Old Chiang Rai Airport | |||||||||||
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_-_img_15.jpg) The disused runway and building of the airport | |||||||||||
| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Public / Military | ||||||||||
| Owner | Royal Thai Air Force | ||||||||||
| Operator | Royal Thai Air Force | ||||||||||
| Serves | |||||||||||
| Location | Chiang Rai, Thailand | ||||||||||
| Opened | 1926 | ||||||||||
| Closed | 5 August 1992 | ||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 1,312 ft / 400 m | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 19°53′21.3144″N 99°49′36.5808″E / 19.889254000°N 99.826828000°E | ||||||||||
| Runways | |||||||||||
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Old Chiang Rai Airport (ICAO: VTCR) is a non-active airport near the city of Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.
In 1926, Chiang Rai Airport was established, making it the first airport in the region and the second in Thailand. Later, during the Pacific War, it was used for transporting military equipment. It was the former base of the 417th Squadron, Royal Thai Air Force. In 1992, it was thought to have been abandoned as the new 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, the airport was used as a helicopter landing base to support the Tham Luang cave rescue.[1]