Phuket: Deputy Minister of Finance supports private sector to improve port using Crown Property in Wichit Subdistrict, Phuket Province, to support large passenger ships (Cruise) and cargo ports. Mr. Phao Bhum Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance, revealed that the Treasury Department has implemented a project to improve the Phuket Port in the area of the Crown Property, registration number Phor Kor. 308 (partial) to develop and improve the Phuket Port into a port for tourism and cargo transportation in accordance with government policy by opening an auction for a 30-year lease worth no less than 116 million baht and offering a fee for the benefit of no less than 139.50 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, it turned out that Phuket Deep Sea Port Co., Ltd. was the winner of the bid. The company offered a fee of 345 million baht and a project value of 132.86 million baht. The total benefits over a 30-year lifespan amounted to 678.41 million baht. The Treasury Department directed the company to comply with the terms of the contract for management and operation of the Phuket Port in order to be ready to accommodate cruise ships and cargo ports in a timely manner as specified in the contract.
Mr. Pao Bhumi also visited the development project area of the Crown Property, registration number Phor Kor. 293-294, which Phuket Province had opened for general bidding to allow private investors to develop the Crown Property in 2005. The Treasury Department approved Baan Jai Sai Company Limited to be granted the right to develop the Crown Property. The company proposed the project worth approximately 68.59 million baht and offered a fee for the acquisition of benefits of 1.7 million baht.
Currently, permission has been granted to extend the construction period and amend the blueprints in order to make changes and amendments to be appropriate and consistent with the building’s utilization. There are 12 building construction items with a project value of 236.07 million baht. The construction results as of April 2025 are 87.50 percent. The company is allowed to extend the construction period until June 30, 2025. Mr. Pao Bhum emphasized that the Phuket Port Improvement Port project must create value appropriate to the potential of the land, including increasing the value of the assets and generating income to benefit the country.