A regular ferry boat service linking three provinces on the Andaman coast as an alternative for local commuters and tourists is under consideration by the Marine Department.
Director-general Chirute Visalachitra said a decision on a regular service connecting Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi could be made by year's end after studies on infrastructure and passenger demand are completed.
This would offer an alternative means of travel for both local people and visitors to the three provinces, he added.
Currently, charter boats are the only option for travellers by sea on that route. Public buses offer regular services between Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi.
Deputy director-general Nat Chubchai said he will discuss the idea with boat operators in the three provinces this week.
The department could be responsible for improving piers, or open the project to the private sector to improve and manage them, he said.