The Ministry of Transport is developing the 'Satun Model' as the first state-owned seaplane airport, connecting Lipe Island and the Andaman coast. It has ordered a feasibility study on seaplane use and suitable locations, with a conclusion due in 30 days.
On 3 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government under Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is advancing transport networks to open routes to key marine tourist destinations and islands, with the Ministry of Transport initiating efforts. The 'Satun Model'. It involves studying the establishment of a seaplane airport or water landing site operated by a government agency to connect travel to Lipe Island and Andaman tourist areas, improving convenience, attracting high-quality tourists, and distributing income to provinces and local communities.
Deputy Minister of Transport Phattharaphong Phattharaprasit chaired a meeting to drive feasibility studies on the use of aircraft landing on water surfaces. or seaplanes. in the Andaman coastal provinces. He assigned Satun province to form a working group to expedite feasibility studies, define suitable areas, and report preliminary findings to the Ministry of Transport within 30 days to ensure concrete project progress.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that the key aspect is studying the feasibility of the government establishing temporary seaplane airports or landing points under state supervision, to develop new air transport infrastructure with safety standards that can support seaplane industry growth. If successful, this would serve as a prototype to connect other island and marine tourism areas.
Currently, private airline operators are applying for licenses to operate seaplane landing points, pending approvals including environmental assessments and Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE). Meanwhile, government studies will assess area suitability, ensuring no obstruction to water transport routes, adherence to safety standards, and no harm to natural resources or the environment.
The provincial working group will involve all sectors, including the Chamber of Commerce, Industry Council, tourism sector, Marine Department, aviation authorities, local governments, private sector, and the public. They will jointly consider appropriate locations and formats, especially connections to Lipe Island, a key Andaman tourist destination.
Ms. Lalida further noted that the government sees seaplanes as beneficial beyond tourism, extending travel to hard-to-reach islands and areas, supporting health missions, and creating new jobs and income for local communities if infrastructure and regulatory systems meet standards.
"The government aims to offer more convenient and efficient travel options to marine tourist areas, using Satun as a pilot site to study seaplane connections to Lipe Island and the Andaman coast. Development must proceed with safety, public consultation, and natural resource protection. The goal is easier travel for tourists while ensuring economic benefits and opportunities reach local people," she said.
The seaplane initiative is part of the government's strategy to elevate Thailand toward high-value tourism by linking transport systems with potential tourist sites, enhancing national competitiveness, increasing local economic revenue, and sustainably conserving natural resources.