VIP Terminal planned for Chiang Mai

Creative Kingdom chief executive officer Eduardo Robles said KAA was ready to spend Bt30 million on construction, with the remainder earmarked for passenger facilities and equipment, including a CTX security scanner.

"It will be first exclusive terminal in Thailand," he said.

However, he said the company first had to overcome the hurdle of the current director of Chiang Mai International Airport having frozen approval of the project, despite the previous incumbent having granted a development permit.

Once the approval is unfrozen, KAA will build the terminal on leased land at the airport to serve exclusive travellers, such as movie stars and other wealthy people from around the world. The company will also provide services such as spa and entertainment facilities.

"Thailand should have such a VIP terminal to help the country attract more high-end travellers," said Robles.

Neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore already have VIP terminals and have been successful in attracting personal jets.

About 30 private jets use Chiang Mai Airport each month. It is expected that more will do so once the terminal is completed.

KAA is scheduled to get delivery of two small 10-seater jets next month. Both will be based at U-tapao Airport near Pattaya until the Chiang Mai facility is ready.

The VIP-terminal project is part of a five-year plan that Creative Kingdom has for Chiang Mai. The group has already set up three other sister companies in the province: Creative Kingdom Chiang Mai, a TV content-provider and animation firm; Creative Kingdom (Thailand), an architecture firm; and Creative Kingdom Studio, developer of a Chiang Mai Hollywood project.

According to Robles, the biggest project is the Hollywood movie town, which is planned for a 30-rai site in San Kamphaeng district outside the city of Chiang Mai.

The group plans to spend Bt8 billion on the project, which will feature studios of various sizes. Construction is scheduled for completion by 2014.

"In 2015, the company expects its facilities will attract about 35 productions from across the world," he said.

He added that the group would officially launch the Chiang Mai Hollywood project in June, with movie stars from Hollywood invited to the event.

It expects Chiang Mai to become the next Hollywood of Asia, attracting film-makers from mature locations such as Hong Kong because the local costs will be about 20 per cent lower.

The company has received tax incentives from the Board of Investment for the movie-town development.