BANGKOK, Thailand – Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says the plan to relocate operations from Khlong Toei Port to Laem Chabang Port should become clearer during the current government, although no timetable has yet been set. Phiphat, who is also a deputy prime minister, said the government remains committed to developing the Khlong Toei Port site. If all port operations can eventually be relocated, the entire site could be closed for its current use. However, some facilities may need to remain if they serve essential functions.
He said the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) would have to study which operations might need to remain, citing the possible need for rapid transport of food and other time-sensitive goods.
The minister said the relocation was not being rushed and remained open-ended because it involves multiple parties. One of the most important issues is the future of 26 communities located around the port.
Initial discussions with representatives of all 26 communities found no objection in principle to relocating to alternative housing provided by the Port Authority, Phiphat said. However, replacement accommodation would need to be built before any relocation could take place.
The relocation would also have to be carried out in phases rather than all at once. Construction of replacement buildings would take time, meaning the process is unlikely to be completed in the short term. Phiphat said the government wants to make the future of the Khlong Toei site as clear as possible during its current term, with the longer-term aim of developing the valuable urban land for commercial use and generating greater revenue for the Port Authority.
