Infrastructure is everything. The driving force of growth and prosperity.

And Pattaya has its own airport: U‑Tapao International Airport — just 35 km south of Pattaya, near Rayong.

 

U‑Tapao: Gateway to Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard

This Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) aviation hub offers flights to domestic destinations like Samui, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Udon Thani, plus international routes to Macao, Nanchang (China), Sanya (China), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Irkutsk (Russia).

Currently serving 800,000 arrivals per year, U‑Tapao is projected to grow to 3 million annually.

A THB 620 million investment delivered the second terminal (soft‑opened Q1 2017), kicking off a three‑year first‑phase development.

 

Expansion Plans

The Thai government’s master plan will boost capacity to:

  • 15 million passengers in phase two

  • 30 million in 10 years

  • 60 million in 15 years

Planned facilities include:

  • Air‑freight services and high‑tech warehousing

  • Aircraft‑repair facility

  • Aviation training centre

With 6,500 rai (1,040 ha) earmarked, U‑Tapao will anchor the first special economic zone in the EEC.

 

Connectivity: High‑Speed Rail & Motorways

Thailand’s five mega‑projects include a double‑track railway and high‑speed rail linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U‑Tapao airports.

Travel time from Bangkok to U‑Tapao will be just 45 minutes — a game‑changer for tourism, commuting, and Pattaya property investment.

 

Economic Ripple Effect

The Board of Investment (BOI) is delighted, seeing a major boost for the local economy. Multinationals like GE, Chromalloy, and Triumph have already invested in the Eastern Seaboard, leveraging Thailand’s highly skilled ancillary industries.

Real estate developers, investors, and businesses in Pattaya are equally excited. More expat residents and tourists mean a stronger foundation for growth.

 

Pattaya’s Bright Future

The city’s reputation as a destination of choice will rise. Expect:

  • Expansion of the Pattaya housing market and condos for sale in Pattaya

  • Growth in commercial sectors — shopping malls, schools, hospitals, medical centres

  • Increased demand for luxury property Pattaya and beachfront property Pattaya

For buyers in emerging markets, growth means better quality, wider choices, and competitive prices — a win‑win.

🔗 Related Reading

 

Let’s Talk

As one of Pattaya’s leading realtors, our management has been active for 20 years in and around Pattaya City.

If you want advice or suggestions, talk with us. We’ll always have time for you — come and visit Town & Country Property.

 

Author: Mr. KC Cuijpers
For more information: Please contact Town & Country Property –[email protected]

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