BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is preparing to introduce seaplane services linking major cities with coastal and island destinations, with Phuket and Krabi expected to become the first areas to offer services by the end of 2026. Phatthrapong Phatthraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport and chairman of the Strategic Integration Committee for Seaplane Development, held discussions with relevant agencies in Satun to advance a feasibility study for seaplane operations in the province and across southern Thailand.
The discussions also covered possible locations for water airports and designated take-off and landing areas, with plans to assess the potential of each location while considering aviation safety, legal requirements, environmental impacts and benefits for local communities. Officials have been instructed to accelerate preparations, including developing the knowledge, skills and training standards required for seaplane pilots and ground personnel. Authorities are also studying the feasibility of establishing seaplane landing areas and docking facilities.
Satun has been identified as having strong potential for seaplane tourism because of its coastline and numerous islands and marine attractions. These include Koh Lipe, Tarutao National Park, the Adang-Rawi archipelago, Pak Bara and the La-ngu coastline, as well as the Stone Castle 100 Million Years and Satun Geopark areas. The province could also be connected with nearby airports, including Hat Yai and Trang, creating additional options for travellers heading to coastal and island destinations. The Transport Ministry sees seaplanes as another option within Thailand’s air transport network, providing faster links between cities, tourism destinations, coastlines and islands while supporting tourism, trade and investment. The initiative is also intended to help develop Thailand as a regional aviation hub and bring the country’s aviation industry closer to international standards.
Surachai Nooprom, acting president of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI), said the agency has been preparing to provide air traffic services for seaplanes since 2023. AEROTHAI and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) held a workshop in early 2024 titled “First Seaplane Operations Toward Thailand’s Aviation Hub” to coordinate preparations among agencies and industry stakeholders. Preparations cover the use of airspace, flight routes and procedures, air traffic management, communications, navigation aids and aircraft tracking systems. These systems must be integrated with Thailand’s wider aviation network to ensure safe and efficient operations.
AEROTHAI says it is ready to provide air traffic services for seaplanes in Krabi, Phuket, Satun, Trang and Pattani, as well as other areas that meet operational requirements. The first phase is now focused on applications by private operators to establish approved water take-off and landing facilities. Services are expected to begin in Krabi and Phuket by the end of 2026, with the same model potentially extended to other destinations as operators obtain the required approvals.
