Bangkok: The government has been asked to construct a new deep seaport in the west coast of southern Thailand in Pak Bara, Langu district in Satun, to serve marine transport from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, said Thanit Soraj, a Federation of Thai Industries vice-president, the Bangkok Post reported.
The seaport at Pak Bara could be connected by means of a landbridge with Chana seaport in Songkhla. The port is expected to stimulate the South's economy, which could help reduce violence in the three southernmost provinces.
Mr Thanit said industries in the Eastern Seaboard area would be overcrowded in the next six years, so it is necessary to find another location for the new industries.
The seaport at Pak Bara requires investment of 2.6 billion baht to be developed between 2009 and 2019, and would be capable of handling cargo of 2.4 million teu per year.
The new seaport would be 15 metres deep with a berth width of 750 metres to accommodate large vessels.
Once the seaport is completed, cargo shipments from the southern provinces, especially rubber, would not need to use Penang's seaport in Malaysia.
Mr Thanit said the selection of the seaport at Pak Bara would be proposed to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont who chairs the National Logistics Development Committee on July 19 for approval. [04/07/07]
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