Bhumibol Dam Airport

Bhumibol Dam Airport or Khuan Phumiphon Airport (Thai: สนามบินเขื่อนภูมิพล, RTGS: Sanambin Khuean Phumiphon) is an operational airfield located in Sam Ngao district, Tak province, Thailand.^[1] The airport currently serves the Bhumibol Dam and is operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. ^[2]

Bhumibol Dam Airport
IATA: none ICAO: VTPY
Summary
Airport type	Public
Serves	Tak
Location	Sam Ngao district, Tak province, Thailand
Elevation AMSL	150 m / 492 ft
Coordinates	17°14′03.16″N 99°03′28.48″E
Map
VTPY Location of the airport in Thailand
Runways
Direction Length Surface m ft 05/23 1,493 4,899 Asphalt

History

Announced by Minister of Transport, Khunying Sombatsiri Bhumibol Dam Airport was approved on May 31, 1977, and was built to facilitate travel and transportation during the construction of Bhumibol Dam, similar to Uttaradit Airport.^[3] His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, along with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit departed from Don Mueang Airport and boarded the King's plane to Bhumibol Dam Airport. This was made in ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Bhumibol Dam.^[4]

Equipment

Bhumibol Dam Airport uses aviation gasoline (AVGAS) for refueling purposes. For communications, the frequency of the airport is TWR 122.3 MHz (local control).^[1]

Layout

Bhumibol Dam Airport is operated by a small air terminal that also doubles as a control tower. The airfield consists of a single asphalt runway designed as 05/23 with a length of 4,899 ft and also a width of 98 ft. Runway 05/23 originally did not have any obstructions. Accommodated with the runway is a 951 ft long apron currently used as helipads.^{[5] [2]}