Due to increasing visitors and an inability to accommodate larger aircraft, the Transport Ministry has again called for an extension of Phuket International Airport's runway over the sea, prompting opposition from environmentalists.

 

Last week, Post Today reported Deputy Transport Minister Omsin Cheevapruek as suggesting the current 3km runway should be extended another kiometer, which would allow larger airplanes to turn around. 

 

However, any proposal would be met with strong opposition given the airport's close proximity to Sirinat National Park. Asst Prof Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a reputed marine scientist who is a member of the National Reform Council, says Nai Yang Beach in the national park is the last untouched, development-free beach on the island, while nearby Mai Khao Beach to the north of the runway is a prime spot for sea turtles to lay their eggs.

 

"No matter how much Environment Impact Assessments [EIA] try to play down the effects on the area, the consequences will be unavoidably severe as the location [of the airport] wasn't right in the first place," Thon posted on his personal Facebook page.

 

He says the extension would cause environmental damage in the form of disruption to water currents which would in turn threaten marine life. On his Facebook page (see below), Thon maps out the coral reef at Nai Yang Beach in yellow and the suggested 1km over-water runway in red, just 500 meters apart.