Mr Udorn, who recently announced his bid to run in the Hua Hin mayoral election, said Hua Hin airport has been underutilised despite its potential and transport authorities should consider increasing the number of direct international flights.
He noted that a budget of 250 million baht has been allocated to expand the runway and improve the terminal at Hua Hin airport as part of a planned upgrade.
He said the districts of Hua Hin and Pran Buri in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Cha-am district in Phetchaburi have been upgraded as international tourist destinations, so it is important to launch more direct international flights to facilitate the travel of foreign visitors.
According to Mr Udorn, currently Thai AirAsia operates flights between Hua Hin to Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur four times a week which is not enough. Before servicing regular fights in May 2018, the airport handled only chartered flights.
"If Hua Hin airport becomes fully international, it will make travel more convenient for foreign tourists. It will strengthen tourism competitiveness for local business operators and communities," he said.
He said despite Covid-19 having disrupted travel and tourism, Hua Hun will come back stronger when the sector rebounds and it is time for authorities to plan ahead. He said potential markets are China, Hong Kong, Macau, India and Singapore.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... to-hua-hin
Jumping the gun a bit ... the country is unlikely to open this year. Has he spoke to the travel bubble people that haven't even included Hua Hin?!
