Work started on October 16 to upgrade the international terminal, which is phase one of the airport improvement project and expected to take around one year to complete.
The upgrade will double the airport’s passenger capacity from the current official figure of 6.5 million a year to 12.5 million.
In the other phases, the number of aircraft stands will increase from 15 to 21, the number of airbridges will be increased to 11 from the current seven, and parking spaces will increase from 500 to 1,500.
Customs officers would also undergo more training to deal with international tourists, such as learning other languages.
The entire project, costing B5.79 billion, will take approximately 31 months to complete, with completion scheduled for May 2015.
To keep up with increased demand, Mr Maitree said yesterday (October 24) that, “The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has an electricity budget of B5 billion – some of which we will spend on a new power station next to the airport.”
A new water pipe would also be built from Bang Jo reservoir, which was nearby the airport.
“There is no need to worry about water supply because we can build this new pipe,” said Mr Maitree.
He recommend the AOT to advise the public about the news and possible inconvenience, suggesting large signs be put up on route to the airport so people are advised of the changes.
He said he would work with the Highways Department to ensure that traffic flowed well, despite a number of temporary roads being set up.
He will also be looking at irrigation, flood protection measures, lane expansion, garbage destruction and waste water treatment issues.