Thailand’s Marine Department is pushing ahead with its plans to carry out a study into the creation of a maritime hub along the Andaman Coast. The Bangkok Post reports that the department has requested a budget of 4.7 billion baht, some of which would be used to fund the study. Sompong Jirasirilert, deputy director-general of the department, says 25 million baht would fund a study into the development of a maritime hub.
The development would include building 6 new marinas along the Andaman coast – in Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Ranong and Satun, each of which would be able to accommodate between 30 and 40 vessels. Sompong adds that the study would take around 540 days. Each of the new marinas would also have to undergo an environmental impact assessment. The maritime hub plans are aimed at boosting tourism, particularly marine tourism and attracting more super yachts into the region, and generating income for the local communities.
A tied-over fund of 892 million baht is also being allocated to improving 29 piers along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, in addition to a beach restoration project and other works.
Phuket has four main marinas – Phuket Boat Haven, Boat Lagoon, Ao Por Grand Marina and Royal Phuket Marina.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
