Pattrapong Accelerates Air Traffic Control Tower Project to Support Surging Chiang Mai Airport Demand

Deputy Transport Minister Pattrapong Pattraprasit announced following his inspection of Chiang Mai International Airport, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), and the Chiang Mai Air Navigation Center under Radio Navigation Company of Thailand (RTCT) that Chiang Mai province is a crucial economic, tourism, and transportation hub for northern Thailand. Developing aviation infrastructure and air transportation services is essential to support long-term national growth and position Thailand as a world-class aviation hub.

This requires integrated coordination between ground and air sector agencies to increase capacity for flight volumes and establish Chiang Mai as the region's Northern Connectivity Hub. Chiang Mai International Airport serves as the region's critical gateway, while the Chiang Mai Air Navigation Center is the heart of safe, orderly, and efficient air traffic management. These two entities must function seamlessly as the "two primary mechanisms" driving aviation development. The ministry supports accelerating expansion of Chiang Mai International Airport, constructing the new air traffic control tower, and expediting study of transportation connections between the airport and key city areas to enhance convenience for residents and tourists.

During the visit, officials also reviewed northern region transportation network development plans and new railway projects, including the Denchai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong line, while addressing traffic management issues in Chiang Mai province at Highway Division 1 headquarters. The minister emphasized that all agencies must continue developing infrastructure to support northern aviation growth and sustainable economic development.

Surachai Nuphrom, acting director-general of RTCT, noted that the Chiang Mai Air Navigation Center manages air traffic across northern Thailand for both security and civilian operations, requiring the highest safety standards. RTCT has implemented advanced aviation technology and aircraft tracking systems to enhance efficiency and safety, accommodating increasing air traffic volumes. The agency is also designing complex airspace management using Metroplex concepts to support construction of the planned "Lanna Airport" as a second airport for Chiang Mai province.

RTCT is committed to integrating cooperation among aviation agencies according to Deputy Transport Minister Pattrapong's policy to enhance northern airspace capacity and advance Thailand as an aviation hub, elevating Chiang Mai International Airport as a key regional connector to drive economic growth and tourism.