The government has stated that the 290 billion baht (US$8.82 billion) U-Tapao aviation city will begin development early this year.
According to Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana, the project would create 15,600 new employment in the first five years and stimulate growth in Thailand’s aviation industry.
The investment plan calls for U-Tapao Airport to be transformed into a new international airport linked to Don Muang Airport and the kingdom’s flagship Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Tipanan went on to say that the 1,040 hectare public-private project in Thailand’s industrial east is intended at enticing visitors.
According to the government website, the project, dubbed “Eastern Aviation City,” would also contain a cargo free trade zone, an aviation training center, and aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities.
 U-Tapao aviation city will begin development early this year.){kind=link}