In recent years, Thailand enjoyed significant growth in tourism, but this growth comes with a price, and it’s approximately $220 billion.

The country’s airports are currently operating at least 30 per cent over capacity. Airports of Thailand, the country’s largest airport operator, plans to spend nearly $220 billion by 2025 expanding its six main airports.

According to Airports of Thailand president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn, the company is planning for 90 million passengers annually at the city’s main Suvarnabhumi Airport by 2022 and 40 million at Bangkok’s low-cost hub, Don Mueang International Airport, up from the present combined capacity of 75 million.

Thailand also announced a $44 billion plan to add infrastructure and upgrade industry on its eastern seaboard to link up with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as part of its push to encourage growth by 2021.

Tourism accounts for 12 per cent of Thailand’s economy. Last year, the country saw a record 32.6 million foreign visitors, and this year will likely exceed 35 million. While the airport expansion and infrastructure project come with a large price tag, it will likely be worth the investment in the long run. This year alone, revenues from international tourism are expected to jump 17 per cent to $62 billion.