Ports in Thailand : Everything You Need to Know

Major ports in Thailand and their vital role in international trade

Let's review the most significant ports in Thailand and their impact on international trade.

Laem Chabang port

Laem Chabang port is Thailand's largest and most significant port. Located about 130 km from Bangkok, it plays a key part in the country's international trade.

• Features : Equipped with 23 berths, it can accommodate large-capacity ships.
• Capacity : Handles about 8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year.: Handles about 8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year.
• Infrastructure : Equipped with advanced technologies for cargo tracking and port management.

According to Somchai Rattanaporn, Logistics Director at ThaiTrade:

Laem Chabang is indispensable for Thai exporters due to its modern facilities and efficiency.

Bangkok port (Khlong Toei)

Bangkok Port, also known as Khlong Toei port, is a river port located in Thailand's capital.

• Features : Mainly used for domestic trade and container transport.
• Capacity : Handles about 1.5 million TEUs per year.
• Infrastructure : Has terminals for containers, general cargo, and passengers.

Chanida Phonphimai, Logistics Manager at Siam Logistics, states:

Bangkok Port is ideal for businesses looking to quickly serve the metropolitan area.

Map Ta Phut port

Map Ta Phut Port is located in Rayong province and is primarily used for the transport of petrochemical and industrial products.

• Features : Equipped with specialized terminals for chemicals and liquefied gases.
• Capacity : Can handle heavy and bulky cargo.
• Infrastructure : Includes storage and processing facilities for chemicals.

Anan Boonchai, Operations Director at PetroThai, says:

Map Ta Phut is essential for our industry due to its dedicated petrochemical facilities.

Songkhla port

Located in southern Thailand, Songkhla Port is a versatile port handling both fishing cargo and containers.

• Features : Direct connections with major Southeast Asian maritime routes.
• Capacity : Handles about 500,000 TEUs per year.
• Infrastructure : Has terminals for containers, general cargo, and fish products.

Nattaporn Jirayus, Fleet Manager at MarineLink, mentions:

Songkhla Port offers flexible options for various types of cargo, which is an advantage for regional exporters.

Sriracha harbor

Sriracha harbor, located near Laem Chabang, is primarily used for vehicle and agricultural product transport.

• Features : Specializes in car and agricultural product exports.
• Capacity : Can handle over 1 million vehicles per year.
• Infrastructure : Equipped with ramps for loading and unloading vehicles.

Thanaporn Kanchanakul, Export Manager at AutoExport Co., notes:

Sriracha Harbour is perfect for our vehicle export needs due to its dedicated infrastructure.

These major ports play a vital role in Thailand's international trade, offering modern infrastructures and high processing capacity for various types of cargo.

What is the Largest Port in Thailand?

Laem Chabang Port, located about 130 km southeast of Bangkok, is the largest and most important port in Thailand. This port plays a crucial role in the country's international trade and is a major gateway for Thai imports and also exports.

Capacity and infrastructure

Laem Chabang Port is equipped with 23 berths, capable of accommodating large-capacity ships, including the world's largest container ships. 

It has specialized terminals for different types of cargo, including containers, vehicles, and petrochemicals.

• Capacity : Handles about 8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year.: Handles about 8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year.
• Technology : Equipped with advanced cargo tracking and port management technologies, including automated handling systems and digital logistics platforms.

Volume of goods handled

According to data from the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), Laem Chabang Port handled more than 7.8 million TEUs in 2021, representing a significant portion of the total container volume handled in the country. 

This substantial volume makes it the port of choice for large companies and international shippers.

Reports from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Bank confirm the strategic importance of Laem Chabang Port. 

A World Bank report on port infrastructure also ranks Laem Chabang among the most efficient and well-equipped ports in Southeast Asia.

Laem Chabang Port is undeniably the largest port in Thailand, thanks to its impressive capacity, advanced infrastructure, and volume of goods handled. Its strategic position and modern facilities make it an essential hub for international trade.

Where do carriers operate ports in Thailand?

Explore the main maritime routes and ports in Thailand where carriers operate. 

Discover the key ports used for imports and exports, along with testimonials from industry professionals illustrating their strategic choices.

Major maritime routes and ports in Thailand

Thailand, thanks to its strategic position in Southeast Asia, plays a central role in international maritime routes. Carriers use several key ports for their operations:

• Laem Chabang port : Connects directly with global maritime routes.
• Bangkok port (Khlong Toei) : Ideal for domestic and regional shipments, located in the heart of the capital.
• Map Ta Phut port : Primarily used for industrial and petrochemical products, located in Rayong province.
• Songkhla port : Crucial for fishing products and regional exports, located in the south.
• Sriracha harbor : Near Laem Chabang, specializing in vehicles and agricultural products.

Jean-Luc Moreau, Operations Director at Marine Logistics, states:

We prefer Laem Chabang for international cargo due to its modern infrastructure and direct connections with global maritime routes.

Roles and responsibilities of Thai ports in international trade

Thai ports play an essential role in international trade through their diverse functions, services, and supporting infrastructures.

• Main Functions : Ports ensure cargo loading and unloading, temporary storage, and container handling.
• Support Services: Fast customs clearance, secure warehouses, and comprehensive logistics services. : Include customs clearance service, warehousing service, and logistics services.
• Infrastructure : Equipped with modern cranes, automated container management systems, and efficient rail and road connections.

Somchai Preecha, maritime logistics expert, affirms:

Thai ports are equipped to meet the needs of modern trade with advanced infrastructures and comprehensive support services. They facilitate the efficient flow of goods across borders.

Advantages of using Thai ports

Businesses and carriers benefit from numerous advantages when using Thai ports:

• Modern Infrastructure : Well-equipped ports with advanced technologies for efficient cargo management.
• Strategic Position : Proximity to major Southeast Asian maritime routes.
• Support Services: Fast customs clearance, secure warehouses, and comprehensive logistics services. : dédouanement rapide, entrepôts sécurisés, et services logistiques complets.

Support services and infrastructure

Thai ports offer a full range of support services to facilitate international trade:

• Warehouses : Available for temporary and secure storage of goods.
• Customs Clearance : Fast and efficient processes to minimize delays.
• Transport Infrastructure : Rail and road connections for quick transfer of goods within the country.

Chatchai Rungnapa, a regular user of Laem Chabang's port services, notes:

The warehouses are modern and well-secured, and customs clearance is always quick and hassle-free. This allows us to keep our operations running smoothly.

Thai ports offer undeniable advantages for international businesses, ensuring efficient operations and comprehensive logistical support. 

To explore business opportunities and get personalized advice, contact our experts in logistics and maritime transport.

Optimize your operations with our services

By reading this article, you have gained a detailed understanding of the major ports in Thailand, their functionalities, and their importance for international trade. 

You have also discovered the advantages of using these ports and the support services available to optimize your logistics operations. For more information and answers to all your questions about logistics and transport in Thailand, check out our FAQ on Thailand shipping.

Take the time to visit our website and discover how we can help you optimize your international logistics operations.