Phuket "HeliThai" Ops.........History
I've lived in Phuket for the past 12 years (Working/Flying in the Persian Gulf) I remember the "HeliThai" operation that tried to get up and running a few years back. Given the high taxes & duty on parts/spares (200%) the corruption on the part of the Thai military, police and gov't officials.........HeliThai didn't stand a chance, although it was was nice to see someone give it a try. The Thai gov't are extremely paranoid about helicopters being able to take-off and land "anywhere".....away from an airport. They fear drug/people/gun runners and who only knows what else. There was a fixed-wing operator about 15 years ago using Grumman Malards taking-off and landing in the water that also failed for the same reasons. Having said that, "Destination Air" seam to have been making a go of it with Amphib Cessna Caravans for the past year or so. If your're dual rated and don't mind working for a bowl of rice everyday............call them.