Pattaya City Receives Nearly 1,365 Million Baht to Expand Transportation System

Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome revealed, “The government has allowed 1,365 million baht to be spent on improving Pattaya’s transportation
system. 630 million Baht will be spent on improving the terminals at the Pattaya U-Tapao international airport. The runway, as well as plane parking area, will also be expanded to be able to provide more flights as well as to hold more charter flights, which are rented flights. The improvements are expected to be completed mid 2011.”

When the project is completed, Pattaya U-Tapao International Airport will be able to service double the current number of flights. The airport will be able to accommodate 150 international charter flights.

“The other 735 million baht will be put toward expanding car and boat parking areas around the Bali Hai Pier. The parking spaces will be built on 15 rai of land and will be able to hold 420 cars and 400 boats to meet with the increasing number of tourists. This project is expected to be completed around the end of 2010,” added Mayor Itthiphol.

The Mayor also reported on the current state of tourism during this high season saying, “It can be clearly seen since September that the tourism rate is around 80%, which is a good number considering the past chaos. We have done many marketing campaigns to draw tourists. Next year will also be a good year for us since there will be more five star hotels opening. We will spend about 40 million baht to promote tourism in Pattaya.”