Call for Thailand to become regional aviation hub

The government and related agencies are being told to urgently develop Thailand as an Asian aviation hub to boost the country’s revenue amid a subdued economy.

- KOMSAN TORTERMVASANA

Thailand’s national airports have the strengths and capabilities to form aregional hub due to their strong infrastructure and aviation technology, according to Sithidej Mayalarp, chief executive of the SET-listed aviation technology company SKY ICT.

The related agencies should ease regulations to increase the number of domestic flight destinations, and promote flight slot trades and activities to attract inbound travellers, he added.

“Spending power through domestic consumption is not enough to drive the economy. We need more spending from inbound travellers to contribute greater revenue to the economy,” he said.

He said that as well as Thailand's geographical advantages, the country already has significant potential, citing wellness, travel, food, and tourist attractions.

Therefore, ensuring the safety of tourists and delivering a sincere service without overcharging would be a more effective form of economic stimulus than other policies that require time to yield results.