During his visit to Koh Samui from April 7th, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin promised that a new cruise terminal, with a total investment of 12.172 billion baht, will be approved by the Cabinet this year. This visit is part of his official trip to Koh Samui and Nakhon Si Thammarat, which spans from Saturday to Monday.
The proposed cruise terminal will be located at Laem Hin Khom cape on Koh Samui, a popular destination in Surat Thani province. The Prime Minister, alongside key ministers including the Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, and Deputy Agriculture Minister Chaiya Promma, was briefed on the project by Kritphet Chaichuay, the director general of the Marine Department.
Key Project Details
- Investment & Timeline: The project, valued at 12.172 billion baht, is expected to be executed under the public-private partnership law, with construction spanning from 2027 to 2029.
- Facilities & Capacity: Spanning over 47 rai, the terminal will accommodate around 120 cruise ships annually, potentially bringing in 180,000 tourists. Tourists are anticipated to spend approximately 5,000 baht each during their visit.
- Operational Rights: The winning private bidder will operate the terminal for 30 years, from 2029 to 2059.
- Additional Developments: Srettha also expressed his desire to see a marina for yachts and sailboats near the terminal and proposed the construction of a sea airport to facilitate seaplane transport among nearby islands.
Community and Economic Impact
Srettha highlighted that the terminal, which will include a duty-free shop, is expected to significantly boost tourism and set a new record for cruise ship arrivals in Koh Samui. The current record was 74 arrivals in 2018. He assured the islanders that the project would be a “New Year present” and a critical performance indicator for the Marine Department.
After the project briefing, the Prime Minister visited a local demonstration durian orchard, showcasing the island’s diverse attractions…Read More
