Bangkok: The government has mandated the Port Department to swiftly tackle the issue of contractors abandoning their work, necessitating legal action and the appointment of a new contractor by March. Trang Airport is expected to open as scheduled this year.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, the deputy government spokeswoman, disclosed that an inspection revealed 23 government construction projects in Trang Province are affected by contractor abandonment, with a total value exceeding 2,496 million baht. This situation has impeded infrastructure development and caused public concern. A significant project impacted is the construction of a new passenger terminal at Trang Airport, which was over 98.34% complete but was halted due to the original contractor's financial difficulties.
The Department of Airports (DoA), under the Ministry of Transport, provided updates on the Trang Airport development, which includes four main projects. The runway, taxiway, and aircraft parking apron construction and improvement project, with a budget of 678.4 million baht, has been completed and is awaiting approval to open. This apron can host 8 large aircraft and introduces 3 new taxiways. The runway length extension project aims to stretch the runway from 2,100 meters to 2,990 meters, including updates to the airport's electrical system, with a budget of 1,775.7 million baht and is currently 37% complete. Additionally, a 674 rai land expropriation project, budgeted at 868 million baht, is underway to extend the runway length, with compensation payments and demolitions in the expropriated area in progress.
For the new passenger terminal building, which costs 1,070 million baht, the DoA is in the process of appointing a new contractor after terminating the previous contract. This process will comply with legal requirements, with a new contractor expected by March 2025. The terminal will open for domestic flights by May 2025 and fully for both domestic and international flights by October 2025.
Upon project completion, Trang Airport will increase its capacity from 1.7 million to 3.4 million passengers annually. The apron will accommodate 8 large aircraft, including provisions for private and government aircraft. Additionally, parking space will expand to support 1,370 cars, catering to the expected rise in passenger numbers.
Ms. Sasikarn emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing transportation infrastructure development, resolving delays promptly to ensure Trang Airport opens as planned. This development aims to enhance travel, stimulate the economy, and boost the province's transportation capacity. The government assures that all projects will be closely monitored to ensure public benefit.