According to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, the B740-million project is 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, reports the Bangkok Post.
It will see the construction of two new piers, namely Ao Por Ferry Pier in Phuket and Tha Len Pier in Krabi, in addition to renovations to Manoh Pier and Chong Lard Pier in Phang Nga’s Koh Yao district.
Once completed, Ms Manaporn explained, the piers will allow for a seamless maritime connection between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi ‒ also known as the ’Andaman Triangle’.
Ms Manaporn said while the area is known for its high economic and tourism potential, it lacks a major port, meaning it could neither support current marine traffic nor future transport-oriented developments.
The deputy minister said the 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 Ms Manaporn.
Kritpetch Chaichuay, Director of the Marine Department, said B360 million in leftover funds from the fiscal years 2024-2026 have been allocated for the Phang Nga projects: B175mn for Manoh Pier and B185mn for Chong Lard Pier.
According to Mr Kritpetch, both piers will be improved to feature better facilities, including a new terminal for cargo and passenger ships, a separate docking area for speedboats and longtail boats, and a parking lot for cars. The piers will also feature a tourist centre and incorporate local architectural design and identity, as well as higher safety standards.
The Marine Department is now looking for contractors, and the construction of the two piers in Phang Nga’s Koh Yao district is expected to kick off this year.
The funding for two other projects ‒ the B280mn Ao Por Pier in Phuket and B100mn Tha Len Pier in Krabi ‒ will be included in next year’s budget, Mr Kripetch said, adding that the piers are expected to be completed in 2027.
ALREADY IN PROGRESS
While Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri in the report above said the B740-million project is a key part of a new push initiated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Marine Department Director-General Mr Kritphet himself announced the same project six months ago, in March.
Mr Kritphet said that the project was in accordance with the policy of Ms Manoporn, in driving the mission of water transport, the department had already ilaunched the Andaman Ring Port Development Project and the plan to build the five piers.
At that time Mr Kritphet said the entire project required a total investment budget of more than B850mn, as follows:
Ao Por, Pa Khlok
- Budget (2025-2027): B280mn
- Duration: 900 days, completion expected by December 2027
- Planned improvements: Upgrades to the pier and an adjustable bridge to accommodate ferries, a patrol pier, passenger terminal, and parking for 60 cars.
- Once completed: The pier will handle one ferry with a capacity of 60 cars and 200 passengers, a ship up to 500 gross tons, 65 metres long, 2 metres deep, serving 573 passengers and 1,275 cars per day.
Manoh Pier, Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga
- Budget (2024-2026): B175mn
- Duration: 900 days, completion expected by December 2026
- Planned improvements: Upgrades to cargo and passenger piers, speedboat and longtail boat piers, waiting areas and parking.
- Once completed: The pier will handle one 80-ton cargo ship, two 20-ton speedboats, 10 longtail boats, and accommodate 820 tourists per day.
Chong Lad Pier, Koh Yao Yai, Phang Nga
- Budget (2024-2026): B185mn
- Duration: 900 days, completion expected by December 2026
- Planned improvements: Upgrades to cargo and passenger piers, speedboat and long-tail boat piers, waiting areas, and parking.
- Once completed: The pier will accommodate one 60-ton cargo ship, two 20-ton speedboats, 10 long-tail boats, and serve 1,059 tourists per day.
Phi Phi Island Pier, Krabi
- Budget (2025-2026): B95mn
- Duration: 540 days, completion expected by July 2026
- Planned improvements: Repairs to the existing pier, installation of mooring systems and shock absorbers, replacement of damaged hydraulic platforms with pontoons, and improvements to architectural structures and the electrical system. A roof will be added to the walkway.
Tha Len Ferry Port, Khao Thong, Krabi
- Budget (2025-2026): B120mn
- Duration: 900 days, completion expected by December 2026
- Planned improvements: Upgrades to the pier and adjustable bridge to accommodate ferries. There will also be upgrades to the passenger terminal and parking for 60 cars.
- Once completed: The pier will handle one ferry with a capacity of 60 cars and 200 passengers, a boat up to 500 gross tons, 65 metres long, 2 metres deep, serving 573 passengers and 1,275 cars per day. It will also support 10 passenger boats.