Phuket province is experiencing a major increase in yacht and cruise liner traffic, with a total of 159 vessels entering and leaving its waters in 2023 alone, a rise from previous years. The trend has prompted the Transport Ministry to kick-start an accelerated development of a large port through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project to cater to the growing demand.
Statistics from the Transport Ministry show fluctuating yacht traffic over the past five years, with numbers peaking in 2019, declining during the pandemic, and rebounding strongly in 2023. In response, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that the Marine Department is now tasked with enhancing Phuket as a premier maritime destination capable of accommodating various sizes of yachts from around the world.
Plans are also underway to develop a cruise terminal to facilitate routes along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, connecting regional ports and enhancing the maritime travel experience.
The feasibility of this extensive project is currently under review, with a particular focus on a new pier development in Koh Samui. The project, estimated to cost 12.86 billion baht, is scheduled for PPP Committee review by June. (NNT)
