Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Thai ambassador backs new civilian runway at Cheongju airport
Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat, right, poses with Kim Soo-min, vice governor for political affairs of North Chungcheong Province, during their meeting in the provincial capital of Cheongju, Tuesday. Courtesy of North Chungcheong Provincial Office
By Kim Hyun-bin
The Thai ambassador to Korea became the first foreign envoy to support a campaign for the construction of a new civilian runway at Cheongju International Airport, the North Chungcheong Provincial Government announced Tuesday.
During a recent meeting, Kim Soo-min, vice governor of North Chungcheong Province, and Thai Ambassador Tanee Sangrat discussed ways to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation between the province and Thailand.
Kim emphasized the urgent need for a separate civilian runway at the airport, calling it a key infrastructure project critical to the region’s growth and connectivity. The airport currently operates as a dual-use facility, sharing runways with the 17th Fighter Wing of the Republic of Korea Air Force. The shared use has limited commercial flight expansion due to airspace and scheduling constraints.
Sangrat voiced his full support. “A lack of direct flights remains a major obstacle to expanding people-to-people exchanges," he said. "The proposed civilian runway at Cheongju airport would serve as a critical driver for deepening cooperation between our two countries.”
Both sides agreed that the runway is essential to boosting bilateral exchanges and also discussed potential collaboration in the bioindustry sector to address aging population challenges.
Kim assumed office on Sept. 2, 2024, becoming the province's first female and youngest vice governor in her 30s.