🇹🇭 Takhli Airport

Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base (IATA: TKH, ICAO: VTPI) is a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) facility located in Takhli District, Nakhon Sawan Province, central Thailand, approximately 144 miles (240 km) northwest of Bangkok.

Type of Facility and Operations: Takhli is an active air force base operated by the Royal Thai Air Force. It is home to Wing 4, 3d Air Division, which includes:

• 401 Light Attack Squadron, flying T-50 TH Golden Eagle
• 402 Reconnaissance Squadron, flying DA 42 MPP
• 403 Fighter Squadron, flying F-16A/B MLU Fighting Falcon
• 302 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron, flying Aerostar and Dominator UAVs

The airport has one concrete runway, 18/36, which is 3,000 meters long and 45 meters wide. It is available year-round and supports both IFR and VFR traffic.

Notable Features or History: Established in 1955, Takhli RTAFB played a significant role during the Vietnam War. In the late 1950s, the CIA used it as an operating base for resupplying Tibetan freedom fighters. During the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force (USAF) utilized Takhli under a "gentleman's agreement" with the Thai government, primarily for reconnaissance flights over Laos and air defense of Thailand. The F-105 was the primary aircraft flown from Takhli during this period, with the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing permanently assigned there in December 1965. USAF operations at Takhli phased down in late 1969 and concluded by September 1974, with the base officially returned to the Thai government.

Current Status: Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base is currently active and operated by the Royal Thai Air Force. It serves as a key facility for various RTAF squadrons, including fighter, light attack, reconnaissance, and UAV units. The aerodrome is available all seasons, with operational hours for various services, including approach, arrival, departure, tower, and ground control.

*Sources researched: en.wikipedia.org, aip.caat.or.th, flightaware.com, metar-taf.com*