Port Authority Policy Rollout Aims to Upgrade Safe, Modern, and Sustainable Water Transportation

Deputy Transport Minister Sapphet Bunyamani unveiled a six-pronged policy initiative at the Port Authority to advance the nation's water transportation sector in line with government objectives. The minister emphasized that developing maritime transport infrastructure is crucial for driving the country's economy while improving public welfare and environmental sustainability. The six strategic areas include: (1) boosting economic growth by accelerating infrastructure development such as dredging key waterways including Samut Sakhon, Ban Don, Pattani, Songkhla, and Bang Pakong channels, and developing Don Sak Port to connect with the Land Bridge project; (2) generating tourism revenue by developing cruise ports across the Thai Gulf and Andaman coast, particularly in Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, with enhanced safety standards through systematic Port Control systems; (3) improving quality of life for water transport users by developing Smart Piers along the Chao Phraya River by 2027, incorporating modern technologies like vessel tracking systems and AI-based port management; (4) addressing public hardships from flooding, water source restoration, and coastal erosion through comprehensive short and long-term solutions, with coastal restoration targets set for completion by 2032; (5) promoting environmentally-friendly water transport by transitioning to clean energy, reducing PM 2.5 and greenhouse gas emissions, and developing Green Ports; and (6) protecting Thailand's maritime commerce interests by enhancing standards and competitiveness through collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), developing maritime personnel, establishing bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, and ensuring international waterway standards. To accelerate implementation, the ministry has established "Quick Win" guidelines for priority projects.