Department of Interior Architecture Faculty of Architecture Chulalongkorn University

SHOWCASE

29/04/2025

THESIS2567:THE RENOVATION OF PHUKET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,PHUKET THAILAND

THESIS2567:THE RENOVATION OF PHUKET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,PHUKET THAILAND
2505588 THESIS 2567
PROJECT : PHUKET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
STUDENT:SARAWIN KANCHANAGAMA
LOCATION: 222, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
AREA: 43,002 SQ. M.

Phuket has long been one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations, and the number of visitors continues to grow each year. This increasing popularity has led to a rise in international exhibitions and global meetings being hosted in the area. Notably, Phuket qualified as a finalist for the Specialised Expo 2028 by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which will further accelerate the development of various events. For example, the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 (GSTC 2026) and over 20 other exhibitions are scheduled to take place in the coming years.
As a result of these developments, the number of flights operating at Phuket International Airport has increased from 19 to 22 flights per hour. Air travel remains the most popular mode of transportation to the island, and Phuket International Airport, one of the top three airports in Thailand by flight volume, plays a vital role in welcoming visitors and showcasing Phuket's unique identity.
In alignment with this growth, Airports of Thailand (AOT) has introduced its Enterprise Plan (B.E. 2566–2570) aimed at enhancing Airport Service Quality (ASQ) to deliver a world-class experience for all passengers. Under this plan, Phuket International Airport will undergo renovations to improve the passenger terminals for both domestic and international travelers. Additionally, the airport expansion project, part of Phuket’s development plan (B.E. 2566–2570), is designed to accommodate increasing tourist demand and support large-scale exhibitions over the next eight years.

This renovation focuses on enhancing the passenger experience within the terminal, for both domestic and international travelers. The analysis begins with three main factors that will be integrated into the Phuket International Airport development plan. First, the airport’s passenger demand has been studied. This is followed by a plan to expand and upgrade the terminal buildings and improve airport facilities. One key change includes shifting the system from being previously 100% manual to a new system consisting of 70% manual and 30% automated operations. Finally, the airport must be well-equipped to accommodate mega-events. For instance, Terminal 1 at Kansai Airport was renovated to support Expo 2025, Terminal 3 of Narita Airport was decorated for the 2020 Olympics, and Terminal 1 at Milan Malpensa underwent improvements for similar purposes. These examples show that airport development plans must prioritize atmosphere, facilities, and circulation flow.

The key areas of renovation and improvement include the check-in area and immigration zones, where technology will play a significant role. This shift allows for reduced space requirements and fewer staff while maintaining or improving service. According to the 2022 Air Transport IT Insights by SITA, the adoption of self-check-in systems, automated bag drops, e-gates, and biometric systems helps reduce congestion, enhance security, and support a greater number of passengers without expanding the physical area.

In addition, crowding within the terminal buildings needs to be analyzed. Both the domestic and international terminals have their own specific challenges. In the domestic terminal, space is primarily focused on functionality, which leads to a lack of the vibrant tourism atmosphere expected in a major travel destination. Although the international terminal puts more effort into expressing the feeling of a tourism hub, the rising number of passengers has resulted in insufficient space for arriving travelers. Furthermore, the circulation of arriving and departing passengers overlaps on the first floor, creating congestion and inefficient flow throughout the airport.

Based on these challenges and opportunities, three main strategies are proposed. First, replace and upgrade the facilities in the check-in hall, immigration area, and Security Control 3, converting them to a system that is 70% automated and 30% manual. Second, renovate and redesign interior spaces to create wider walkways, guided by a design concept that reflects the natural elements essential to daily life. Nature is not only part of Phuket’s lifestyle but also the foundation of its culture. By embracing nature, the airport aligns with sustainable development goals and the future of Phuket.

In terms of interior design, the overall concept reflects the image of the Andaman Islands and Phuket’s rich natural surroundings, conveyed through wave-inspired design elements. Materials will be sustainable and 100% recyclable, such as aluminum composite panels and aluminum with a wood pattern finish. The wood texture was selected because wood plays an important role in every cultural group—Thai, Chinese, Malay, and the sea nomads (Chao Lay). The flooring will use terrazzo material, which emphasizes diversity and is easy to maintain.

In areas closer to passengers, design elements will reflect Portuguese cultural influence, decorative porcelain and represent sea-based lifestyles through motifs like sailing. Lastly, this design project also proposes the addition of new functional areas, including sleep zones, private pods, large-screen sports broadcasts, and livestreaming of major mega events, all located in the concourse area.

As Phuket International Airport is the primary gateway connecting the island to the global community, this design project is not only aimed at enhancing its function as an airport, but also at establishing it as an iconic landmark that creates a positive first impression for visitors and supports the future growth of Phuket.

Connect the terminal design to create unity.