Transport Ministry Launches Super App For 29 Bangkok River Piers

Deputy Transport Minister Samphet Bunyamani revealed that the Transport Ministry, through the Department of Ports, is advancing a development project for Chao Phraya River piers to enhance water transport with improved convenience, safety, and modern facilities. The project will link vessel information, passenger data, weather conditions, and emergency support systems to a central control hub, covering 29 key piers from Pak Kred to Sathorn.

To date, the Department of Ports has completed renovations at 11 piers with total investment of 297.76 million baht, including Department of Ports Pier, Saphan Puth Pier, Nonthaburi Pier, Ta Chang Pier, Sathorn Pier, Rachini Pier, Payap Pier, Bang Pho Pier, Ta Tian Pier, Phra Pin Klao Pier, and Rama V Pier. In 2568, work will begin on five additional piers with 177.54 million baht in funding. Pak Kred and Rama VII piers are complete, while Kiak Kai Pier remains under Bangkok's responsibility, and Oriental and Tewes piers are temporarily halted. The ministry has instructed the Department of Ports to resolve obstacles and clarify work plans to avoid disrupting public service or overall development.

For fiscal years 2569-2570, the Department of Ports received budget for 13 additional piers with 200.34 million baht total, divided into two projects. The first project covers six piers with 95.34 million baht including Rajvongse Pier, Si Phraya Pier, Pran Nok Pier, Saphan Krung Thon or Sanghi Pier, Railway Pier, and Wat Tuk Pier, with contracts signed on 26 August 2569 for 540-day completion by 17 February 2571. The second project involves seven piers with 105 million baht—Wat Saroy Thong Pier, Wat Khema Pier, Khiao Kai Pier, Pibulsongkram 1 Pier, Wat Thepnari Pier, Wat Thepakorn Pier, and Pibulsongkram 2 Pier—currently in second bidding round, with instructions to ensure careful, transparent procurement and expedited implementation.

Samphet stated that alongside infrastructure improvements, the Department of Ports is implementing Phase 1 of a Chao Phraya River Pier Management System (2569-2571, 64.80 million baht) with pilot deployment at eight major piers: Department of Ports, Nonthaburi, Rachini, Sathorn, Bang Pho, Ta Chang, Ta Tian, and Phra Pin Klao piers, currently 10.28 percent complete. The system will install smart devices including data kiosks, pier tilt sensors, AI-powered CCTV cameras, a Trip Planner application, real-time vessel tracking, weather alerts, AED life-saving equipment, and SOS emergency systems for rapid incident response.

Phases 2 and 3 (2571-2573, 85 million baht) will expand the intelligent management system to all 29 piers and develop a Mobile Super App, Line Official Account, Beacon technology, and passenger analytics systems to support travel planning and efficient safety management. Smart Pier represents making water transport accessible and user-friendly for the public.