Khok Kathiam Air Force Base (Lop Buri airport)
Summary
| Operating Country | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| Location | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| Status | ◉ Active |
| Usage | Military only |
| Year built | 1938 |
| Operating Organization | Royal Thai Air Force |
| Units |
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Location & Details
| Coordinates | 14.8744°N, 100.6633°E |
| IATA code | KKM |
| ICAO code | VTBL |
Description
Khok Kathiam Air Force Base, also known as Lop Buri airport, is located in Khok Kathiam, Mueang Lopburi District, Lopburi Province, Thailand. Construction of the facility began in 1938 by order of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, Minister of Defense, and General Prawet Wichayanuwat, Commander of the Air Force. The base was established to facilitate the relocation of the 2nd Air Wing. The wing moved its headquarters from Don Mueang to the site at the end of 1938.
The installation is operated by the Royal Thai Air Force and serves as the headquarters for the 2nd Wing, 1st Air Division. It functions as a helicopter base for two active units. No. 201 Squadron of the 2nd Wing operates Bell 412 and Sikorsky S-92A helicopters. No. 203 Squadron of the 2nd Wing operates Bell UH-1 Iroquois and Eurocopter EC725 aircraft.