The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) introduces the "New Business Model of Bangkok Port" alongside the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with two trade partners to bolster international logistics and transportation activities, thus enhancing competitiveness on the global stage for import-export operators. The opening ceremony for the "New Business Model of Bangkok Port" was presided over by Manaporn Charoensri, Minister of Transport, and attended by key government and private sector representatives, business entrepreneurs, stakeholders, media, and honourable guests.
During the event, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) signed an MOU with Sahathai Terminal Public Company Limited for the "Inbound containers via vessels promotion and Business Promotion activities" project. Additionally, another MOU was signed between PAT and BOXMAN Company Limited, representing Oknha Mong Port (Cambodia), for the "Import-Export Promotion and Transshipment Activities Promotion via Bangkok Port to third countries by maritime and railroads" project.
In line with its commitment to service improvement, PAT's new policy includes the promotion of activities to advance international trade and support dynamic investment, catering to the needs of importers and exporters, thereby enhancing competitiveness on the global stage. Bangkok Port has initiated various projects to facilitate sustainable port infrastructure development and aims to transform into Thailand's Strategic Hub through collaborative efforts with the private sector, including:
Chao Phraya Super Port Project: A joint venture between PAT and Sahathai Terminal Public Company Limited aimed at promoting inbound containers from Sahathai Terminal to Bangkok Port. The introduction of barge docking at Pier 20G is expected to enhance goods transportation efficiency, reduce road traffic, lower costs, and shorten transportation times for international importers. This project is anticipated to increase the annual container volume by 10,000 TEU, approximately 35-40 million baht, upon completion.
Import-Export Promotion and Transshipment Activities Promotion via Bangkok Port Project: This initiative enables transshipment from Bangkok Port to third countries through rail and maritime transport. Collaboratively launched by PAT and BOXMAN Co., Ltd., representing Oknha Mong Port (Cambodia), this project supports the national shift towards increased goods transportation via vessels and trains instead of road transportation. The MOU signifies the promotion of ongoing maritime schedules and shipment routes to foster sustainable revenues, promote international imports and exports between countries, and boost long-term revenues for the organisation.
Bangkok Port Free Zone: The newly established service facility at Bangkok Port spans over 24,000 square meters, providing convenience for investors engaged in export businesses and seeking additional value from their operations. This initiative, jointly undertaken by PAT, the Customs Department, and the Private Sector (Spedition Sigma Co., Ltd.), is expected to reduce actual logistics costs. The business model involves land ownership by PAT and investment and management by the Private Sector. The services offered include warehouse facilities, container fields, rental offices, display showrooms, and controlled temperature storage rooms for high-value goods. Activities within the Free Zone encompass import customs exemption, trading, goods sorting, packaging and labelling services, goods assembly, and two-year storage spaces. This program aims to enhance efficiency in inbound and outbound transportation, streamline customs clearance, promote international trade and investment, elevate service quality, and increase the volume of goods transported via the port. The introduction of these enhanced services is expected to boost competitiveness and position Bangkok Port as a strategic hub connecting trade partners with other countries through maritime transportation.
Additionally, Bangkok Port is gearing up to implement future plans that support logistics and international transportation activities. These include the development of the BKP West Container Terminal into a semi-automated port to expand its capacity for container transportation services. The Multimodal Transport & Distribution Center is also in the works, allowing for maximum utilisation of Bangkok Port's space as new prospective activities are introduced. Other related projects include the development of the Bang Na-At Narong Expressway connection to facilitate truck traffic through Bangkok Port and address future traffic challenges for the city.
Furthermore, upcoming plans involve the development of information technology systems, focusing on technological advancements for key operating and service systems. This includes the entrance-exit control system, automatic inspection gate (e-Gate), Port Community System, a new version of the ship and cargo operating system, and various other service support systems, including the EDO system and automatic container location search. PAT's Director emphasised, "PAT is actively preparing to transform into an organisation characterised by high performance through efficient port management, technological advancements, and increased operational speed. These facility improvements are geared toward meeting the evolving needs of investors and import-export operators, ultimately strengthening the country's transportation and distribution capabilities. This will encompass various forms of continuous transportation that connect the freight transport network and logistics system, both within the region and beyond, to support economic growth and future requirements, allowing the organisation to grow sustainably.