Seventeen boat piers along the Chao Phraya River are being repaired and upgraded, with the work expected to be completed early next year, Marine Department chief Sornsak Saensombat said.
Mr Sornsak said the piers, in Nonthaburi, Bangkok and Samut Prakan provinces, were being repaired and strengthened to iomprove safety, and service improved.
They include the Pin Klao, Sathorn, Nonthaburi, Rama VII, Bang Pho, Thewes, Phran Nok, Ratchawong and Si Phraya piers.
Si Phraya pier is among 17 ferry quays along the Chao Phraya River targeted for a major revamp. (Photo by Nittaya Nattayai)
The department was preparing the terms of reference for bids to select a private firm to install automatic fare-collecting machines at these piers.
Tenders were expected to be called in September and the machines should be in place by mid-2017.
"Only one private firm will be picked to install the machines at the 17 piers to ensure compatibility. Apart from providing commuters with convenience, the system will also clearly show the arrival and departure times of the boats in service," said Mr Somsak.
Progress is also being made in the selection of private firms to run East-West ferry services across the Gulf of Thailand.
A source said the Marine Department had invited private firms interested in providing the ferry services between the eastern coast (Chon Buri's Pattaya and Sattahip) and western coast (Phetchaburi's Cha-am and Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin and Pran Buri) to submit their business plans for the department to consider.
The business plan should include the size and source of investment; the types, sizes and prices of ferries; passenger fares and freight charges; frequency of services; maps of ferry routes; manpower; passenger capacities for each trip; and expected revenue.
"The selected operators will receive 10-year operationing permits. Applications from private firms will be accepted from Sept 19-23. The results will be announced on Sept 30," said the source.