Phattharaphong has set a deadline for pilot seaplane flights between Krabi and Phuket within this year, aiming to seamlessly connect the Andaman region and develop Thailand into an Aviation Hub. The initiative involves collaboration between government and private sectors to create new travel options, elevate tourism quality targeting high-value, high-spending tourists, and stimulate the national economy.
Mr. Phattharaphong Pataraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited Krabi International Airport and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Company Limited to monitor progress. He also discussed strategies to launch seaplane services in cooperation with public and private agencies to enhance connectivity to Andaman tourist destinations and promote Thailand as an Aviation Hub.
Mr. Phattharaphong stated that the Ministry of Transport aims to develop Krabi International Airport as an “Airport for Regional Development” to seamlessly link travel to key tourist destinations, supporting future growth in the tourism industry. Seaplanes will offer an important alternative for convenient, fast, and efficient access to islands and coastal areas.
The Ministry of Transport is establishing the “Strategic Integration Committee to Promote Seaplane Operations” to coordinate efforts among government agencies, experts, and relevant private sectors. The committee will set guidelines and expedite implementation under aviation safety standards. Mr. Phattharaphong has been appointed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn as the committee chairman.
Mr. Phattharaphong noted that the seaplane project will not only enhance travel and tourism experiences for high-quality, high-spending tourists but also generate economic value and drive growth across related industries including aviation, tourism, hotels, restaurants, services, emergency medical care, and maritime security missions.
“Krabi will be the pilot area and the first destination in Thailand to offer seaplane services, expected to begin trial flights from Krabi Airport to Phuket Province operated by Thai Seaplane Company by the end of this year. Following completion of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Siam Seaplane Company will also be able to commence services in due course.."
Mr. Phattharaphong concluded that strong cooperation between the public and private sectors will ignite this new form of aviation business to seamlessly connect Andaman tourism, attract high-potential international tourists, and create economic value for the country across all dimensions. He urged all relevant parties to expedite preparations to meet the year-end service launch.. He requested that all involved sectors accelerate their efforts to be ready to open services by the end of this year.”
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