Thai Prime Minister Eyes Koh Samui Infrastructure Projects

Thailand’s Prime Minster Srettha Thavisin’s trip to the resort island of Koh Samu focused on two  infrastructure projects.

First, is the ongoing issue of expanding the island’s gateway airport, with a new feasibility study currently underway and to be completed by year-end for possible expansion.

Bangkok Airways who operate the airport is reportedly undertaking further land acquisition, though this is a longstanding legacy issue.

With a single runway just over two kilometers long, the airport is unable to land larger aircraft than an Airbus A319 which is a significant inhibitor of airlift.

Second, is a cruise ship terminal which is still in the process of site selection. The project is expected to go to the government’s Public Private Partnership Committee within the year.

In our opinion, the Prime Minister’s approach to funding these mega-infrastructure projects through PPP’s is a fundamental move in the right direction to address the country’s tourism infrastructure.