The final briefing meeting for the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) report was held on Thursday (May 7) at the multipurpose pavilion in Moo 7, Ao Makham, in Wichit.
The meeting was presided over by Mueang District Palad Apichat Chantrawong and attended by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, representatives from government agencies, the private sector, local residents, Thai Seaplane Co Ltd executives and academics from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Environment.
The session was held to present the results of the preliminary environmental impact study and gather feedback from stakeholders before the project proceeds through the final stages of the approval process.
The study, commissioned by Thai Seaplane Co Ltd and conducted by the Faculty of Environment at Kasetsart University, examined engineering feasibility, environmental impacts, natural resources and potential effects on the quality of life of nearby communities.
Thai Seaplane CEO Kasinphoj Rodko said the company, established in October 2023 with registered capital of B25 million, plans to invest more than B100 million during its initial development phase.
The company aims to provide premium seaplane transport services targeting luxury and high-income travellers visiting Phuket and nearby destinations.
Planned routes include Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, the Similan Islands, Koh Lipe and Koh Kradan, with all flights expected to take less than 90 minutes.
Mr Kasinphoj said the project is intended to strengthen Phuket’s position as a world-class marine tourism hub while offering faster and more convenient connections across the Andaman coast.
The proposed temporary seaplane landing and takeoff point is located in Phuket Bay off Ao Makham in Wichit, on Phuket’s east coast.
According to project details presented at the meeting, the development aligns with Phuket’s Provincial Development Plan 2023-2027 and supports wider ambitions to promote Phuket as a leading maritime tourism, medical and wellness destination.
Mr Apichat said Phuket’s tourism industry already had strong foundations through its beaches, luxury resorts, premium services and growing wellness sector.
“The seaplane project is another important piece of infrastructure that will increase travel options, help reduce congestion at Phuket International Airport and support the tourism economy,” he said.
The project is currently undergoing legal procedures and environmental approval processes required under regulations issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in 2023.
Thai Seaplane first unveiled plans for the project last year under a proposed government-private sector “Sandbox” initiative designed to test environmental impacts before commercial operations begin.
Previous company statements explained that the aircraft are designed to minimise marine impacts, with engines and propellers mounted above the fuselage to avoid contact with marine life and coral reefs.
The company has also stated plans to eventually transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and recycled oils to reduce carbon emissions.
Under the earlier proposal, Phuket would serve as the primary hub for seaplane services across the Andaman Sea, connecting tourists directly to island destinations while significantly reducing travel times compared with traditional ferry services.
The company’s first aircraft, registered HS-TSP, is already stationed in Phuket, with long-term plans to expand the fleet to 30 aircraft within five years if approvals are granted.
Thai Seaplane has also said the project could support emergency medical transport operations and create aviation-related jobs and training opportunities for local residents.