term, giving travellers easier access to the destination is a positive for local hospitality businesses. If the pre-pandemic growth trajectory for Phang-Nga returns long-term, the airport will likely become a key economic driver benefitting the core hospitality industry. If the airport also helps to disperse visitors from Phuket and takes pressure off the island environmentally and infrastructure-wise, then that would also be a positive.”
