Chiang Kham Airport
Chiang Kham Airport สนามบินเชียงคำ | |||||||||||
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 Former Chiang Kham Airport in 2013. | |||||||||||
| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Defunct | ||||||||||
| Owner | Royal Thai Air Force | ||||||||||
| Operator | Royal Thai Army | ||||||||||
| Location | Phayao, Thailand (56110) | ||||||||||
| Opened | 1960s | ||||||||||
| Closed | 1990s | ||||||||||
| Time zone | UTC+7 (+7) | ||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 389 m / 1,275 ft | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 19°29′50″N 100°17′7.99″E / 19.49722°N 100.2855528°E | ||||||||||
| Website | Chiang Kham Airport Info | ||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||
  VTCB Location in Thailand | |||||||||||
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| Runways | |||||||||||
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Chiang Kham Airport (ICAO: VTCB) is a disused airport located in Chiang Kham district, Phayao province, Thailand.
History
[edit]Chiang Kham Airport was built sometime in the 1960s as a Royal Thai Air Force base. In 1969, it was listed as a destination on the Air America Site book. From 1967 to 1982, the airfield participated in conflicts against communist insurgents in Thailand.[1][2]
Post Use
[edit]In the 1990s, the airfield was abandoned and its ownership was transferred to the Royal Thai Army. [2] The site is currently operated by the Khun Chom Tham Camp occupied by the 31st Ranger Regiment, Phayao.[3][4]
Present Day
[edit]In February 2018, a proposal was made to reopen Chiang Kham Airport to boost tourism and transportation of goods in the region, however, the plan was never pursued. On February 19, Mr. Anurak Prongsuya, President of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization of Aoi Subdistrict announced the nearing completion of a border crossing between Phu Sang Subdistrict will boost tourism and transportation of goods in the region. Therefore, the former military airfield being repurposed for civilian traffic could boost the movement of people and goods. [5]
Commemoration
[edit]A monument commemorating the 399 lives lost during the battles against the insurgents, had been built by the RTAF north of Chiang Kham Airport.[1]
Layout
[edit]The airport has a concrete 18/36 runway (1,271m), and a 355m long apron.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Military Museum of Phayao". Thai Cultural Promotion and Preservation Center. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
- ^ a b "Chiang Kham Airport". Thai Flying Club. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
- ^ "Happy Landings: Airports in Thailand". The BigChilli. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
- ^ "กรมทหารพรานที่ 31 พะเยา". Thailand YellowPages. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
- ^ "สนามบินเชียงคำอาจใช้รองรับการเติบโตเศรษฐกิจชายแดน". Technology Chaoban. 21 February 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ VTCB - Buri Ram Airport - Airport Nav Finder