Accelerating Laem Chabang Phase 3 development will bolster investor confidence: Srettha
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited Chonburi’s Laem Chabang Port on Saturday to accelerate its Phase 3 development, which will boost investors’ confidence.
Srettha, who also holds the Finance portfolio, received a summary of the development and participated in discussions on Laem Chabang Port’s capacity to see if it can handle heavy shipments of industrial goods.
In 2023, Laem Chabang demonstrated its capabilities, accommodating 11,700 cargo ships, processing 94.11 tonnes of cargo and handling 8.67 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). Additionally, it handled 1.5 million vehicles, with nearly equal import-export percentages of 49.8% and 50.2%, respectively.
The ongoing Phase 3 of the Laem Chabang Development Project is key to its expansion and includes vital enhancements in infrastructure, such as road, rail and sea transportation systems.
These improvements are designed to increase the port’s capacity and support future growth, positioning Laem Chabang Port as a central transportation hub for the region.
“The Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 development project aims to enhance the port’s abilities to meet the growing demand for international sea cargo transportation in the future,” Srettha said.
He explained that the project involves the construction of deep-water berths for ship docking and various other conveniences.
It also encompasses the establishment of a Single Rail Transfer Operator (SRTO) cargo transfer centre within the port, the construction of a shore-side container berth (Berth A) and infrastructure improvements to address traffic issues within the port. It will also establish a continuous and efficient transportation network within the Laem Chabang Port area.
Emphasising the importance of adhering to the project’s timeline, Srettha said the Transport Ministry must expedite the progress of Phase 3 development.
“This is crucial to instil confidence and trust in investors who plan to invest in Thailand,” the premier said.
Additionally, he commended the Port Authority of Thailand for its efforts to develop the port in Bangkok to accommodate large cruise ships. He said transforming it into a “smart port” will bolster the capital’s standing as a hub for tourism in Thailand.
