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Betong Airport is expected to boost local economy and tourism after COVID-19 situation eases

Bangkok, 20 July 2021 – Betong Airport, in Betong district, Yala province, is expected to begin operations after the COVID-19 situation eases. Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) Rear Admiral Somkiat Pholprayoon reported the progress of the Betong Airport project at a meeting of the Committee for the Mobilization of Solutions to the Southern Border Provinces Problems.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon, took place on 12 July 2021 via a videoconference. It discussed various projects on the development of the southern border provinces.

The SBPAC Secretary-General told the meeting that he had held a consultation recently with representatives from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports on preparation for the opening of Betong Airport.

Discussions with relevant agencies also touched on the issues of airport fee waivers, the reduction of fuel oil tax, and tourism promotion. SBPAC will also coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for talks with Malaysia on airspace and aircraft landing.

Betong Airport will be the 29th regional airport under the supervision of the Department of Airports. It covers an area of 368 acres, and can accommodate more than 1,000 passengers a day.

The new airport will facilitate travel to and from the southern border provinces and boost the local economy and tourism. It is also expected to contribute to peacebuilding in the deep South.

Duangporn Suvanmanee, Director of Betong Airport, said, “People throughout Thailand and tourists are aware of the beauty of Betong Airport and the charms of Yala Province. With the airport being operational, we expect a greater number of visitors who are interested in visiting the southernmost district of Thailand.”

“We see [it as] a landmark of Yala. We use a signature bamboo species of Betong to decorate the airport. The atmosphere of the airport is comfortable, transparent and spacious. During peak time, our airport can accommodate 300 passengers per hour,” she added.

– Construction+ Online

Source: Thai Government PR Department