Thailand's Department of Airports (DOA) has announced it seeks private partners to invest in the development of 29 airports in the country.

28 of the airports are to be upgraded and the other one is currently under construction in Yala's Betong district. The total cost for each airport ranges from US$115 million to US$140 million approximately. The airports include vacant spaces which could be developed for commercial purposes.

The government proposed that the airport projects could be run under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or privately-operated schemes. 

A survey forum will be held in the provinces to gain local feedback on each project. Private firms will have the opportunity to express interest in the airports. After the survey, the department will work on business plans for the 29 airports which will be summarized within two months. 

Airports of Thailand (AOT), which manages and develops Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket and Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai airports, has expressed their interest to upgrade Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Tak's Mae Sot airports to regional aviation hubs.