OrBorJor reviews Rassada Port bids

PHUKET TOWN: Companies bidding for a 30-year lease management on the Rassada Port made presentations to the Phuket Provincial Organization Administration (OrBorJor) on Friday. The companies that delivered presentations were Sri Fuengfah Co Ltd, Port and Marine Enterprise Co Ltd, and Seatran Travel Co Ltd. A fourth bidder, Thepkrasattri Petroleum Co Ltd, pulled out. The OrBorJor’s decision as to who will receive the lease will be based on two factors: the amount of the bid and, more importantly, the bidder’s management and development plan. Sri Fuengfah’s bid, presented by its managing director, Wanlert Kittitaragul, proposed the development of the port into a water transport hub, focusing on services to nearby destinations such as Phang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi Islands, Ao Nang and Koh Lanta. The company also proposes to build a marina, a boatyard, a pier for refueling small boats, and a tourist information center. Port and Marine Enterprise’s presentation was made by a team headed by the company’s director, Pattiya Chompuech. It proposes to remodel the port’s main building, installing a passenger lounge, a tourist information center, a Customs desk and an Immigration desk, an office for the Tourist Police and the Marine Police, and access to the Internet. The presentation also outlined a plan to improve the local infrastructure, the building of a waste water system, parking lots, an 80-room youth hostel and a marine complex with a boathouse and about 150 rooms for accommodation. Seatran Travel’s bid was presented by the company’s managing director, Tanan Tanphabul. During the presentation, K. Tanan pointed out that Seatran had 30-years’ experience in shipping and was the first company to operate a ferry line in Thailand. He also said that his company’s shipyard had received ISO 9002 recognition in October last year. The bid outlined a proposal to develop the area, including the construction of a marina with facilities such as shops, restaurants, access to the Internet, and automatic teller machines. Seatran Travel’s bid, at 251,000 baht a month in rent, was the highest. Sri Fuengfah offered 220,000 baht while Port and Marine bid 160,000 baht. Dr Prasit Koysiripong, president of the OrBorJor, told the Gazette that the decision on who has won the lease will be announced on May 25.