Old Chiang Rai Airport

Old Chiang Rai Airport
The disused runway and building of the airport
Summary
Airport typePublic / Military
Owner/OperatorRoyal Thai Air Force
ServesChiang Rai
LocationChiang Rai, Thailand
Opened1926 (1926)
Closed5 August 1992 (1992-08-05)
Elevation AMSL1,312 ft / 400 m
Coordinates19°53′21.3144″N 99°49′36.5808″E / 19.889254000°N 99.826828000°E / 19.889254000; 99.826828000
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
18/36 5,065 1,544 Asphalt

Old Chiang Rai Airport (ICAO: VTCR) is a non-active airport near the city of Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand.

History

In 1926, Chiang Rai Airport was established, making it the first airport in the region and the third in Thailand. Later, during the Pacific War, it was used for transporting military equipment. It was the former base of the 417th Squadron, Royal Thai Air Force. In 1992, it was thought to have been abandoned as the new airport opened. The runways and its area is currently used for recreational activities and events, being used amongst the locals as a park.

In 2018, the airport was used as a heliport to support the Tham Luang cave rescue.[1]

Former airlines and destinations

AirlinesDestinations
Thai Airways Company Bangkok–Don Mueang, Chiang Mai
Thai Airways International Bangkok–Don Mueang, Chiang Mai

See also

References

  1. ^ "ฮ.ตำรวจลงเชียงรายคาดนำหมูป่าคนที่ 5 ส่งรพ. - 77 ข่าวเด็ด". www.77kaoded.com. Archived from the original on 2019-08-09.