Bueng kan: Plans are underway to build an airport in Bueng Kan, expected to be operational in 2032. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) revealed the progress of the ‘Bueng Kan Airport’ project, which aims to upgrade the border economy and connect Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2029 and the airport is expected to open in 2032.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Mallika Chiraphanvanich, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited the construction site of Bueng Kan Airport in Bueng Kan Province to monitor progress and promote the project. The aim is to facilitate air transport in Bueng Kan Province, support economic, social, and political development in the northeastern border region, boost tourism, and connect the South China Sea (Vietnam – Laos – Thailand – Myanmar) to the Indian Ocean, thereby facilitating trade, investment, and tourism in Bueng Kan Province.
Mr. Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports, stated that the Bueng Kan Airport construction project in Bueng Kan Province began with a feasibility study and selection of a suitable airport location in 2021. Subsequently, in 2023, detailed design of the new passenger terminal and amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report were undertaken. Currently, the project is in the EIA submission stage, with the third clarification submission already completed and a meeting to review the report held on December 19, 2025. Upon completion, the project will proceed to the Cabinet for approval to proceed to the next stage.
The Director-General of the Department of Airports further stated that, according to the feasibility study, the proposed Bueng Kan Airport construction project has a suitable location in Pong Puey Subdistrict, So Phisai District, and Wisit Subdistrict, Mueang Bueng Kan District. It is approximately 12 kilometers from Bueng Kan city center and the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, and 188 kilometers from the three surrounding airports in Bueng Kan Province: Udon Thani Airport (194 kilometers), Sakon Nakhon Airport (190 kilometers), and Nakhon Phanom Airport (188 kilometers). The airport area will be divided into landside (non-airport area) of 2,542 rai and airside area (aerospace area) 1,858 rai, with a total project value of 8,196 million baht.
The projected passenger and flight volume in 2032 is 149,172 passengers per year and 1,244 flights per year, averaging 4 flights per day. In terms of economic feasibility, the study found an Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of 12.66% and a Benefit-Cost Ratio (B/C) of 1.07, concluding that the project is suitable for implementation. The Department of Airports anticipates that if the project is approved, construction can begin in 2029 and the airport can be operational in 2032.