Royal Thai Navy Launches Second Runway Project at U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong province
The Royal Thai Navy has formally begun construction of the second runway and taxiway at U-Tapao International Airport, marking a major step in efforts to develop the Eastern Aviation City and strengthen Thailand’s position as a regional aviation hub. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 29 November, led by Admiral Phairoj Fueangchan, the Navy Commander-in-Chief, at the Isolated Pad area of the airport in Ban Chang, Rayong. Provincial officials, Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) representatives and executives from Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) attended as witnesses.
The event was highlighted by the symbolic button-press to release the pile-driving weight, signalling the official start of construction. Officials described the ceremony as a milestone in developing key infrastructure to transform U-Tapao International Airport into an aviation centre for Thailand and ASEAN. The project forms part of the broader Eastern Aviation City plan under the EEC framework.
The second runway and taxiway project has long been regarded as crucial to national economic development. On 30 October 2018, the Cabinet approved the principle of the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development, with a budget framework of 17.768 billion baht to fund the runway and taxiway works. On 1 November 2022, the Cabinet further approved a change in project financing from direct budget allocation to borrowing under Section 22 of the Public Debt Management Act B.E. 2548, with authorised borrowing of 16.210 billion baht.
Officials and stakeholders said the construction phase represents a significant step forward in advancing the EEC’s long-term goals. The project is expected to support increased aviation capacity, attract new investment and enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in the region. The development is also seen as essential to accommodating future passenger and cargo growth once the airport expansion is completed.
Naewna reported that authorities will now proceed with the full construction schedule following the groundbreaking. Further coordination among government agencies, contractors and EEC bodies will continue as work progresses. The runway project will form a central component of the airport’s transformation as Thailand moves ahead with its regional aviation ambitions.
Key Takeaways
• The Royal Thai Navy has begun construction of U-Tapao Airport’s second runway and taxiway following a formal groundbreaking on 29 November.
• The project, approved in 2018 with revised financing in 2022, involves more than 16 billion baht in borrowing.
• Authorities view the development as a key step in advancing the EEC and positioning Thailand as a regional aviation hub.
Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-11-30
Source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1380248-navy-launches-second-runway-project-at-u-tapao-airport/
