The Transport Ministry has sounded the horn, rallying the Marine Department to accelerate its plans to enhance maritime connectivity along the Andaman Sea provinces. This initiative is set to ripple through the regional economy like a swift current, stimulating vibrant economic activities across the region. According to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, this ambitious 740-million-baht project is a cornerstone of a new strategic thrust championed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Their vision? To overhaul the local logistics infrastructure and invigorate tourism.
Imagine this: the construction of two brand-new piers, Ao Po Ferry Pier in Phuket and Tha Len Pier in Krabi, paired with vital renovations to Manoh Pier and Chong Lard Pier in the captivating Koh Yao district of Phangnga. Once these upgrades are completed, the maritime connectivity between Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi—collectively dubbed the Andaman Triangle—will be as smooth as a dolphin gliding through the sea. A spectacle to behold, indeed!
Ms. Manaporn paints a vivid picture of the region’s untapped potential: it brims with economic and tourism allure but has been held back by the absence of a major port. This has stymied its ability to accommodate current marine traffic, let alone future transport-oriented growth. She emphasizes that the new piers will be game-changers. The improved infrastructure will compress travel time between Phuket and Krabi from a tedious three and a half hours by land down to a breezy two hours by sea. It’s like upgrading from a rowboat to a sleek motor yacht!
Adding more wind to the sails, Ms. Manaporn highlights a promising new ferry route that promises to channel additional income into local coffers. This aligns perfectly with the government’s policy to boost regional revenue and enhance economic fortitude.
Kritpetch Chaichuay, the skipper steering the Marine Department, elaborates on the specifics. Leftover funds from the fiscal years 2024-2026—adding up to a cool 360 million baht—have been earmarked for the Phangnga projects. This treasure chest includes 175 million baht for the Manoh Pier and 185 million baht for the Chong Lard Pier.
And that’s not all. Kritpetch assures us that both piers will boast improved facilities to better serve cargo and passenger ships. Envision terminals capable of handling the bustling maritime traffic, set apart docking areas for speedboats and long-tail boats, and ample parking lots for cars. Plus, these piers will offer tourist centers imbued with local architectural charm and identity, all upholding elevated safety standards for that extra peace of mind.
The Marine Department is now on the hunt for contractors to bring this vision to life, with construction in Phangnga’s Koh Yao district expected to kick off this year. Meanwhile, funding for the other two projects—280-million-baht for Ao Po Pier in Phuket and 100-million-baht for Tha Len Pier in Krabi—will sail into next year’s budget, aiming for completion in 2027.
Set your sights on the horizon and keep your eyes peeled, as this transformative maritime endeavor promises to steer the Andaman region into a new era of prosperity and seamless connectivity. Anchors aweigh!
This investment is a massive waste of public funds! 740 million baht could be used for better education or healthcare.
Actually, this project could boost the economy significantly. More tourism means more jobs and income for local communities.
Tourism always gets prioritized. What about local businesses struggling without government support?
We should also think about the environmental impact. More ferries and ports will harm marine life!
Exactly! The government has no sense. They should focus on sustainable projects instead.
This project could be a game changer for the regional economy. More tourists will come if travel is easier.
But will they really come? Tourism is declining globally, and this could be a risky bet.
It’s a risk worth taking. Investing in infrastructure always pays off in the long run.
I hope they consider the effect on local culture. More tourists could lead to more commercialization.
Improving piers is a step in the right direction. The Andaman region has so much potential!
Potential that’s been stymied for years! We urgently need better infrastructure.
Don’t forget about sustainability. These improvements need to be environmentally friendly.
Agreed. Eco-friendly technologies should be part of the project.
Where exactly is the rest of the money coming from? This sounds like a financial black hole.
A mix of government funds and private investments. It’s a common way to fund large infrastructure projects.
Still seems risky. Government budgets are already stretched thin.
Big infrastructure projects often go over budget. I bet this will cost way more than 740 million baht.
True, but it’s an investment. Over time, the benefits will outweigh the costs.
What about the locals? Has the government asked them if they want more tourists?
I live in Phuket and many locals support it as long as it brings more business.
And what about the noise, pollution, and traffic? No one is talking about that.
Exactly! The environmental cost will be high. More tourists mean more pollution.
Does this project help reduce the inequality in the region? Hope it’s not just for rich tourists.
Finally, we can expect some decent facilities for boating! It’s been so frustrating.
Will the pier renovations include more facilities for locals? Not just for tourists.
If done right, this could drastically reduce the region’s logistical costs. Transportation by sea is much cheaper.
I hope they have plans for eco-friendly ferries. Traditional boats are terrible for the environment.
Don’t forget, this will bring more than just tourism revenue. Cargo transport will also be more efficient.
Improving piers sounds great, but is it enough? We also need better roads connecting these piers.
It’s about time! The Andaman Sea region has been neglected for too long.