Tourism leaders in Prachuap Khiri Khan are pushing for more Hua Hin flights to connect the city with Chiang Mai, Isaan and southern Thailand, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the role of Hua Hin Airport.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Tourism Industry Council said cross-regional flights could help connect major tourist destinations, attract more visitors to the province and support the development of Hua Hin as a tourism hub on the Gulf of Thailand.
Dr Somchai Krajangjerm, president of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Tourism Industry Council, outlined the proposal on 27 May, saying key routes under consideration include Hua Hin-Chiang Mai, Hua Hin-the Northeast and Hua Hin-the South.
He said the proposal aims to raise Prachuap Khiri Khan’s profile as a regional tourism centre, reduce the concentration of tourists in Bangkok and help distribute tourism income to secondary destinations.
Hua Hin Airport back in focus
The council said the plan is in line with government policy to develop Hua Hin Airport so it can support more domestic and international services.
The airport has long been seen as an important part of Hua Hin’s tourism development, but regular scheduled services have remained limited. Tourism operators have repeatedly called for stronger air links to help the city attract visitors who may not want to travel by road from Bangkok.
The Chiang Mai-Hua Hin route is viewed as having particular potential, with tourism leaders saying it could attract both Thai and foreign travellers looking to combine northern Thailand with the Gulf coast.
Air, rail and sea links proposed
The council is also supporting the idea of “Air-Rail-Sea Connectivity”, linking air, rail and sea transport to create new travel routes across Thailand.
One proposed route would connect Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Chumphon, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Tourism leaders say this type of route could encourage longer stays, spread income across several provinces and support regional tourism businesses.
Dr Somchai said improved connectivity would also support Thailand’s ambition to become an aviation hub for the region.
He said the development of cross-regional routes could help position Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan as an important tourism gateway on the Gulf of Thailand, while improving Thailand’s long-term competitiveness as a travel destination.
The proposal remains at the advocacy stage, with no new scheduled routes formally announced.