Phuket Airpark to bring new meaning to “flying home”

Aviation enthusiasts will soon be able to truly “fly home” at the new Phuket Airpark, currently under development on a 50 acre lot in the less traveled rice fields of the Paklok area.

The development will be comprised of “Thai-hat” style villas, condominium buildings, a large rental hanger, mini-shopping mall, and 800-metre grass airstrip, which is currently being expanded from its 500-metre length.

Plane-owners will be able to park their aircraft in private mini-hangars attached to their villas at the development, which is the brainchild of Thai businessman Suchard Raksangob.

“I always dreamed of having my own house with a runway and an airplane so I can just take off when I want,” said Suchard, who grew up loving adventurous activities like sailing before he segued into flying as a hobby.

Small planes are already using the airstrip to take off and land, many of them guided by off-duty airline pilots. The airpark is also home to the Phuket Flyers Club, which has its headquarters at a clubhouse structure on the land. President of the club is a Thai Airways pilot who captains 747s and 777s when he’s on the job.

The development totals 43 villa lots, six of which have been bought already and eight of which are under negotiation. Lots range in size from 240 sq m to 3,200 sq m and in price from THB1.5-24 million (US$49,000-785,000), with a price per square metre of about THB6,000 (US$196) – comparable to other estate land in the area.

Lot buyers will be able to build their own homes, with the only requirement being that they are Thai-style (pointed roof, pavilion layout, etc.) and that they are set back 10 metres from the airstrip. Later phases of development will see the construction of a lakeside lowrise condominium building; rental hanger, for those who want to keep their plane at the airpark but not buy property; and a new clubhouse, with restaurant and bar, pool, reading room, and barbecue area.

The Paklok area is located in the north east of Phuket, and planes taking off from the Phuket Airpark will very quickly find themselves gliding over beautiful Phang Nga Bay, with its countless islands and turquoise water. It’s about a 20 minute flight across Phang Nga Bay to Krabi and an hourlong flight south to Trang, with its many nearby marine parks and tourist islands.

Besides catering to private pilots, Suchard envisions the airpark as a place where aviation-related business like air taxis, flight schools, and sightseeing planes and helicopters can establish home offices and park their aircrafts.