New Era for Seaplanes

Thailand Makes Aviation History with First Seaplane Regulations

BANGKOK, THAILAND – July 4, 2025 – A historic chapter in Thailand’s aviation landscape has been written. After years of dedicated collaboration between the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and key industry stakeholders, including Siam Seaplane, the Kingdom has officially issued the first-ever regulations governing commercial seaplane operations. This achievement marks not only a regulatory breakthrough but also a testament to what can be accomplished through public-private partnership, paving the way for safe and sustainable seaplane services across Thailand.

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On July 1, 2025, the CAAT announced two pivotal regulations:

1) Thailand Civil Aviation Regulation - Air Operations Part Commercial Seaplane Operations (TCAR OPS Part - SEA)

2) The Establishment and Temporary Take-off and Landing Area on Water Standards (Regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand No. 101)

These groundbreaking frameworks provide comprehensive guidelines for establishing, operating, and maintaining seaplane services in Thailand—laying the foundation for future growth in tourism, regional connectivity, and economic development.

TCAR OPS Part - SEA: Framework for Commercial Seaplane Operations

The TCAR OPS Part - SEA regulation outlines the operational standards and requirements for commercial seaplane operators. It covers safety procedures, flight crew responsibilities, aircraft performance, operational manuals, and record-keeping. Operators must obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from CAAT and implement a Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with both national and international aviation best practices. Siam Seaplane has this in place already.

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Regulation No. 101: Establishment and Standards of Temporary Water Landing Sites

Regulation No. 101 defines minimum requirements for selecting and operating temporary water landing sites, including detailed criteria for water runways, taxi channels, and mooring areas. It also specifies infrastructure needs such as platforms, shore facilities, safety and rescue equipment, and mandates a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (ERP). The regulation applies to seaplanes with a maximum certified take-off weight of 5,700 kg or less, operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) during daylight hours. Licensing procedures and approval steps involving various government agencies are also outlined to ensure regulatory compliance and operational safety.

Industry Perspective

Nicholas Heart Addison, Senior Operations Associate and Special Project Manager, shared:
"This is a monumental stride for the future of seaplane operations in Thailand. The official issuance of these regulations marks a clear commitment by the CAAT to foster a safe and regulated environment for seaplanes, unlocking new possibilities for tourism, regional connectivity, and economic development. We are incredibly thrilled by this achievement and anticipate further exciting developments as we move forward."

These regulations are expected to provide much-needed clarity and assurance to investors, developers, and operators exploring or expanding seaplane services in Thailand—solidifying the country’s potential as a regional leader in innovative aviation.

At Siam Seaplane, our Water Landing Team remains dedicated to working closely with CAAT and other stakeholders to promote and facilitate the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of seaplane operations throughout the Kingdom. We look forward to serving our guests with our amphibious seaplane services soon.