Aviation hotspot Thailand: 30 billion baht for new investment projects!

Aviation hotspot Thailand: 30 billion baht for new investment projects!

The future of air transport in Thailand is currently being paved at full speed! The Airports of Thailand (AOT) are pulling out all the stops and have announced that there are currently 16 projects in the pipeline aimed at awarding operating rights and concessions. These plans are no coincidence, as there is huge interest in the Thai market for private investments. Of particular note is the high potential land that AOT provides for development to promote both aviation and tourism growth in the country. Work is underway to create new economic centers that will provide comprehensive services for passengers.

As thethaiger.com reports, AOT plans to develop a total of 2,500 rai around six major airports, with an estimated project value of nearly 30 billion baht. AOT Acting President Pavina Chariyathitipong announced the event “AOT Property Showcase: The Six Pillars of Opportunity,” which is specifically aimed at attracting investors and exploring major business opportunities in the commercial areas of Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai airports.

Versatile investment opportunities

The areas on offer offer a variety of possible uses. From logistics centers to hotels to modern smart cities – the list is long. The locations in particular, strategically located close to main roads and important infrastructure projects, promise a lot of potential. A look at the specific locations shows:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport: 275 rai für Geschäftsflächen und angeschlossene Dienstleistungen.
• Hat Yai Airport: Diversifizierte Parzellen, ideal für Hotel- und Geschäftsprojekte.
• Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport: Möglichkeiten für großflächige Entwicklungen, die in direkter Nähe zum Terminal liegen.

The long-term leases offered by AOT are intended to incentivize investors to use the space more effectively. Sirot Doungrat, deputy executive vice president of business development and marketing at AOT, has indicated that rental prices will range from 4 baht to 240 baht per square meter per month.

Expansion of airport infrastructure

An important detail that shouldn't go unmentioned: passenger numbers at Thai airports have experienced an upswing in recent years. According to AOT's annual report, airports welcomed approximately 100 million passengers from October 2022 to September 2025, although not quite up to pre-COVID-19 numbers. Nevertheless, the future prospects are positive. AOT plans to invest approximately $10 billion in airport infrastructure over the next five years, primarily to increase capacity and improve service.

Suvarnabhumi Airport in particular is set to be upgraded, with an expansion of the terminals and the addition of a second satellite terminal. The feasibility study for this will start in 2025. Don Mueang International Airport is also on the agenda with a planned capacity increase to up to 50 million passengers per year. These large-scale projects are intended to position Thailand as an aviation hub in Asia and thus also offer opportunities for international companies in the field of airport construction and planning.

The Thai Prime Minister has the explicit goal of promoting the development of airports in order to increase competitiveness and shine as an aviation hub. The comprehensive plans impressively show that not only is a lot being invested in the future in Thailand, but that a clear strategy is also being pursued to make the country internationally oriented.

Overall, it can be said that a lot is happening in the aviation industry in Thailand and the course has been set to meet both the needs of passengers and the demands of investors. If you want to be there, you should prepare now for the exciting developments!

For more information, visit the sources: nationthailand.com, thethaiger.com, trade.gov.