Speaking at the Third InternationalCivil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Global Aviation Cooperation Symposium heldin Phuket from July 22-24, Saksayam said the government has pledged its fullsupport for the country's 20-year national strategy for the development of theaviation industry.
To achieve this goal, Thailand isspeeding up developing its aviation infrastructure, and will turn Rayongprovince's U-Tapao airport into the country's aviation centre in the East, hesaid.
Under the U-Tapao development plan, anew passenger terminal, a second runway, an aircraft repair and maintenancecentre and a building for training of aviation personnel will be built, he added.
The minister added that the development ofU-Tapao airport is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme and theairport will become one of the most important airports in the region in thefuture.
Meanwhile, head of the Civil AviationAuthority of Thailand Chula Sukmanop said Asia and the Pacific now has the fastest-growingaviation sector in the world.
Thailand, in particular, has seen strongperformance in aviation development over the past three to four years, whichmade it suitable for this international meeting, he said.
In October 2017, the ICAO lifted its redflag for significant safety concerns, indicating that Thailand's aviationsafety standards now meet international standards.
The EECis the most important investment initiative of the Thai government. Stretchingthe eastern provinces of Rayong, Chon Buri and Chachoengsao, it is developed totransform the localities into technology and manufacturing hubs which areconnected to ASEAN countries via roads and sea and air routes by 2021. -VNA