Love Andaman charts new Myanmar route
Love Andaman Co, a tourist boat operator in the Andaman Sea, is expanding its fleet and charting new routes into Myanmar to meet booming demand.
Managing director Tophong Wongsathienchai said the company is budgeting for a new boat and a new route this year.
The new boat will be ready by the end of the year, and will be a valuable addition to its 15-boat fleet, he said. While each of its existing boats has a capacity for 45 passengers, the new boat will carry 75 tourists with its four engines.
“Tourism in the South will continue to grow in the foreseeable future, as tourists shift to sea-travel experiences,” Mr Tophong said.
For six years, Love Andaman has been taking tourists from three rented piers in Phuket, Phangnga and Ranong provinces to the most popular islands in Thailand territory.
Last year, the company began operating two routes into Myanmar. “This year, we are seeking a third destination in Myanmar to meet tourist demand,” he said.
The new destination is likely to be launched by October, ahead of the international tourist high season.
The first line will go from Ranong to Lord Loughborough island (also known as Dragon island), and will take about 1.5 hours; another line will link Ranong with Naung Oo Pee, and will take about an hour.
Trips on the new routes can be secured from 3,900 baht per person, but tourists have to book in advance if they plan on staying overnight due to visa restrictions.
Currently, all clients travelling to Myanmar in Mr Tophong’s boats are Thai, but Love Andaman hopes to penetrate the international market soon.
According to Mr Tophong, Grand Andaman, a rival company, is the only boat operator with a concession from Myanmar’s government to operate in the popular Cocks Comb and Emerald Heart islands in Myanmar. Some 80% of its clients are Thai, with passenger volume ranging from 500 a day during high season, to 100 a day in the low season.