Thailand - Ports

The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is a state corporation of Thailand, responsible for the regulation and governance of the ports of Thailand, primarily the ports of Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port, the country's two largest. PAT operates Thai ports in conjunction with public companies including Hutchison Ports Thailand and PSA International.

The PAT was founded by the Port Authority of Thailand Act 1951 as an autonomous government agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. In 1961 construction was begun on the port of Laem Chabang, due to overcrowding at Bangkok Port. By 1997 Laem Chabang had become the country's busiest seaport. In 2000 the Port Authority of Thailand was converted from a government agency to a state corporation by amendment to the Port Authority of Thailand Act 1951.

Ports under the governance of PAT include those of Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong, Ranong, as well as the Bangkok Coastal and Barge Domestic Terminal.

In FY2016 PAT ports handled 9,379 vessel calls, down 1.8 percent from FY2015. Total cargo volume was 93.4 million tons, down two percent. Container throughput was 8.6 million TEUs, up 2.7 percent.

A.    Laem Chabang Port

Laem Chabang Port, located in the eastern part of Thailand, covered an area of 2,572 Acres, is the main deep sea port of Thailand that offers universal services in order to exchange goods worldwide.

In FY2016 Laem Chabang had 6,312 vessel calls, up 0.11 percent over FY2015, to 72.3 million tons, down 1.5 percent. Cargo volume totalled seven million TEUs, up 4.2 percent.

It consists of several minor ports that provide services as follows:

·         Seven container terminals

·         One multipurpose terminal

·         One Ro/Ro terminal

·         One passengers and Ro/Ro terminal

·         One general cargo terminal

·         One shipyard terminal

Laem Chabang Port also handle extra large ships (Super Post Panamax). The Port Authority of Thailand is responsible for the whole port, while it lets private sectors to contract the operational function which is called “Landlord Port”. Laem Chabang Port is one of the highest (trading) growth rates in the world; rated World Top Container Port by the world’s leading magazine such as Loylld List etc.

With the intention to develop Laem Chabang Port to be entitled one of the World Class Port; all requirements to meet the high standard service provision have to be implemented. Some of the implementations are as follows:

1. Increase the service capacity to ensure all services as mentioned are achieved.

2. Utilize port area to also support other relevant activities.

3. Increase productivity.

4. Employ modern technology to function docking field and yard operation.

5. Initiate new projects and activities to fulfill and cover all services requirements such as Container Care Centre Project.

The geographical location of Thailand is bonded with neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia and also has the access to China and Vietnam. It acts as a gateway to South East Asia region. It has an advantage of its large hinterland, therefore, the port has high capacity to develop to be a gateway port by inviting those neighboring countries to be its hinterland.

Laem Chabang Port has the modern state-of-art infrastructure and hi-technology facilities to support all services. It is capable to handle largest vessels (Post Panamax). It has sufficient supporting areas for docking operations and related activities. Moreover, the port is nerved by network of highways, railways, and waterways; connecting both the country regions and neighboring countries.