The transformation of Hua Hin Airport: a new hub for international travel

Prime Minister Shretha Thavisin has proposed expanding Hua Hin Airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan province to accommodate international flights. The initiative aims to attract more travelers from nearby Phetchaburi province, which offers rich cultural and culinary tourism as well as the popular Cha-Am Beach.

Shretha suggested changing the name of the expanded airport to "Pech-Hua Hin" to reflect its connection to Phetchaburi, where "Phet" means "diamond" in Thai. He discussed the idea with Transport Minister Suria Jungrangrengkit, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachotte during a visit to the airport.

Hua Hin Airport, managed by the Airports Department, covers 492 rai (78.72 hectares or 194.57 acres). It has a two-storey terminal building of 7,200 square metres, capable of handling 300 passengers per hour, and an aircraft parking area of ​​11,000 square metres. Currently, it can accommodate three Airbus A320 aircraft and houses the Civil Aviation Training Centre, Civil Aviation Institute and Hua Hin Royal Rainmaking Centre. Thai AirAsia is the only airline operating here, with daily flights to Chiang Mai.

Prime Minister Srith highlighted the untapped potential of the airport. The runway and safety areas are being expanded to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, with the target being completed within a year and a half to be ready for the peak tourist season in the fourth quarter of next year.

He stressed that Hua Hin and Cha-am, with their hotels and golf courses, are suitable for international tourists. Currently, the airport operates only one flight per day, which previously operated three times a week.

The expansion could bring more tourists from places like Hat Yai and Malaysia, supporting the government's goal of increasing tourist stay in Thailand. Previous developments at Hua Hin Airport included improvements to the runway to accommodate Airbus A320 aircraft.

The ongoing project includes upgrading safety standards with a new road tunnel to comply with ICAO standards and expanding safety areas around the runways. A second bidding process has been announced for these upgrades. Once completed, Hua Hin Airport will meet international standards and significantly boost local transportation and economic development.