Thailand pushes Krabi-Phuket seaplane trial flights by year-end
Thailand plans to trial seaplane flights between Krabi and Phuket later this year, with Krabi chosen as the pilot area for services along the Andaman coast.
Thailand’s transport ministry is pushing to launch pilot seaplane flights between Krabi and Phuket by the end of this year, with Krabi designated as the country’s first seaplane service area.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattharapong Phatprasit said the ministry is working with state agencies and private companies to open seaplane services to improve travel links across tourism destinations on the Andaman coast and support Thailand’s goal of becoming an aviation hub.
Prime Minister’s Office Deputy Spokesperson Lalida said on June 9 that Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is focused on improving transport connectivity and supporting aviation development to promote Thailand as an aviation hub.
Phattharapong made his comments during a visit to Krabi International Airport and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to follow operational progress and discuss the seaplane plan with public- and private-sector participants. Lalida said he recently visited Krabi International Airport to monitor progress and hold discussions with government agencies and private-sector stakeholders on the project.
According to Phattharapong, the ministry wants to develop Krabi International Airport as an “Airport for Regional Development” and as a gateway linking travellers more seamlessly to nearby islands, coastal attractions and major tourism destinations to support future tourism growth. He said seaplanes would offer another option for reaching islands and coastal areas more conveniently, quickly and efficiently. Lalida said the service is expected to provide a faster and more convenient travel option, especially for international visitors.
Krabi was selected as the pilot area and Thailand’s first seaplane destination because of its strategic location and tourism potential, with trial flights from Krabi Airport to Phuket expected no later than the end of this year.
The ministry is also in the process of setting up a strategic integration committee for seaplane operations on water surfaces. The committee, to be chaired by Phattharapong, is intended to coordinate work among government agencies, aviation experts and relevant private companies, set directions, develop operating guidelines and accelerate implementation under aviation safety standards.
He said the seaplane project would not only improve travel options and tourism experiences for high-value, high-spending visitors, but could also add economic value to related industries including aviation, tourism, hotels, restaurants, services, emergency medicine and maritime security missions. Lalida said the project is expected to contribute to long-term tourism growth, enhance Thailand’s competitiveness and generate income and employment in the local area.
Phattharapong said Thai Seaplane is expected to begin trial flights from Krabi Airport to Phuket by the end of this year. He added that Siam Seaplane would be able to move forward with opening services after completing the process for submitting its Initial Environmental Examination, or IEE.
He said strong cooperation between the public and private sectors could help launch a new form of aviation business, create seamless tourism connections across the Andaman region, attract high-potential tourists from around the world and generate economic value for the country. He said he had urged all related parties to speed up preparations so the service can open by the end of the year.
