BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has confirmed that Koh Samui’s mega cruise terminal will be completed by 2032, further promoting Thailand’s status as a global cruise tourism hub. The project, developed to enhance maritime infrastructure, is expected to drive economic growth and expand tourism along the Gulf of Thailand. Officials have visited Surat Thani province to assess progress and review the region’s capacity to handle increasing tourist numbers.
An inspection team, led by Advisor to the Prime Minister Jirayu Huangsap, recently visited Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Surat Thani. The delegation reviewed operations at Donsak Pier, a central ferry terminal serving Koh Samui, and met with local officials to discuss tourism expansion. The Marine Department affirmed that ferry services remain sufficient to accommodate high visitor volumes, including visitors traveling from Thailand’s Andaman coast.
The Koh Samui cruise terminal project is set to begin construction in 2029 and will be fully operational by 2032. Once completed, it will connect Thailand’s eastern Gulf tourism circuit, linking ports in Songkhla, Koh Samui, and Pattaya. Officials also addressed concerns about infrastructure on the island, including water shortages and wastewater management, with efforts underway to expand water transmission and improve treatment facilities.
Authorities have introduced stricter safety measures as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan continue to attract large tourist crowds, especially during Full Moon Party events. Tourist police and marine authorities are increasing inspections of ferry safety systems, enforcing drug tests for boat operators, and improving crowd management to reduce accidents.
A final site inspection at Laem Hin Khom in Surat Thani revealed that public opposition to the project has subsided and that land expropriation is progressing. (NNT)
