The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has inaugurated the Multimodal Transport Project at Ranong Port, opening a new logistics route linking Lao PDR, China, Thailand, Myanmar, and the BIMSTEC group of countries. The launch included the first cargo shipment to Yangon Port, Myanmar, marking a significant milestone in positioning Ranong Port as Thailand’s maritime trade hub on the Andaman coast and strengthening regional economic integration.
The ceremony, held on September 23, 2025, highlighted the new seamless transport network that combines road, rail, and sea logistics with Ranong Port as a strategic hub. The project aims to expand trade and investment opportunities across ASEAN and South Asia while enhancing trust among international shippers, logistics providers, and shipping lines.
Mr. Kriangkrai Chaiyasirivongsuk, Director of the Port Authority of Thailand, emphasized that Ranong Port is the only state-owned port on the Andaman coast, serving as a gateway to the BIMSTEC region. He noted that the Multimodal Transport initiative not only creates new economic opportunities but also reflects PAT’s commitment to developing Ranong Port into a modern, transparent, and sustainable logistics hub connecting Thailand to the region and the global market.
Under the new system, shipping times have been significantly reduced: only three days to Yangon, Myanmar; four days to Chittagong, Bangladesh; and six days to Chennai, India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka—compared to the previous 14–21 days. This improvement underscores Ranong Port’s potential to lower transport costs and enhance competitiveness for both Thai and international businesses.
The project is a collaborative effort between Thai Transport Center Co., Ltd. and business partners including SCG JWD Logistics Plc., Ever Flow River Group Public Co., Ltd. from Myanmar, and SPT Smart Creation Co., Ltd. The partnership aims to develop a modern, integrated logistics system with Ranong Port as the key distribution hub for the BIMSTEC region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand)—a market with strong growth potential and rising consumer demand. The initiative builds upon existing economic and academic cooperation agreements among BIMSTEC members.
The inaugural Multimodal Transport shipment from Ranong Port represents a milestone in public–private sector collaboration, driving Thailand toward becoming a pivotal trade hub in the Andaman and BIMSTEC regions. The project’s focus on speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness is expected to lower logistics expenses, enhance competitiveness, expand access to new markets, and strengthen the country’s long-term economic resilience and sustainable growth.
Photos and news article from https://siamrath.co.th/n/653079 (September 23rd, 2025)
