Trang Airport in Chaos as Heavy Rain Causes Ceiling Collapse and Water Flooding Throughout Passenger Terminal
Trang Airport's newly renovated passenger terminal suffered major water damage on May 7 when heavy rain caused ceiling leaks and partial ceiling collapse, flooding the first floor for nearly an hour. The incident has sparked public criticism as the state-of-the-art building, which cost over 1.07 billion baht and only opened last September, is already experiencing serious structural problems. Airport officials have cordoned off the affected area while cleanup operations continue, but have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
At approximately 3 p.m. on May 7, heavy rain pounded Trang province, causing rainwater to flood through the ceiling of Trang Airport's new passenger terminal located in Khok Lao sub-district, Muang district. The flooding appeared to stem from a leaking roof. Passengers Arkom Borisoot and Arm Narapong posted videos showing water cascading through the ceiling and light fixtures still carrying electrical current onto shops including the "Roo Rak Samakkhi Phatthalung" social enterprise shop and adjacent souvenir stores. The ceiling near exit 2 on the first floor collapsed and remained flooded for nearly an hour before airport officials cordoned off the area for safety and began cleanup efforts.
Passengers and service users expressed shock and disappointment, particularly because the new terminal only opened in September 2024 with a construction budget exceeding 1.07 billion baht as part of plans to develop Trang Airport into an international facility. The project had already experienced construction delays of four years. Many netizens posted sarcastic comments, dubbing the incident a "waterfall in the middle of the airport" or a "new landmark for Trang," while Trang Airport has yet to issue any official statement about the incident.