Buri Ram - The province is set to expand its commercial airport to accommodate growing visitor traffic after it was granted a budget of 140 million baht for the project.
A source in the provincial office said the budget was approved by the Nakhon Chaiburin provincial administrative cluster comprising Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum and Surin provinces.
Buri Ram has enjoyed brisk economic progress in recent years, thanks in large part to the success of the homegrown football team and its stadium as well as the FIA Grade 1 motor racing circuit, which has drawn many tourists to the province. The province is also home to Khmer-influenced cultural attractions.
A rapid increase in the number of visitors to Buri Ram has prompted a spike in demand for air travel to the area, making it necessary to expand the province's only commercial airport. The money will be spent on extending the aircraft parking area.
The extension will add space for parking a maximum of six 180-seater Boeing 737-400 aircraft, up from two aircraft of such size at present. An additional taxiway will also be built.