ไทย
Phuket – On May 7, 2026, at the multipurpose grounds of Moo 7, Ban Ao Makham, Mr. Apichat Chantharawong, Subdistrict Chief Officer of Wichit, presided over the final public consultation meeting for the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report concerning temporary water-based aircraft landing and take-off operations under aviation law, organized by Thai Seaplane Co., Ltd.
Also attending the meeting were Mr. Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, representatives from government and private sectors, local residents, Mr. Kasinpote Rodkho, Chief Executive Officer of [Thai Seaplane Co., Ltd., and representatives from the Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University.
The meeting was organized to present the findings of the preliminary environmental impact study while gathering opinions and recommendations from all sectors. The study, which covered engineering, environmental issues, natural resources, and the quality of life of local communities, had been conducted over an 11-month period. Thai Seaplane Co., Ltd. appointed the Faculty of Environment at Kasetsart University to carry out the project study.
Mr. Kasinpote Rodkho, CEO of Thai Seaplane Co., Ltd., stated that the company was established in 2023 with registered capital of 25 million baht and an initial investment budget exceeding 100 million baht to develop seaplane passenger transport services targeting luxury travelers and high-spending tourists. The pilot routes will cover destinations along the Andaman coast, including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, Ko Lipe, and Ko Kradan.
Mr. Apichat Chantharawong, Subdistrict Chief Officer of Wichit, said that Phuket possesses strong potential to serve as a global tourism hub, thanks to its world-class attractions, luxury hotels, premium services, and wellness tourism offerings. These strengths align with the growing trend of luxury tourism. The seaplane project is therefore considered another important infrastructure initiative that will provide additional travel options, help reduce congestion at the airport, and support Phuket’s tourism economy.
The project site is located in Phuket Bay, Wichit Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, and is designated as a temporary water-based aircraft landing and take-off area. The project is currently undergoing legal procedures and the preparation of an Initial Environmental Examination report in order to obtain approvals from relevant authorities.
The temporary water-based aircraft terminal will be located at Ban Ao Makham, Moo 7, Wichit Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket. The service is aimed at High-Net-Worth (HNW) tourists and is intended to position Phuket as a global Maritime Destination Hub under the Phuket Provincial Development Plan 2023–2027. The project also supports Phuket’s vision of becoming a global Medical & Wellness Hub and a sustainable quality tourism destination.
Thai Seaplane plans to invest more than 100 million baht during its first one to three years of operation to provide scenic flights across the Andaman region, including Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, and Ko Lipe, with each flight lasting no longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes. The project implementation must comply with the Initial Environmental Examination procedures under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Announcement of 2023.
News/Photos: Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office