Thai Transport ministry to upgrade 29 piers with billion-baht budget

The Thai Ministry of Transport has initiated a comprehensive plan to upgrade 29 piers across the nation into Smart Piers with a budget of 1.214 billion baht. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and support the efficient transport of goods and passengers.

Under the directive of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Ministry of Transport is pushing forward with the development of Smart Piers to improve safety and standards for piers along the Chao Phraya River.

The goal is to integrate these piers with other transportation systems through a unified ticketing system, provide users with real-time information, and ensure accessibility for all, including people with disabilities and underprivileged individuals. This initiative is expected to facilitate smoother, faster, and safer travel while boosting water tourism in Bangkok and its surrounding areas.

Kritphet Chaichuay, the Director-General of the Marine Department, reported that nine of the 29 piers have already been completed with an expenditure of nearly 90 million baht. These include the Marine Department Pier, Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge Pier, Nonthaburi Pier, Chang Pier, Sathorn Pier, Rajinee Pier, Payap Pier, Bang Pho Pier, and Tha Tien Pier.

Construction is ongoing for five additional piers with a budget of approximately 189 million baht. These piers include Kiakkai Pier, Rama VII Bridge Pier, Rama V Bridge Pier, Pinklao Pier, and Pak Kret Pier, and they are expected to be completed between 2024 and 2025.

The ministry has requested an allocation of 84.6 million baht for the fiscal year 2025 to construct two more piers: Oriental Pier and Thewet Pier. In the fiscal year 2026, there are plans to build another 13 piers with a budget of around 265 million baht.

These piers include Ratchawong Pier, Krung Thon Bridge Pier (Sang Hee), Khiew Khai Ka Pier, Phibulsongkram 1 Pier, Phibulsongkram 2 Pier, Wat Tukk Pier, Wat Khema Pier, Wat Soi Thong Pier, Wat Thepakorn Pier, Wat Thepnari Pier, Railway Pier, Si Phraya Pier, and Pran Nok Pier.

Additionally, the ministry plans to request a budget of approximately 584 million baht for the fiscal years 2026-2027 to upgrade the Marine Department’s Water Traffic and Safety Operations Centre and install safety and convenience equipment at passenger piers along the Chao Phraya River, reported KhaoSod.

The Smart Pier project aims to renovate the old, deteriorating piers, transforming them into modern, safe, and convenient facilities. These piers will feature architectural designs that enhance their aesthetic appeal.