Siam Seaplane (Bangkok Don Mueang) expects to begin commercial water-based seaplane services in Thailand in January 2027, after lengthy regulatory and environmental approval delays, the Bangkok Post has reported.
Although the operator has been certified since 2024, it has so far only operated land-based charter flights while approvals for water take-offs and landings remain pending. Siam Seaplane expects the approval process to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Chief executive Worakanya Siripidej said temporary water landing sites or floating docks require an initial environmental examination under a 2023 Natural Resources and Environment Ministry notification.
Siam Seaplane currently operates a single Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Grand Caravan EX, HS-SSP (msn 5076). The company has ordered six additional C208Bs in 2026, which will expand its fleet to seven aircraft, and targets up to 15 aircraft within five years.
The operator plans three temporary water take-off and landing sites in Tub Kaek and Koh Phi Phi, as well as facilities at Bangtao and Makham Bay in Phuket, and Koh Yao Noi in Phangnga.
Siam Seaplane has expanded its operational office at Bangkok Don Mueang and plans to establish a hub at Krabi later in 2026 to support the roll-out of its Andaman region seaplane network.
