Ministry to build 2 cruise liner ports

Thailand plans to build two new cruise liner ports — one in Krabi and the other in Surat Thani — and host an international yacht show to boost trade and tourism.

Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the growing popularity of cruise liners and the high-spending tourists who generally travel on the vessels will help boost tourism and increase national revenue.

“Cruise liner tourists have a high purchasing power. Special events will draw them to the country and the tourists will then hopefully visit here. Home ports will be built to compete with Singapore,” said Mr Arkhom.

Tourism and Sports deputy permanent secretary Kajorn Weerajai said about 100,000 tourists visit Thailand aboard cruise liners each year.

But due to the restricted capacities of the current cruise liner ports, some vessels have to dock at cargo ports.

Thailand currently has cruise liner ports in Phuket, Laem Chabang in Chon Buri and Bangkok.

Authorities at the Marine Department have been asked to carry out a feasibility study to see if the ports can be built in Krabi and Surat Thani, according to Mr Arkhom.

In another move to boost trade and tourism, the Transport Ministry and Tourism and Sports Ministry will co-host an international yacht show to be held in November this year.

Manufacturers would be invited to display and sell new yachts and super yachts.

Mr Arkhom said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is confident the international yacht show will help promote Thailand as a key destination for tourists interested in cruising and yachting.

The event is scheduled to be held in either Pattaya or Phuket.

Mr Arkhom added the Transport Ministry is also working on plans to improve the boat services on the Chao Phraya River.

A campaign to improve the safety of tourists in Phuket, Surat Thani and Krabi provinces is also part of its plan, he added.