BANGKOK, 28 March 2013 The government is determined to go ahead with the construction of the Pak Bara seaport, despite criticism by environmentalists and local fishermen.
Marine Department Director-general Sorasak Sansombat said that the government will press ahead with the Pak Bara seaport project, which has been delayed for over a decade.
The Transport Ministry aims to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) on the project, and start construction in 2016. The port is aimed to be finished in 2020.
The seaport of Pak Bara has been planned to be built in Satun province, close to Myanmar. The plan, however, has been perpetually delayed because of criticisms from environmentalists and local fishermen, as well as change of mind by past governments.
The port is estimated to require an investment of 15 billion baht. The amount has been included in the government’s 2.2 trillion baht loan bill, currently discussed in parliament.
The plan to press ahead with the Pak Bara seaport resulted partly from uncertainties surrounding the construction of the Dawei seaport in Myanmar, but the project itself is also a factor that contributes to the uncertainty.
