Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt has asked the Airports of Thailand (AoT) to expand Phuket and Hat Yai airports in time for the launch of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.
Mr Chadchat said airport expansion would help cope with expected growth in tourism when the AEC starts in three years. Currently, passenger traffic is increasing by 10% each year.
The AoT must expand capacity at airports, particularly in Hat Yai and Phuket, to help cope with the expected surge in passenger traffic.
Plans to expand Phuket airport have been moving forward at a snail's pace, he said. Udon Thani airport, which is under the Civil Aviation Department, is also expected to draw a large number of tourists arriving in the northeastern province after the launch of the AEC.
If Suvarnabhumi airport is to reach its target of increasing passenger capacity in the next two years, the AoT needs to speed up its second-phase development, as well as third-phase construction of the runways and the cargo terminal, Mr Chadchat said. He has also asked the AoT board to ensure transparency in contract bidding at the agency.