Thailand will start building an $8.8 billion aerotropolis in eastern Rayong province in 2023, a government spokesman said. Tipanan Sirichana said the project would create 15,600 jobs in the first five years and boost growth in Thailand's aviation industry.

The plan is to expand U-Tapao Airport, south of Pattaya. Plans for 1040 hectares were approved in 2020 but have been stalled by the pandemic. Bangkok subway operator BTS Group will oversee the expansion of the airport itself, adding a third terminal and other facilities.

Then a free trade zone will be built, called Eastern Aviation City. Italian architects One Works designed the project's master plan for Indian conglomerate GMR Group, Thai AirAsia and other stakeholders.

The plan is part of Thailand's plan to boost economic growth in the coastal strip between Bangkok and Pattaya, known as the Eastern Economic Corridor. In addition to the U-Tapao plan, there will be plans to expand Don Mueang and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, with the three airports to be linked by a $7.2 billion high-speed railway.

U-Tapao was completed in 1966 by the US Air Force, which used it as a base for B-52 bombers during the Vietnam War. After the upgrade, it is estimated that the passenger throughput will reach 60 million, making it one of the top international airports.Editor/XingWentao