Chonburi: Minister Sanphet inspected Laem Chabang Port to monitor Phase 3 and the establishment of a buffer zone to alleviate traffic congestion. The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) reported that offshore construction is over 95% complete, and efforts are being accelerated to finalize land handover plans and proceed with infrastructure development to support long-term logistics, prioritizing the government's benefits.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sanpetch Bunyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, and Mr. Panya Chupanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Head of the Transportation Task Force, visited Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province to monitor operations and provide policy guidance to the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT). They were welcomed by Mr. Naris Niramaiwong, Governor of Chonburi Province; Acting Lieutenant Colonel Rattakorn Khiaopaisan, Deputy Director of PAT for Finance and Corporate Strategy (acting as Director of PAT); and other PAT executives. They reported on the progress of key projects at Laem Chabang Port, particularly the Laem Chabang Port Development Project Phase 3, a major national logistics infrastructure project.
Mr. Sanphet said that this site visit was a follow-up to the policy directives given to the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) on April 30th. The purpose was to hear firsthand information on the progress, problems, and obstacles at Laem Chabang Port from those directly involved in its operation. Laem Chabang Port is a crucial economic gateway for the country and a key link connecting Thailand's transportation and logistics systems to the international market. He specifically mentioned the Laem Chabang Port Development Phase 3 project, which still requires urgent resolution. He instructed PAT to proceed with the project clearly on all aspects, including land area, technical aspects, contracts, and working with contractors, emphasizing speed, accuracy, transparency, and ensuring that the state's interests are not compromised. Sub-Lieutenant Rattakorn reported on the progress of the Laem Chabang Port Development Phase 3 project. As of May 29, 2026, the overall marine construction was approximately 95.57% complete, while the construction of public utilities was approximately 19.82% complete. The project is currently undergoing procedures related to design and contract amendments, which must be submitted to the PAT Board of Directors for consideration. PAT is closely monitoring the progress and preparing expedited plans for areas where possible to ensure the project's continued progress.
Regarding progress following the policy directive on April 30, 2026, the working group has continuously held discussions with GPC International Terminal Co., Ltd. to determine the guidelines for the handover of the Laem Chabang Port Development Project Phase 3 area, specifically concerning Berth F and shared utilities. GPC provided clarification on technical proposals, cost estimates, and related impacts. Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has compiled information and facts from all parties and coordinated with the design contractor to obtain additional engineering information for consideration regarding areas F1 and F2, particularly the contract's requirements for land reclamation quality. PAT is also preparing to seek academic opinions from the Engineering Institute of Thailand under the Royal Patronage (EIT) to aid in the decision-making process before determining the next steps.
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is currently expediting the review process to ensure a swift resolution to the land handover issue without impacting the overall project plan. Opinions, suggestions, and technical data from the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) will be incorporated into the decision-making process, along with technical and factual information from relevant agencies, before further discussions with GPC to determine a suitable and practical approach. Regarding the contractual demands, these are currently under review by PAT's legal department, Laem Chabang Port, and legal advisors to ensure a complete, transparent, verifiable, and fair process for all parties. The F1 berth is expected to open for service by 2031.
Mr. Sanphet instructed the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) to manage the Laem Chabang Port Development Project Phase 3 carefully and systematically, expediting work that can be immediately implemented while simultaneously resolving outstanding issues. This is to ensure the project proceeds on schedule, is transparent, verifiable, and safeguards the interests of the state.
Furthermore, policy measures were implemented to accelerate development by 2026, aiming to upgrade the standards of Laem Chabang Port. This includes instructing the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) to manage over 127 rai of Buffer Zone as a truck rest area before entering the port, reducing queues on main roads. Contracted ports were instructed to maintain a truck throughput through Sub Gates of no less than 50 vehicles per hour, and to utilize the SRTO area to accommodate outbound containers, thereby reducing congestion in private yards. A working group was also tasked with integrating officials, operators, the Customs Department, the Department of Highways, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, local administrative organizations, and the police to address traffic problems 24 hours a day, coupled with the use of information technology to manage traffic and vehicle queues systematically.
In the long term, accelerate the development of a Master Plan for infrastructure development, restructuring freight rates, reducing container backlogs, expedite the Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 project, increase the proportion of rail transport between ICD Lat Krabang and Laem Chabang Port to at least 50%, and promote domestic water transport to reduce traffic congestion. These measures will improve transportation efficiency, support Laem Chabang Port's role as a major trade gateway for the country, and enhance the efficiency of infrastructure and Thailand's logistics system, supporting trade, investment, and long-term economic growth in Thailand.