The project aims to create a Maritime Hub to support marine tourism and logistics in the Andaman region, said a release by the Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department today (May 13).
The plan focuses on developing a marina and related infrastructure in the Baan Yamu area, covering parts of Pa Khlok, Srisoonthorn and Koh Kaew. The site is strategically located to connect Thailand with international marine tourism routes, including yacht and cruise ship travel, the announcement said.
At the heart of the project is the ‘Marina for Communities’ concept. The plan emphasises inclusive development, ensuring the facility is accessible to the public and supports small-scale fishers, local vendors, and community-run tourism initiatives.
While noting that the project, initially called the ‘Ao Por Ferry Pier’ project, is now being branded under the banner of Baan Yamu, officials stressed that the marina will not be a luxury enclave limited to the wealthy or foreign visitors, but a shared resource that uplifts surrounding communities through fair access and participation in planning and decision-making.
As part of the IEE, the department is gathering community feedback and assessing potential environmental and social impacts within a five-kilometre radius of the proposed site. Surveys are being conducted both in person and online throughout May 2025.
The target groups identified for seeking feedback include: residents within the study area; small-scale fishers and local businesses; public and private sector stakeholders; and tourists and boat users.
Preliminary benefits of the project were touted as job creation, infrastructure development and enhanced tourism services. The ‘hub’ was also touted as a way to promote local identity and cultural exchange.
However, concerns have been raised over potential negative impacts such as noise pollution, waste management challenges and risks to marine ecosystems. Officials say these concerns will be carefully evaluated, with mitigation measures designed based on both scientific studies and local input.
“We aim to collect extensive environmental and community data to inform protective measures and reduce potential harm,” said a project spokesperson.
The project is being developed in partnership with engineering consultant SEATEC, and the public can direct questions to the project’s liaison, Ms Uraporn Noinok.
More updates are expected as assessments are completed and feedback is reviewed.
Contact details for further information were given as Department of Marine and Coastal Resources 02-2343593; and Southeast Asia Technology Co Ltd 02-7133888 ext 231, 086-0627018 and enviseatec.pp@gmail.com
SLOW BOAT COMING
The solicitation of public feedback on the project follows the Transport Ministry ordering 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.
That order came eight months ago, in September last year.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said the B740-million project was 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.
The project is to see the construction of two new piers, namely what was called the ‘Ao Por Ferry Pier’ in Phuket (now called the ‘Baan Yamu Community Marina’ project) 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’.
The piers could help shorten travel time between Phuket and Krabi from three and a half hours by land to two hours, the deputy minister said.
However, the Transport Ministry stealing the media spotlight with its “order” last September already followed Kritpetch Chaichuay, Director of the Marine Department, announcing the project in March last year ‒ more than a year and two months ago.
Mr Kritphet at that time said that the project was in accordance with the policy of Ms Manoporn, in driving the mission of water transport, the department had already launched 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.