Seaplane project studied

SATUN: Transport Ministry is assessing the feasibility of seaplane operations on Koh Lipe, focusing on safety and environmental impacts.

Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit had assigned a ministry team to gather local information and local views as part of a feasibility study for seaplane operations in Satun.

The team visited Koh Lipe from Sept 24–25 and met local leaders and residents, he said. He said locals responded positively to the project, provided operations do not negatively affect fishing activities or the environment.

The team will use field data and community feedback to prepare recommendations for the Transport Ministry, including suitable sites and potential impacts on local livelihoods, before further decisions are made, he added.