If your vessels operate anywhere near Thai waters, there’s a regulatory change you need to know about. Starting 30 June 2026, Thailand is restricting the use of commercial L-band and GX Ka-band satellite connectivity from Inmarsat and Viasat. Depending on your flag state and trading routes, this could affect your fleet more than you’d expect.

Here’s the part that catches most people off guard: it’s not just about switching off connectivity while you’re in Thai territorial waters. If you’re running a Thai-flagged vessel, the restriction follows you everywhere, not just inside Thailand. On the flip side, safety services are untouched by any of this, so your GMDSS and distress communications keep working exactly as they should.

1. What exactly is restricted under Thailand’s new satellite communication rules?

Commercial L-band and GX Ka-band services from Viasat and Inmarsat can’t be used on land in Thailand, in Thai territorial waters, or below 10,000 feet in Thai airspace, starting 30 June 2026.

2. Does this affect foreign-flagged vessels too, or just Thai-flagged ones?

Every vessel is covered while it’s inside Thai territorial waters, regardless of flag. Thai-flagged vessels have it tougher, though the restriction applies to them worldwide, not only within Thailand’s waters.

3. What about safety services are those cut off as well?

No, and this is worth repeating because it’s the detail people worry about most: maritime and aviation safety services are specifically carved out of the restriction and can keep running as normal.

4. Can a foreign-registered aircraft still use these services while flying over Thailand?

Yes, as long as it’s above 10,000 feet. Drop that altitude below in Thai airspace and the same restriction on commercial L-band and GX Ka-band kicks in, foreign-registered or not.

5. Is there any exemption process available?

Only for certain government end users, and even then, they’d need to apply for it directly through the Thai regulatory authority. There’s no exemption route open to commercial fleets, private operators, or ship owners.

6. What should fleet managers actually do before the 30 June deadline?

Start by checking what’s currently active on vessels transiting or operating in Thai waters. Sort out which systems count as safety services and which are commercial connectivity, then get in touch with your satellite provider to make sure everything’s configured correctly before the date hits.

7. What happens if a vessel keeps using restricted services after the deadline?

The notice itself doesn’t spell out penalties, so this is one to confirm directly either with the Thai regulatory authority or your satellite service provider rather than assume.

Need Help Preparing Your Fleet for Thailand’s Inmarsat Restrictions?

Regulations like this are a good reminder of how fast communication requirements can shift from one region to the next. Whether your vessels operate in Thai waters regularly or just pass through on longer Southeast Asia routes, it’s worth reviewing your onboard setup before your next departure rather than after an issue comes up.

At Master Systems, we work with ship owners and fleet operators on marine satellite communication solutions, onboard inspections, equipment support, and the technical guidance needed to stay connected without running into compliance issues.

If you’re not sure how these restrictions apply to your fleet, or you’d like a second set of eyes on your communication systems, our marine communication specialists are ready to help.

Get in touch with us to talk through your vessel’s communication requirements and get ahead of these changes before your next voyage.