Thailand plans to upgrade southern piers

Thailand’s Transport Ministry has ordered the Marine Department to expedite its projects to improve maritime connectivity across the Andaman Sea provinces in an effort to boost economic activities in the region.

According to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, a project with an investment of THB740 million ($21.7 million) will be implemented as a key part of a new push initiated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit to improve the region's logistics infrastructure and boost tourism.

It will see the construction of two new piers, namely Ao Po Ferry Pier in Phuket and Tha Len Pier in Krabi, in addition to renovations to Manoh Pier and Chong Lard Pier in Phangnga's Koh Yao district.

Manaporn said that once completed, the piers will allow for a seamless maritime connection between Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi which is known as the Andaman Triangle.

According to Manaporn, althought the area is known for its high economic and tourism potential, it lacks a major port, meaning it could support neither current marine traffic nor future transport-oriented developments.

New piers could help shorten travel time between Phuket and Krabi from three and a half hours by land to two hours.

A new ferry route will contribute to local income, in line with the government's policy, said Manaporn.

Kritpetch Chaichuay, director of the Marine Department, said 360 million THB in leftover funds from the fiscal years 2024-2026 has been allocated for the projects in Phangnga province, including THB 175 million for Manoh Pier and THB 185 million for Chong Lard Pier.

Thai Marine Department is now looking for contractors, and the construction of the two piers in Phangnga's Koh Yao district is expected to kick off this year.

Meanwhile, the funding for two other projects - the 280-million-THB Ao Po Pier in Phuket and the 100-million-THB Tha Len Pier in Krabi - will be included in next year's budget. They are expected to be completed in 2027.