BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha hailed the opening of Betong Airport in Yala province as a gateway to economic development in the South, after the first charter flight from Bangkok landed on Saturday (Jan 29).
The Don Muang-Betong route operated by Nok Air will boost business and tourism in Betong district, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Sunday.
The new airport is part of the government’s plan to develop the economy and security in the three southern border provinces, which remain under emergency rule aimed amid a two-decade-old separatist insurgency.
The airport will form a hub connecting the three provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala under the government’s regional development plan.
The plan categorises Pattani as an “Agricultural Zone”, Narathiwat’s Sungai-Klok district as the "Border Trade Connecting City" and Yala’s Betong district as a "Model Tourism City". These three zones will be linked to boost development and create employment.
Airlines have been granted permission to fly two commercial routes to Yala.
These are the Don Muang-Betong-Don Muang route and the Hat Yai-Betong-Hat Yai route.
Betong Airport is also serving both government and private flights.
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