Suvarnabhumi International Airport, gateway to the kingdom’s vibrant capital, is putting Thai architecture firmly on the global map. The facility’s head-turning SAT-1 terminal has earned a spot on UNESCO’s 2024 list of the six most beautiful airports in the world and a shot at the prestigious Prix Versailles Award for most magnificent airport design. It joins the likes of Zayed International Airport (UAE), Felipe Angeles International Airport (Mexico), Changi Airport's Terminal 2 (Singapore), Logan International Airport's Terminal E (USA) and Kansas City International Airport (USA) on the list.
So, what is it that makes Suvarnabhumi's SAT-1 terminal stand out? To begin with, its design masterfully fuses traditional Thai art, culture and folklore. A wander through the building’s spacious third floor hall reveals majestic elephant statues, one of a number of features inspired by the kingdom’s mythical Himmapan forest, a magical world inhabited by fabled creatures such as the celestial swan Hong Sa, and elegant Kinnari, mythological half-bird half-human creatures of pleasure.
The second floor is home to an impressive display of cultural treasures that highlight traditional Thai shadow puppetry, Khon dance masks and the age-old art of kite-making. Serene statues of the Buddha situated at the eastern and western ends of the terminal imbue those areas with a sense of peace and tranquillity. Even the restrooms reflect Thailand’s beauty with murals representing the country's four distinct regions and their cultural traditions. They are also equipped with automatic water-saving systems, proving that good design and sustainability go hand in hand.
Suvarnabhumi's architectural recognition by UNESCO demonstrates that airport terminals are much more than simply hubs for travel – rather they are living, breathing spaces that tell cultural stories and provide previews of the unique and exciting attractions a destination has to offer.