Thai Government Approves Asia Europe Shortcut

Thai authorities have given approval in principle for the Pak Bara deep sea port development that which could cut transit times from Asia to Europe. The new port on the Andaman Sea will connect by road and rail to another deep sea port in Songkhla province in the Gulf of Thailand, allowing ships to avoid the longer route via the Strait of Malacca.
 
When established, it will be the first deep sea port of the west southern coast of Thailand. It is expected to provide European and Middle Eastern shipping access to Thailand and beyond to the Far East.

Thailand exports around 300,000teu of containerized goods through Singapore and Malaysia annually. The new port will be designed to handle up to 800,000teu annually and to accommodate 70,000dwt vessels.

Locally, the Pak Bara Port is expected to be important to the country’s export of rubber and seafood. However, some locals, including fishermen and farmers, have opposed the development fearing pollution. Protest marches have been held over the last couple of years when the project was being evaluated.

Construction is expected to start in 2016, and the port is expected to be operational in 2020. It will cost around Bt15 billion ($460m).