Construction on the 290-billion baht Eastern Aviation City centred on U-Tapao airport will begin early this year, deputy government spokeswoman Tipanan Sirichana said on Friday.
The project will generate 15,600 additional jobs in the first five years and drive growth in the country’s aviation industry, Ms Tipanan said in statement.
The investment plan is slated to turn the Vietnam-war era U-Tapao airport in Rayong into a new international airport linked up with Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
The public-private project, a centrepiece of the Eastern Economic Corridor, will cover 1,040 hectares and is aimed at attracting tourists, said Ms Tipanan.
The Eastern Aviation City will also include a free trade zone for cargo, an aviation training centre and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor website shows.