On May 21, 2024, Deputy Minister of Transport Manaporn Charoensri revealed that the Department of Marine had submitted its study and analysis on the proposed Samui Cruise Terminal project in Surat Thani to the Ministry of Transport. The project aims to develop a terminal to accommodate large cruise ships.
The proposal is currently under review by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Committee, and the Cabinet. The timeline remains on track to present the project for Cabinet approval between July and September 2024. The selection of private investors is expected to commence in 2025, alongside the issuance of a royal decree for land expropriation. Construction is projected to begin in 2029, with the terminal opening by 2031.
Manaporn Charoensri mentioned that three investors have shown interest: Bangkok Airways, a group of Thai businessmen from Phuket and Samui, and a Japanese shipping company. The project plan includes routes in the Gulf of Thailand, connecting ports from Singapore to Hong Kong, with stops at Koh Samui and Laem Chabang in Chonburi. Additionally, routes in the Andaman Sea will link Singapore with Phuket and Krabi.
The Samui Cruise Terminal project, structured as a 30-year PPP concession, involves an investment of approximately 12 billion baht. This sum includes land acquisition, construction, system installation, and construction supervision costs totaling over 6.5 billion baht, with operating and maintenance costs exceeding 5.7 billion baht. The projected revenue over the concession period is estimated at 8.504 billion baht, with 91% derived from docking fees and 9% from commercial activities.
The terminal, located at Laem Hin Khom in Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, spans 47 rai. The onshore area includes service buildings, parking, and public roads over 15 rai, while the offshore area features a suspension bridge, a three-story passenger building, ferry docks, and yacht berths covering 32 rai. The terminal’s wharf will be 362 meters long with a water depth of 12 meters, capable of handling 3,600 passengers and docking two large cruise ships (4,000 passengers each), one medium cruise ship (2,500 passengers), up to 80 yachts, and six ferries simultaneously.
This development is expected to enhance Thailand’s capacity to receive large cruise ships, boost cruise tourism, create jobs, and increase national revenue.
City officials, along with engineers and relevant agencies, are actively involved in this high-profile project, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing Thailand’s tourism infrastructure and economic growth.
