A seaplane service will begin a trial run from Koh Kradan in Trang province in December, with the first commercial route likely to be between Phuket and Trang.
ACM Manat Chuaprayoon, governor of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, said the service would initially operate on Koh Kradan for 180 days from December.
It would then be assessed, both for commercial viability and for environmental and other impacts.
He said two companies, Siam Seaplane and Thai Seaplane, had licences for such services, and their planes could also use any conventional airport.
‘Seaplanes will be another choice for tourists,’ ACM Manat said.
Surachai Nuprom, acting president of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai), said Siam Seaplane and Thai Seaplane were ready to launch this ground-breaking service in Thailand, with aircrews and business plans. The first route was likely to be Phuket-Trang.
The operators were also interested in routes to islands off Phuket, Phangnga, Koh Samui and Trang, he said.
Officials would study the possible impact from the noise of seaplane propellers and engines. If they proved to be environmentally friendly, a permanent seaplane service could start in mid-2026, he said.
Aerothai was prepared to manage seaplane air traffic. Other commercial flights and services would not be affected, Mr Surachai said.
Aerothai is state-owned and runs air traffic control and aviation communication services in Thailand.