SATUN, Thailand – Deputy Minister of Transport Phattrapong Phattraprasit visited Satun province to assess the feasibility of establishing water takeoff and landing sites for seaplanes. The Minister was accompanied by Satun Deputy Governor Damrongsak Kaewduang, the President of the Satun Provincial Administrative Organization, and local transport officials. The visit is part of an official inspection tour covering Songkhla and Satun provinces from August 31 to September 1, 2026.
During the morning itinerary, the delegation surveyed the Pak Bara Pier area in La-ngu district before moving on to inspect Mu Ko Phetra National Park. The objective of evaluating these sites was to determine their potential to integrate seaplane operations and enhance connections between Satun’s coastal destinations and other marine tourism hubs along the Andaman coast.
The establishment of seaplane landing sites will require thorough evaluations regarding technical suitability, operational safety, and minimal disruption to existing maritime traffic. Authorities emphasized that full compliance with relevant regulations and strict protection of aquatic ecosystems are essential requirements for moving forward.
If deemed viable, seaplane services will offer a new travel alternative, improving convenience for tourists and elevating the overall tourism profile of Satun and the wider Andaman region. Following the field inspections, the delegation scheduled an afternoon meeting at the Seesea Resort Pak Bara. The discussion aimed to analyze feasibility data, gather feedback from relevant agencies, and establish guidelines for potential next steps to introduce seaplane transportation to the area. (NNT)
