KEY POINTS:
- The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has launched a new multimodal transport route, using Ranong Port as a strategic hub connecting trade from China–Lao PDR–Thailand to the BIMSTEC region.
- The new route significantly reduces shipping times—for example, just 3 days to Myanmar and 6 days to India, compared with the previous 14–21 days.
- The project aims to position Thailand as a trade gateway on the Andaman coast, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen competitiveness for businesses.
Mr. Kriangkrai Chaiyasirivongsuk, Director of the Port Authority of Thailand, announced the official launch of the Multimodal Transport Project at Ranong Port. The inaugural shipment set sail to Yangon Port, Myanmar, marking a milestone in elevating Ranong Port’s role as Thailand’s Andaman trade hub and deepening regional economic connectivity.
The new transport route integrates road, rail, and maritime logistics seamlessly, with Ranong Port serving as the central hub. The initiative expands trade and investment opportunities across ASEAN and South Asia while reinforcing confidence among shippers, logistics providers, and shipping lines.
Ranong Port, the only state-owned port on Thailand’s Andaman coast, provides direct access to the BIMSTEC market. Shipping times have been significantly shortened: three days to Yangon, Myanmar; four days to Chittagong, Bangladesh; six days to Chennai, India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka—compared to the previous 14–21 days. These improvements highlight the potential to cut costs and increase competitiveness for both Thai and international businesses.
The initiative is a joint effort led by Thai Transport Center Co., Ltd., in partnership with SCG JWD Logistics Plc., Ever Flow River Group Public Co., Ltd. of Myanmar, and SPT Smart Creation Co., Ltd. The collaboration pools cargo into consolidated shipments, improving efficiency and boosting throughput at Ranong Port.
The Ministry of Transport is also promoting stronger maritime links, including Ranong–Chittagong services, to further support ASEAN’s role in regional logistics. Ranong Port is envisioned as the key distribution center for the BIMSTEC region, which has strong growth potential and rising consumer demand, underpinned by existing economic and academic cooperation agreements among member states.
The inaugural multimodal shipment from Ranong represents a significant step in public–private collaboration, driving Thailand toward becoming a vital trade hub in the Andaman and BIMSTEC regions. The project promises faster, more modern, and cost-effective logistics that will reduce expenses, expand access to new markets, and support Thailand’s long-term economic resilience and sustainable growth.
Photos and news article from https://www.thansettakij.com/economy/megaproject/639616 (September 23rd, 2025)
