Jirapong appointed PAT Director to resolve Laem Chabang issues

Matichon•Economy•26m ago

Reader Briefing

Jirapong Theppitak has officially assumed the position of the 20th Director of the Port Authority of Thailand with a focus on resolving Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 obstacles.

•Jirapong Theppitak officially took office as the 20th Director of the Port Authority of Thailand on November 13.
•The Port Authority of Thailand aims to increase Laem Chabang Port's capacity from 10 million TEU to 18 million TEU.
•The Port Authority of Thailand is investigating private sector claims for approximately 4,000 million baht in fines due to project delays.
•Jirapong Theppitak plans to use AI technology to manage truck traffic at Laem Chabang Port within his 4-year term.

Overview

•Jirapong Theppitak officially assumed the position of Director of the Port Authority of Thailand on November 13.
•Jirapong Theppitak intends to resolve issues regarding the Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 project within 3-6 months.
•The Port Authority of Thailand is reviewing facts and evidence regarding private sector claims for approximately 4,000 million baht in fines.
•Contract amendments for the project must pass through the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the Public-Private Partnership Committee, and the Cabinet, a process expected to take over 1 year.
•Jirapong Theppitak proposes implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage truck entry and exit at Laem Chabang Port to reduce congestion.
•Jirapong Theppitak stated that there is currently no conclusion on whether the Bangkok Port will be moved, closed, downsized, or modified.
•The Port Authority of Thailand will promote a Shift Mode of transport from road to rail and water to reduce truck volume at Laem Chabang Port and Bangkok Port.
•The development of Ranong Port faces constraints due to mountainous terrain, necessitating the use of technology to improve efficiency.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Jirapong Theppitak

"I did not come to change everything or start anew; PAT has a strong foundation and capable personnel already."

ผมไม่ได้มาเพื่อเปลี่ยนทุกอย่างหรือเริ่มต้นใหม่ กทท. มีรากฐานที่แข็งแรงและมีบุคลากรที่มีความสามารถอยู่แล้ว

Key Entities

Person

Jirapong Theppitak(จิระพงศ์ เทพพิทักษ์)

The 20th Director of the Port Authority of Thailand with over 30 years of experience in infrastructure development.

Organization

Port Authority of Thailand(การท่าเรือแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

The organization responsible for managing ports in Thailand, including Laem Chabang, Bangkok, and Ranong ports.

Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee(คณะกรรมการนโยบายเขตพัฒนาพิเศษภาคตะวันออก)

An agency involved in the process of considering contract amendments for the Laem Chabang project.

Public-Private Partnership Policy Committee(คณะกรรมการนโยบายการร่วมลงทุนระหว่างรัฐและเอกชน)

An agency involved in the process of considering contract amendments for the Laem Chabang project.

Cabinet(คณะรัฐมนตรี)

The government body that must approve contract amendments for the Laem Chabang project.

Chiang Mai University(มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่)ℹ️

The institution where Jirapong Theppitak earned his Bachelor's in Civil Engineering and Master's in Transport Engineering.

National Institute of Development Administration(สถาบันบัณฑิตพัฒนบริหารศาสตร์)ℹ️

The institution where Jirapong Theppitak earned a Master's degree in Public Administration.

Department of Highways(กรมทางหลวง)

The organization where Jirapong Theppitak previously served as Deputy Director General.

Ministry of Transport(กระทรวงคมนาคม)ℹ️

The ministry where Jirapong Theppitak previously served as Inspector General and Deputy Permanent Secretary.

Place

Laem Chabang Port(ท่าเรือแหลมฉบัง)ℹ️

A port facility undergoing a Phase 3 expansion to increase capacity to 18 million TEU.

Bangkok Port(ท่าเรือกรุงเทพ)ℹ️

A port whose future operational model is currently under study to align with economic conditions.

Ranong Port(ท่าเรือระนอง)

A port facing geographical limitations due to mountains behind the site.