Bangkok airport gets new terminal as Thailand braces for visa-free Chinese tourist rush

Airports of Thailand Pcl, which operates Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi international airport, on Friday opened for trial the satellite terminal built at a cost of about 35 billion baht (US$1 billion).

Airlines including Thai units of AirAsia X Bhd and Vietjet Aviation JSC will operate from the facility, which is expected to reach its full capacity of 15 million passengers next year.

The addition of the new terminal comes as Thailand is expecting a rush of tourists during the so-called high season from now until the end of February for the local travel industry.

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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who attended the terminal’s soft launch, said his government was promoting tourism as it can quickly help stimulate the nation’s sagging economy.

“Tourism can create jobs and income for the Thai people quickly,” Srettha said. “I am confident the new facility will make a good impression on international travellers” with its spacious layout and modern designs that may help position Bangkok as an aviation hub for the region, he said.

With the addition of the satellite terminal that is connected to the main airport building through automated trains, Suvarnabhumi’s annual passenger capacity will jump to 60 million from 45 million now.

Airports of Thailand is also building a third runway at the airport that will be completed in the third quarter of next year, increasing aircraft handling capacity to 94 flights per hour from 68 now.

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Thailand rolls out red carpet for Chinese tourists on visa-free scheme

Thailand rolls out red carpet for Chinese tourists on visa-free scheme

Srettha’s government, which took power earlier this month, has waived visa requirements for Chinese and Kazakh travellers for a five-month period to lure more holidaymakers as Thai economy faces headwinds from rising in oil prices and sluggish exports.

Chinese were the largest group of visitors to the Southeast Asian country before the pandemic, accounting for about 28 per cent of the record 40 million foreign arrivals in 2019.

Thailand, popular for its tourist destinations from temples to beaches, is expected to welcome between 25 million to 30 million travellers this year, who may generate 1.5 trillion baht in revenue, according to the government. The country saw 19.5 million tourists arrive so far this year, with the travellers from Malaysia, China and South Korea topping the list.