were injured in passenger van accidents. A government initiative to replace existing vans with larger minibuses in 2017, then delayed to 2019, was put on hold by the incoming Prayut administration. Air transport Airports As of 2012, Thailand had 103 airports with 63 paved runways, in addition to 6 heliports. The busiest airport in the county is Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Major international airports Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) (New Bangkok International Airport, a major international hub) Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) (Old Bangkok International, now used mostly by low-cost carriers) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI) Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) Phuket International Airport (HKT) Krabi International Airport (KBV) Samui International Airport (USM) Surat Thani International Airport (URT) Udon Thani International Airport (UTH) U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) Airlines The national carrier of Thailand is Thai Airways International, founded in 1959. Bangkok Airways has been operating since 1968 and now markets itself as "Asia's Boutique Airline". Low-cost carriers have become prevalent since 2003, including Thai Smile, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air and Nok Air. Water transport As of 2011 there were 3,999 km of principal waterways, of which 3,701 km had navigable depths of 0.9 m or more throughout the year. There are numerous minor waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft, such as long-tailed boats. River and canal transport In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River is a major transportation artery, with ferries, water taxis (the Chao Phraya Express Boat) and long-tailed boats. There are local, semi-express, and express lines for commuters, though the winding river means trips can be much farther than by bus. There is also the Khlong Saen Saeb boat service, which provides fast, inexpensive transport in central Bangkok. Ferries Ferry service between hundreds of islands and the mainland is available, as well as across navigable rivers, such as Chao Phraya and Mae Khong (Mekong). There are a number of international ferries. In November 2018, Hua Hin deputy chief Chareewat Phramanee confirmed the ferry service, suspended due to low tourist numbers during low season, would be up and running again for high season between Hua Hin and Pattaya, a 2.5-hour journey for 1,250 Thai Bhat on a catamaran with a maximum capacity of 340. Sea transport In Thailand, the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea is a transportation system: Trat - Ko Chang boat service Surat Thani - Ko Samui