The Transport and Finance Ministries have unlocked authority, empowering the Department of Airports to comprehensively manage state land at 28 regional airports, extending lease contracts up to 30 years, with a goal to double commercial revenue to 600 million baht per year.
Mr. Pattharaphong Pattharaprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport He revealed after signing a memorandum of understanding between the Treasury Department and the Department of Airports (DOA) that this cooperation integrates government work by authorizing the DOA to manage state land assets at all 28 regional airports with greater flexibility to develop commercial areas, generating income for the Treasury Department and improving regional airport services. This supports travel and economic growth aligned with the goal of making regional airports a key mechanism for regional development, linking air transport with the economy and tourism, and spreading prosperity to the provinces (Airport for Regional Development).
. Mr. Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports (DOA) He explained details of the new authority framework, stating that the DOA can directly sign lease or compensation contracts with the private sector for projects valued up to 500 million baht. Lease terms have been made more flexible compared to the previous maximum three-year limit, with new criteria as follows:
Indoor areas: leases up to 10 years (duty-free shops up to 15 years).
Outdoor areas not exceeding 2 rai: leases up to 20 years.
Outdoor areas exceeding 2 rai: leases up to 30 years.
With these lifted restrictions, the DOA expects to increase commercial revenue from the current average of 300 million baht per year by 100%, reaching approximately 600 million baht annually after payments to the Treasury. Additionally, the DOA has authority to manage contracts and pursue civil, criminal, and administrative cases to protect state interests.
The DOA Director-General emphasized that the department will use this opportunity to develop spaces meeting the needs of passengers and airlines, such as adding restaurants, coffee shops, and new facilities, as well as allocating space for community enterprises and small businesses to drive airports into “local economic centers.”
. Mr. Akarut Sontayanon, Director-General of the Treasury Department He added that as the regulator of state land, the Treasury Department has a crucial mission to manage state assets efficiently, transparently, and for maximum public benefit, following the VALUE strategy to enhance asset value and quality towards sustainable development. The signing of this memorandum marks a significant step in implementing the Treasury’s VALUE strategy and adapting operational mechanisms to current airport development contexts by empowering the DOA to manage and utilize state land more flexibly within legal, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
This not only facilitates management but also promotes investment, infrastructure development, and increased state asset value at regional airports nationwide, leading to improved services for the public, passengers, and local businesses. This collaboration
will serve as a model for integrated government agency work focused on achieving shared results, generating economic and social value, and tangible benefits for the public. Together, they will drive this cooperation forward as a starting point for maximizing state asset development for the nation’s benefit.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport; Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Mr. Pattharaphong Pattharaprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, who presided as chair and witnesses. The event took place in the Ratcharot Club meeting room at the Ministry of Transport, with Mr. Chayatham Promsorn, Permanent Secretary of Transport, and Mr. Lawan Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of Finance, signing on behalf of their ministries. Executives from the DOA, led by Mr. Danai Ruangsorn, and the Treasury Department, led by Mr. Akarut Sontayanon, were also present.
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