Old Chiang Rai Airport

The primary reason for closure to civilian traffic was replacement. The old airport had a relatively short runway, limited terminal capacity, and its proximity to the expanding city center restricted potential for growth. The Thai government constructed the new Mae Fah Luang International Airport further from the city with a longer runway and modern facilities to accommodate increasing tourism, international flights, and larger aircraft like the Boeing 747.

The site is an active Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base. It is known as RTAF Wing 416 Chiang Rai, which is a detachment of the main Wing 41 based in Chiang Mai. The runway, taxiways, and hangars are maintained for military use, including training, logistical support, and as a strategic outpost in Northern Thailand. It is completely closed to all public and commercial air traffic. The ICAO code 'TH-0051' is an unofficial or outdated identifier and is not recognized by ICAO for active airfields.

This was the original airport for Chiang Rai province, serving as the primary air gateway to the region for many years. It was instrumental in the initial development of Chiang Rai's tourism industry and commercial connectivity with the rest of Thailand, particularly Bangkok. The airport handled domestic flights operated by carriers like Thai Airways, initially with propeller aircraft and later with smaller jetliners. Throughout its operational history as a civilian airport, it also served a dual purpose as a forward operating base for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), a common arrangement for provincial airports in Thailand.

There are no known plans or credible prospects for reopening the old airport for commercial or public use. The current Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI) is well-equipped and has undergone expansions to handle the region's air traffic needs for the foreseeable future. The old airport's ongoing strategic importance as an active military installation makes its conversion back to a civilian facility highly improbable.