In a momentous ceremony today, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana presided over the grand opening of Midfield Satellite 1 (SAT-1) and the Third Runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This milestone in Thailand’s aviation history is part of the celebrations marking His Majesty’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024.
Upon arrival at SAT-1 at 5:24 p.m., Their Majesties were warmly received by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Samut Prakan Governor Supamit Chinsri, and senior executives of Airports of Thailand PCL (AOT), including President Kerati Kijmanawat and Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Kittipong Kittikachorn.
The ceremony commenced as Their Majesties entered SAT-1 through Gate S101 before proceeding to the Departure Hall. His Majesty then led a Buddhist merit-making ceremony, offering prayers and lighting candles before the revered Phra Buddha Navarat Bophit image.
Following this, Prime Minister Paetongtarn presented His Majesty with a commemorative booklet, while Deputy Prime Minister Suriya presented one to Her Majesty. The Prime Minister then delivered a report on SAT-1 and the Third Runway, emphasizing their role in enhancing Suvarnabhumi Airport’s capacity and efficiency.
To mark the official inauguration, His Majesty unveiled the SAT-1 signage by pressing a button, as monks chanted blessings and the resonant sounds of traditional Thai victory gongs, conch shells, and musical instruments filled the hall. His Majesty also graciously authorized the placement of the emblem commemorating the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary above the building’s nameplate.
Their Majesties received commemorative gifts from the Ministry of Transport and AOT and bestowed royal gifts upon 80 individuals instrumental in the project’s completion. Additionally, AOT presented a donation to His Majesty for royal charitable purposes. To commemorate the occasion, Their Majesties signed a commemorative stone plaque.
Afterward, His Majesty paid homage at the altar, bid farewell to the monks, and proceeded to the reception room. Following this, Their Majesties visited the exhibition “Transportation Unites, Leading Thailand to the Centre of Aviation,” presented by the Ministry of Transport, which outlined policies and projects aimed at advancing transportation infrastructure across land, water, rail, and air.
Continuing the visit, Their Majesties viewed an AOT exhibition, which detailed operations at the six airports under its management: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai. Another section of the exhibition highlighted the royal water drainage project at Suvarnabhumi Airport, initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, alongside a model of the airport’s fully developed state.
His Majesty proceeded to view exhibitions by aviation-related agencies. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand provided an overview of the national aviation industry and its strategic vision for positioning Thailand as a leading aviation hub. The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd. showcased royal contributions to aviation development, advancements in aviation technology, and air traffic management projects. Meanwhile, Thai Airways International presented His Majesty’s contributions to aviation and the airline’s ongoing industry development plans.
These exhibitions reinforced the commitment of all sectors to strengthening Thailand’s position as a regional aviation center.
On this occasion, Their Majesties took a commemorative photograph with Prime Minister Paetongtarn, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya, senior Ministry of Transport officials, and AOT executives. Following the exhibition tour, Their Majesties proceeded to the royal car, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her entourage awaited the royal departure.
AOT President Kerati stated that the inauguration of SAT-1 and the Third Runway by Their Majesties is an immeasurable royal honor. This historic occasion serves as a morale booster for AOT executives, employees, and all involved agencies, as SAT-1 marks another critical step in Suvarnabhumi Airport’s development to accommodate increasing air travel demand. This achievement will further inspire ongoing efforts in aviation infrastructure development, ensuring Thailand continues to meet the demands of expanding domestic and international travel while contributing to the nation’s economic growth, trade, investment, and tourism.
A New Era for Suvarnabhumi Airport. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s primary international gateway, has played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s air transportation system and reinforcing its status as a premier global aviation hub. Its development has significantly contributed to economic expansion, trade, investment, and tourism. The airport’s origins trace back to 2000, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great graciously bestowed the name “Suvarnabhumi Airport,” meaning “Land of Gold,” on 29 September 2000. His Majesty also presided over the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the passenger terminal on 19 January 2000. The airport officially commenced commercial service on 28 September 2006.
Between 2011 and 2017, AOT implemented Phase 2 of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Development Project, which included the design and construction of SAT-1. The terminal, completed in September 2023, spans 216,000 square meters, features 28 aircraft parking bays, and seamlessly integrates modern innovation with traditional Thai artistry. The central departure hall showcases the iconic metallic Kotchasarn elephants, while both ends house the Suwan Busabok and Ratana Busabok thrones, displaying the Buddha images Phra Phutthapatima in the Mara-wichai and Perd-lok postures. Replicated from Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, these images symbolize good fortune for workers and travelers.
The terminal’s exquisite architectural design was recently honored with the prestigious Prix Versailles 2024, awarded by the Versailles Selection Committee in collaboration with UNESCO, recognizing it as one of the world’s six most beautiful airports. Meanwhile, the Third Runway, spanning 4,000 meters in length and 60 meters in width, has significantly boosted Suvarnabhumi Airport’s capacity, increasing flight handling from 68 to 94 flights per hour, or approximately 800–1,000 flights daily. Together, SAT-1 and the Third Runway have elevated the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 45 million to 60 million, further solidifying Thailand’s position as a global aviation hub.
AOT remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating service standards at Suvarnabhumi Airport, aligning with the government’s vision to establish Thailand as a leading aviation center and a driving force for sustainable economic growth.
