Old Chiang Rai Airport


Old Chiang Rai Airport is a non-active airport near the city of Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

History

In 1926, Chiang Rai Airport was established, making it the first airport in the region and the second airport in Thailand. Later, during the Pacific War, it was used for transporting military equipment. It was former air base of the 417 Royal Thai Air Force Squadron. It was thought to have been abandoned in the 1990s as the new one, Mae Fah Luang Airport opened. The runways and its area is currently used for recreational activities and events, being used amongst the locals as a park.
In 2018, Old Chiang Rai Airport was used as a helicopter landing base to support Tham Luang cave rescue.