Thailand: Aviation hub potential exists but work must be done

Despite the strong foundation of its well-established automotive industry, Thailand still requires decades of investment in personnel, expertise and research and development before the country can properly enter the race to become an aviation hub in Asean. Prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha last week declared that Thailand is ramping up its aviation industry in bid to become a regional powerhouse, but experts have long commented that there is still a lot to be done before the country can wrest the crown from Singapore. ICAO regional director for Asia and the Pacific office, Arun Mishra, said that Thailand's ambitious goal to become an aviation hub is possible but there are two strategic areas that the country needs to improve first: infrastructure and airport facilities, and manpower where more young professionals must be recruited. <br/>