The first Thailand International Air Show will take place in 2027, jointly hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Policy Committee on the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and Pattaya City to promote the kingdom as an aviation hub of Asean.
It will be held at U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong province and is expected to raise the value of the nation's aviation industry to 1.2 trillion baht, the three parties announced yesterday.
Details of the event will be unveiled next year, they added.
TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, who will serve as chairman of the air show, said it was important for Thailand to host international events of this stature to bolster its standing in the world.
It will help promote Thailand as one of the world's leading manufacturers and exporters of aerospace components, he said.
According to the Office of Investment Promotion data, the country exported aircraft parts and equipment worth US$3.18 billion in 2018.
Chokchai Panyayong, an infrastructure development specialist on the EEC Policy Committee, said the government agency aims to shore up investment, enhance innovation and develop more advanced technology in Thailand.
The committee is also responsible for facilitating business in the Eastern Special Development Zone, he said.
This project is consistent with U-Tapao Airport's development policy and the EEC's Eastern Aviation City, he added.
Sonthaya Khunpluem, Pattaya's Mayor, hailed the move as "a great response to NEO Pattaya's strategy to push Pattaya to be a Smart City and the centre of economy, investment and transportation in the eastern region".