Phuket authorities have launched a pilot Boat Taxi service connecting Phuket International Airport with Patong Beach, aiming to ease chronic road congestion and provide an alternative transport option for tourists and residents. The trial is being overseen by the provincial administration as part of broader efforts to integrate water-based transport into the island’s mobility network.
The pilot assessment involved officials from the Marine Department, Sirinat National Park, Patong Municipality, Phuket City Development Co., and private-sector stakeholders. Inspections began at the airport’s passenger area before moving to a temporary pier site at Sirinat National Park, followed by a boat survey of the route to Patong Beach, one of Phuket’s busiest tourist destinations. Shuttle connectivity between piers and hotels was also reviewed.
According to provincial officials, the trial evaluated travel time efficiency, passenger and luggage capacity, vessel safety standards, and potential environmental and social impacts. Authorities said the findings will determine whether the Boat Taxi service can be rolled out as a permanent transport option aligned with national transport policy.
If implemented long term, the service is expected to reduce airport-to-Patong travel times, cut the number of vehicles on major roads, integrate local taxi operators into a multimodal system, and improve overall travel convenience during peak tourist seasons. The pilot reflects Phuket’s wider strategy to modernise transport infrastructure while balancing tourism growth with sustainable urban management.
