The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has revealed that it is considering relocating a training base for Thai and Singaporean F-16 fighter jets to Nam Phong Air Base in Khon Kaen province over the next 3-4 years in order to address noise concerns.
The move is intended to help residents living near the air base in Udon Thani province cope with excessive noise created by fighter jet engines.
A meeting convened by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the RTAF, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and local residents discussed increasing noise pollution in recent years, particularly during take-offs and landings.
Gp Capt Wisarut Chanthapradit, commander of the RTAF’s 23rd air wing, said all parties are making every effort to address complaints and resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
According to the commander, the base typically only has three or four jets in service during this time of the year. However, up to 12 aircraft have been sent to the province to participate in a variety of training programs, resulting in the current noise situation.
Sarawut Petchpanomporn, the Pheu Thai Member of Parliament for Udon Thani and chairman of the House committee, expressed his support for the air force’s decision to relocate the training base. He also requested additional assistance and counseling for residents impacted by the increased air traffic.
According to Sayan Meekaew, chief of the Environment Office’s environment quality control division, hazardous noise levels have so far been detected across three areas near the base. (NNT)
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