The air force has agreed to give up its Kantarat Golf Course located between runways of Don Mueang Airport and allow access to some of its other properties for the development of state projects, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Mr Srettha said a committee will work out ways to hand over Kantarat Golf Course, widely known as Sanam Ngu (field full of snakes), now owned and operated by the air force to the government so the land can be developed for the benefit of the public.

The prime minister said the air force offered to hand over the golf course upon hearing of the government plan to expand Don Mueang Airport. The golf course sits between the runways.

Last month, the air force opposed a Move Forward Party (MFP) call to hand over the golf course, fearing workers there might lose their jobs.

Mr Srettha added the air force will permit the outer ringroad under construction around downtown Chiang Mai to cut through their Wing 41 area. The project will relieve traffic congestion in central Chiang Mai.