The Royal Thai Navy has broken ground on a new passenger terminal for U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport that will see the former military air stop transformed into a modern international air hub for the Pattaya area.
Navy Commander in Chief Adm. Kamthorn Pumhiran laid the cornerstone for the 468 million baht facility July 20. He said the airport, built during the Vietnam War for American bombers, would upon completion be able to handle as many as 1,500 passengers per hour.
Navy Commander in Chief Adm. Kamthorn Pumhiran (center) and high ranking officers inspect a model of the new facilities at U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport.
The construction work by ESCON Construction Development Co. calls for a two-floor, 25,800 sq. m. terminal able to support four large planes simultaneously. Work is expected to take 15 months.
U-Tapao’s expansion became necessary after yellow-shirted anti-government protestors shut down Bangkok’s two international airports in 2008. Pressed into service as the country’s main gateway, U-Tapao was over-run with stranded travelers, causing horrific delays and critical damage to the country’s image.
The government announced an 868 million baht expansion plan in May 2009 with a terminal, new parking facilities, fuel depot, fire-fighting systems, x-ray machines and improvements to other equipment and landscaping. About 468 million baht will be used for adjustments and developing the departure and arrival halls, with the remainder to be used for purchasing the necessary tools and equipment for the airport.
