28 February 2003BANGKOK - The Thai government has decided to expand three airports in the northern province of Mae Hong Son, following complaints from Thai International Airways’ pilots that the runway at the main airport in Mai Hong Son is too short.
Deputy Transport Minister Pichet Sathirachawal, who inspected the provincial airport yesterday, said that its 2,000 metre-long runway met international aviation standards for Boeing 737-400, however the Aviation Department would extend the runway by 300 metres to allay pilots’ fears. Pichet said two other airports would also be considered for commercial flights, a military airport in Pai district and another in Mae Sariang district.
He said the ministry would allocate 300 million baht (US$7.2 million) to cover the cost of development at the additional airports which would service commercial flights. The move is a clear indication that the government is keen to promote the region as a tourist destination.
"Pai is the most beautiful of all the districts in Mae Hong Son, welcoming around 300 foreign visitors a day," said Pichet, adding that he would like to see domestic airlines opening up services between Thailand’s northern hub, Chiang Mai and Pai.
Foreign tourists visiting Pai district spent around 42 million baht (US$1 million) last year, while investors from resort destinations in southern Thailand are eyeing the region for the development of new five-star hotel properties.
Somdet Vitaykas, Pai’s district mayor said development of the airport at Pai would help to boost tourism in the district which was a popular destination for foreign visitors to Thailand.
THAI currently has four flights a day between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son using one Boeing 737-400 and a number of 66-seater ATR-72 aircraft.