A brand-new international airport terminal is set to open next month at Thailand’s emerging beach destination Sichon.
The $62.6 million Nakhon Si Thammarat international airport will boost its passenger capacity to four million passengers a year. At present, three airlines – Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air – fly to Nakhon Si Thammarat, all from Bangkok, with direct, scheduled flights from Asian markets such as Singapore, China, Taiwan and Malaysia set to roll out from next month.
“It is a significant moment in the history of one of Thailand’s most compelling destinations,” said Ravi Chandran, former CEO of Laguna Phuket and executive director of Urasaya, a luxury beachfront development in Sichon.
“With the new terminal geared for international travellers offering direct access, it not only reaffirms the existing domestic access from Bangkok, just like better known destinations such as Phuket and Chiang Mai, but a future that will see an increase in tourism investment and higher visitor numbers.”
Famed for its unspoiled beaches, forests, soaring mountains and pure, unpolluted air, the province is home to Khao Luang National Park featuring one of Thailand’s highest peaks.
Sichon was also named as one of Thailand’s 10 best beaches by Lonely Planet recently, while Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of Thailand’s oldest cities with a history that dates back over 1,200 years. The province is home to Thailand’s most ancient Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Mahathat, which dates from the early 13th Century.
“I’m very excited about the opening of the airport,” said Sichon-native Benjapop Benjathammatorn, owner of Sichon Cabana Resort.
“It will provide greatly improved access and an opportunity for international travellers to explore the active, healthy lifestyle we are focused providing across the destination.”
