Thailand to delay $2.4B Bangkok airport expansion

Airports of Thailand Pcl , the country's largest airport operator, has delayed a $1.9 billion expansion plan at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport pending a review by the military government.

After seizing power in May, the country's military rulers have scrutinized state enterprises and large projects worth at least $37 million to ensure transparency and to take control of state companies.

"The second-phase expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport is among 4 additional projects to be examined by a committee in charge of overseeing fiscal budget for state enterprises," the company said in a statement.

The airport operator had planned to spend $1.9 billion baht over the next 5 years to expand capacity at Bangkok's overcrowded airport to 80 million a year by 2017.

The company has said the budget for the expansion could be reduced after the opening of Don Muang international airport, which should help serve passengers from Suvarnabhumi airport.

The company will also discuss with the navy and the transport ministry about developing U-Tapao navy base to be a third commercial airport as requested by the military government.

U-Tapao is a small airport already used for some short domestic and international charter flights and is 140 km southeast of Bangkok.