Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s Midfield Satellite Terminal 1 (SAT-1) of Thailand was recently nominated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of the six finalists for the “World’s Most Beautiful Airports List 2024” in the Prix Versailles awards. The award recognizes exceptional architecture and design. The laureates will be announced at UNESCO Headquarters on 2 December 2024.

The other five airports are Zayed International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico, Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 in Singapore, and Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E and Kansas City International Airport in the US. The selection criteria include creativity, innovation, reflections of local heritage, ecological efficiency, and the values of social interaction and participation.

The SAT-1 terminal is a large four-level building with 28 boarding gates and a new, automated, high-performance underground people mover and baggage handling system connected to the main terminal. The terminal’s design was inspired by Thai history. One of its highlights is elephant statues on the third floor, where the Himmapan forest is showcased, with several statues of mythical creatures, such as Kinnaree, Hemaraj, and Hongsa. The second floor features Thai art and culture, such as shadow puppets, khon masks, and Thai kites. Also, Buddha statues were enshrined on the eastern and western sides of the terminal. Other areas highlight paintings that present Thai tradition and culture from four regions of Thailand.