Laem Chabang Port Advances Phase 3 Expansion to Strengthen Thai Logistics

Laem Chabang Port continues its Phase 3 Expansion project, with the aim of supporting Thailand’s logistics sector and strengthening the country’s role in regional trade. The project aims to move the port towards becoming Southeast Asia’s largest transshipment hub, serving the needs of businesses and investors with world-class operational standards.

In this issue, LM spoke with Sub Lt. Rutthakorn Khiewpaisal, Deputy Director of Financial Management and Corporate Strategy and Acting Director of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), about the progress of the Laem Chabang Phase 3 Expansion project and its wider impact on the Thai logistics industry.

Q: What are the primary goals and objectives of the Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 Expansion Project?

A: The Phase 3 expansion of Laem Chabang Port is a cornerstone of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), designed to strengthen Thailand’s global competitiveness amid rapid economic and maritime growth. By prioritizing domestic cargo infrastructure, the government aims to transform the port into a world-class hub and a strategic gateway for trade between southern China and the CLMV nations (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam).

The key goals for the Phase 3 Expansion project (Terminal F) include:

• Capacity Expansion: Enhancing the port’s total capacity to reach approximately 18.1 million TEUs per year.
• Rail Connectivity: Increasing rail cargo capacity to 6 million TEUs per year, raising the rail transport proportion from 7% to 30% through the implementation of a dedicated Single Rail Transfer Operator (SRTO).
• Mega-Ship Support: Achieving a basin depth of -18.5 meters (MSL) to safely accommodate Ultra Large Container Vessels.
• Green & Smart Port: Implementing automation and eco-friendly technologies to become Thailand’s first Smart Port.
• Investment Attraction: Supporting the EEC by offering seamless sea–rail–road connectivity.
• Cost Reduction: Reducing national logistics costs from 14% to 12% of GDP, saving approximately 250 billion Baht.

Q: What is the current progress and the estimated timeline for operations?

A: The construction of the Phase 3 project is divided into two main sections:

Q: How is Laem Chabang Port integrating new technologies, and what are the primary frameworks supporting these developments?

A: Laem Chabang Port aims to become a competitive, safe, and sustainable hub by leveraging technology to transform challenges into new commercial opportunities. Under the Phase 3 Expansion project, the port is being positioned as Thailand’s first ‘Green & Smart Port’. This involves integrating automated machinery and advanced IT systems in container yards to minimize errors and accelerate operations.

Furthermore, the port has adopted 5G and automated systems to enable faster, more precise and safer container management. AI and IoT technologies are utilized for real-time vessel and cargo tracking to eliminate delays, while IoT sensors monitor air and water quality, including PM2.5 levels. Traffic management is also being upgraded through ‘Truck Queue’ and ‘Smart Port Traffic Management’ systems. These innovations will help ensure rapid and secure operations, bolster Thailand’s competitiveness and establish Laem Chabang as a sustainable regional logistics hub.

Q: What are the sustainability goals for Laem Chabang Port and the Phase 3 Expansion project?

A: In alignment with the PAT vision to ‘World-Class Port Standards with Excellent Logistics for Sustainable Growth,’ operations at both Bangkok Port and Laem Chabang Port are centered around the three pillars of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). This framework ensures that PAT’s development supports the long-term growth of the organization, the local community and society at large.

Specifically, the Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 project is fully committed to becoming a ‘Green Port’. It focuses on balancing economic expansion with environmental stewardship through the following objectives:

• Carbon Neutrality: Transitioning port machinery and vehicles from diesel to electric (EV) power and developing shore-to-ship power to reduce emissions from docked vessels.
• Eco-friendly Transport: Shifting cargo from road transport to rail and coastal shipping.
• Resource Management: Comprehensive waste and wastewater management through a modern centralized treatment system, alongside maritime waste management aligned with international MARPOL standards to protect marine ecosystems. In addition, office buildings and warehouses are designed according to Green Building standards that priorities energy efficiency and natural light.
• Social Responsibility: Establishing a remediation and community development fund for residents surrounding Laem Chabang Port, focusing on education, public health and career development. The port also aims to mitigate noise and dust pollution through the adoption of automation and electric-powered machinery.

Q: How does this project benefit the community and the national economy?

A: Beyond accelerating the Port Authority’s own expansion, the Laem Chabang Phase 3 project delivers extensive direct and indirect value to both local communities and the national economy, including:

Q: What are the traffic management strategies for the port and surrounding areas during development and after Phase 3 operations begin?

A: During the development phase, the primary challenge is managing cargo truck traffic alongside construction vehicles and heavy machinery. To minimize the impact on existing users, the port is implementing Time Slot Management, which schedules construction vehicle access outside peak cargo handling hours to reduce congestion at entrance gates. Strict safety measures are also enforced when transporting reclamation materials and soil to prevent debris spillage that could cause accidents or traffic delays.

Once Phase 3 operations commence, traffic management will focus on addressing congestion at its source by shifting transport modes and implementing advanced technologies:

• Modal Shift to Rail: Promoting the Single Rail Transfer Operator (SRTO) project, which could reduce the number of trucks on the road by 20–30%.
• Smart Gate Systems: Utilizing automated gate systems integrated with OCR and RFID technology to enable rapid verification of containers and license plates without requiring vehicles to come to a complete stop, thereby accelerating traffic flow at entry and exit points.

Q: What are the future plans for Laem Chabang Port?

A: Our future roadmap focuses on three strategic pillars:

• Increasing Transshipment Cargo: While current growth is driven mainly by domestic imports and exports, Laem Chabang Port aims to attract shipping lines seeking alternative transshipment hubs as major ports in Singapore and Malaysia approach capacity. This aligns with our enterprise strategy to become a key Short Sea Shipping and transshipment hub for ASEAN. We are also working to integrate Phases 1, 2 and 3 into the EEC Special Economic Zone to streamline customs procedures, including proposed amendments to 16 regulations to facilitate smoother transshipment operations.
• Collaborative Regional Marketing: We are building development networks with regional ports, partners and stakeholders to establish reciprocal feeder and hub port relationships. Through these alliances, we aim to enhance operational efficiency and raise service standards across the network.
• Spatial Development and Management: A comprehensive Master Plan is being implemented to define land-use zones clearly and maximize operational efficiency. This includes the potential establishment of subsidiary companies to manage the long-term assets of both the Port Authority of Thailand and Laem Chabang Port.

Sub Lt. Rutthakorn Khiewpaisal
2015: Administration 14, Attached to the Director General of PAT
2020: Director of Business Development and Marketing
2021: Assistant Director General, Audit Department
2023: Administration 16, Attached to the Director General of PAT
Present: Deputy Director of Financial Management and Corporate Strategy and Acting Director of PAT

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