Thailand Aims to Be Regional Trade Hub with Enhanced Mekong Logistics

Matichon•Politics•137d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's Deputy Minister of Transport, Subpech Boonmanee, met with private sector representatives from the Mekong region to discuss enhancing north-south logistics, aiming to position Thailand as a crucial hub for regional trade and transport.

•On May 6, Deputy Minister of Transport Subpech Boonmanee chaired a meeting with the Mekong Economic Development Promotion Trade Association.
•The meeting focused on projects like the 'West-East Economic Corridor – BIMSTEC via Thailand' to boost Thailand's role as a trade and logistics hub.
•Key proposals include upgrading Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong ports in Chiang Rai and the Ranong Port to enhance cargo handling and international transport, and to integrate water, rail, and road transport.
•Private sector participants expressed support for infrastructure development, including the land bridge project, citing reduced costs and increased competitiveness.

Overview

•On May 6, Deputy Minister of Transport Subpech Boonmanee chaired a meeting with representatives from the Mekong Economic Development Promotion Trade Association.
•Deputy Minister of Transport Subpech Boonmanee presided over discussions with the Mekong Economic Development Promotion Trade Association.
•The meeting aimed to discuss the 'West-East Economic Corridor – BIMSTEC via Thailand' project in order to elevate Thailand's role as a regional trade, transport, and logistics hub.
•The association proposed developing transport infrastructure, specifically upgrading Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong ports in Chiang Rai, and boosting Ranong Port's capacity.
•The proposed infrastructure development is intended to increase the capacity for handling cargo ships and international transport, and to more efficiently link water, rail, and road transport systems.
•Private sector participants supported the government's infrastructure development plans and the land bridge project, viewing strategic port development as a means to reduce transport costs and enhance Thailand's competitiveness.
•Deputy Minister of Transport Subpech Boonmanee stated that efficient transport infrastructure and logistics are crucial for regional economic connectivity and will enhance Thailand's position as an international transport and trade hub.
•Deputy Minister of Transport Subpech Boonmanee requested the Port Authority of Thailand to study upgrading Chiang Saen Port and Chiang Khong Port, and requested the State Railway of Thailand and the Department of Rail Transport to study extending the railway line from Sapli, Chumphon to Ranong, in order to create a comprehensive rail-port linkage.

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Key Quotes

Subpech Boonmanee

"The development of efficient transportation infrastructure and logistics systems is a key mechanism for creating regional economic connectivity and will enhance Thailand's potential as a future international transport and trade hub."

การพัฒนาโครงสร้างพื้นฐานด้านคมนาคมและระบบโลจิสติกส์ที่มีประสิทธิภาพ ถือเป็นกลไกสำคัญในการสร้างความเชื่อมโยงทางเศรษฐกิจของภูมิภาค และจะช่วยเพิ่มศักยภาพของประเทศไทยในการเป็นศูนย์กลางการขนส่งและการค้าระหว่างประเทศในอนาคต

Subpech Boonmanee

"Emphasized the need for the Port Authority of Thailand to expedite studies on upgrading Chiang Saen Port, Chiang Khong Port, and other potential key ports to become primary ports and logistics hubs for the region."

เน้นย้ำให้การท่าเรือแห่งประเทศไทยเร่งศึกษาการยกระดับท่าเรือพาณิชย์เชียงแสน ท่าเรือเชียงของ รวมถึงท่าเรือสำคัญอื่น ๆ ที่มีศักยภาพ เพื่อพัฒนาให้เป็นท่าเรือหลักและศูนย์กลางด้านโลจิสติกส์ของภูมิภาค

Key Entities

Person

Subpech Boonmanee(สรรเพชญ บุญญามณี)

Deputy Minister of Transport who chaired a meeting on logistics development.

Organization

Mekong Economic Development Promotion Trade Association(สมาคมการค้าส่งเสริมและพัฒนาเศรษฐกิจหกประเทศลุ่มแม่น้ำโขง)

An association representing six Mekong basin countries that participated in a logistics discussion.

Port Authority of Thailand(การท่าเรือแห่งประเทศไทย)

An organization tasked with studying the upgrading of key ports to serve as regional logistics hubs.

State Railway of Thailand(การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย)

An organization requested to study the extension of railway lines to enhance logistics connectivity.

Department of Rail Transport(กรมการขนส่งทางราง)

An organization requested to study the extension of railway lines to enhance logistics connectivity.

BIMSTECℹ️

A regional organization involved in the 'West-East Economic Corridor – BIMSTEC via Thailand' project.

Place

Chiang Saen Commercial Port(ท่าเรือพาณิชย์เชียงแสน)

A port in Chiang Rai province proposed for upgrading to enhance logistics and international trade.

Chiang Khong Port(ท่าเรือเชียงของ)

A port in Chiang Rai province proposed for upgrading to enhance logistics and international trade.

Ranong Port(ท่าเรือระนอง)

A port proposed for upgrading to enhance cargo handling and international transport, linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Sapli Subdistrict(ตำบลสะพลี)

A location in Chumphon Province from which railway line extensions are being considered.

Chumphon Province(จังหวัดชุมพร)

A province in Thailand where railway line extensions are being considered.

Ranong Province(จังหวัดระนอง)

A province in Thailand where railway line extensions are being considered to connect with Ranong Port.