Bangkok: The Royal Thai Air Force has announced the successful acquisition of additional certifications for two public airports, Phitsanulok and Krabi, marking significant progress towards establishing a regional aviation hub. The certifications underscore a commitment to maintaining high standards and set the stage for future developments, including the potential elevation of Nakhon Si Thammarat to airport status.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Manop Jareonsri, Deputy Minister of Transport, shared that the Department of Airports (DoA) received the operating certificate for Phitsanulok Airport on July 1 and subsequently for Krabi Airport on July 4, 2025. These certifications represent the 4th and 5th public airport certifications granted to DoA-operated facilities. The certification process adheres to Section 45 of the Royal Decree amending the Air Navigation Act, stipulating that public airports managed by government agencies must be inspected by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) before ce
rtification.
Mrs. Manop emphasized the importance of maintaining CAAT standards across the five certified airports, which include Betong, Buriram, Surat Thani, Phitsanulok, and Krabi Airports. She instructed these airports to adhere strictly to operational standards as outlined in their certificates, ensure the accuracy and currency of their Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), and conduct annual internal audits. Additionally, the Airports of Thailand (AOT) is urged to expedite the certification process for other airports in development.
Mrs. Manop highlighted that the certification of airports under TAT supervision signifies compliance with physical and operational standards, boosting confidence among passengers and airline operators. This assurance facilitates the expansion of flight routes and positions these airports as pivotal regional aviation hubs.
Mr. Danai Ruangson, Director-General of the Department of Airports, detailed the ongoing certification process for 19 additional airports under AO
T supervision. This multi-phase process includes preparation, formal application, document verification, operational verification, and ultimately, certification, with Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport poised to be the next recipient.
The AOT aims to expedite processes in phases 4 and 5, implementing CAAT recommendations to ensure timely certification and achieve the target of securing two additional certificates by 2026.