Pol. Lt. Gen. Tha Wi and Kamlasak Inspect New Narathiwat Airport Terminal, Urge State to Accelerate International Airlines
Narathiwat's new airport terminal is 78-79 percent complete with construction on track for September 2026 completion, but officials warn the real challenge is securing international airline partnerships to make the facility operational.
On May 23, 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Tha Wi Sodsong, advisor to the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee (former Justice Minister, Prachathai Party leader, and list MP), along with Kamlasak Liwamaulo, Narathiwat MP for District 5 from the Prachathai Party serving as commissioner of the committee on debt, poverty, and inequality reduction, inspected the new Narathiwat Airport terminal project in Nong Chik District, Mueang Narathiwat. The mega-project is being developed by CIS Joint Venture, partnering with a Chinese contractor.
The new passenger terminal's architectural structure is taking clear shape, featuring spacious hallways, large structural columns, and wooden ceiling finishing that reveals the building's beauty. Construction is progressing steadily with robust safety measures in place.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Tha Wi emphasized that monitoring this mega-project is not merely about tracking concrete and steel progress, but fundamentally about "hope and opportunity for the people." He views the new airport as crucial to "reducing inequality and solving poverty problems" in the southern border region. An internationally-standard airport will reduce travel costs and time for residents while supporting business, education, tourism, and Hajj pilgrimages for Thai Muslims.
However, Kamlasak raised a critical concern: the real challenge is not construction delays, but ensuring "international airlines will actually operate flights." The new terminal was designed to accommodate international routes, so the government must urgently secure airline partnerships, particularly with Malaysia. Without operational flights, the massive investment could become inefficient.
Progress reports show the overall project is 78-79 percent complete, with the main contractor confirming all architectural and structural work will finish by September 2026. Completed work includes the service building and parking lot (100 percent) and landscape improvements (100 percent).
