Bangkok: The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Sanphet Bunyamanee, has outlined a strategic vision to upgrade Thailand's waterway transportation, emphasizing safety, modernization, and sustainability. During his visit to the Marine Department, Mr. Sanphet conveyed policy guidelines aimed at advancing maritime commerce and enhancing the quality of life for citizens through improved water transport systems.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sanphet was received by Mr. Kritphet Chaiyachai, Director-General of the Marine Department, along with other prominent executives. Mr. Sanphet stressed the importance of developing waterway transportation systems as a pivotal mechanism for boosting the national economy. This development is expected to enhance the potential of transportation and maritime commerce while simultaneously elevating the living standards of the people.
The Deputy Minister articulated a comprehensive policy framework focusing on six key areas. The first area involves accelerating infrastructure development, including dredging economic waterways in vital locations such as Samut Sakhon, Ban Don, Pattani, Songkhla, and Bang Pakong. Plans are also in place to study the development of Don Sak Port, which is set to connect with the land bridge project to optimize logistics and import-export processes.
The second area targets income generation through water-based tourism, with plans to develop cruise ship ports in potential-rich areas of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. This includes encouraging private investment in cruise ships and yachts, especially around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, alongside upgrading tourist port safety standards via a Port Control system.
Mr. Sanphet's third focus area is the improvement of quality of life by developing an accessible water transport system, including the establishment of smart piers along the Chao Phraya River, targeted for completion by 2027. This initiative will incorporate modern technologies such as vessel traffic control systems and AI to boost service efficiency.
Addressing environmental sustainability is a core aspect of the policy, with plans to promote clean energy use in water transport, aiming to achieve zero emissions in line with international targets. This includes the development of green ports and clean energy vessels.
The fifth area concentrates on protecting Thailand's national maritime commercial interests. This involves enhancing competitiveness globally through collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other international bodies, fostering maritime personnel production to meet global demands, and establishing frameworks for bilateral and multilateral maritime commerce cooperation.
For effective policy implementation, Mr. Sanphet outlined a "Quick Win" approach, prioritizing the swift completion of key projects. This includes expediting port development projects in Nonthaburi, Trang, and Rayong provinces, and initiating economic stimulus projects such as the Bang Saen beach sand replenishment in Chonburi.
In conclusion, Mr. Sanphet expressed confidence in the Marine Department's capabilities and urged its personnel to work with dedication and transparency to achieve the nation's waterway transportation objectives. The aim is to ensure that Thailand's waterway systems remain safe, modern, and environmentally sustainable, thereby improving the populace's quality of life.