Ranong: Monporn drives forward 'Ranong Port' after the volume of goods passing through the port tends to increase, ordering the Port Authority of Thailand to accelerate the process of upgrading to international standards, aiming to become a regional transportation hub, and receiving cooperation from Chittagong Port, Bangladesh, to support and strengthen technology to meet the needs of service users in all dimensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Manoporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that in accordance with the government and Ministry of Transport's policy to upgrade the service of piers to be on par with international standards, a Joint Working Group Meeting was organized under the MOU between the Port Authority of Thailand (Ranong Port) and Chittagong Port, Bangladesh. This initiative is set to drive the regional economy by promoting investment, developing the Andaman Sea transportation route, and enhancing pier capabilities. The partnership also aims to facilitate technology transfer to streamline the needs of importers and exporters, thereby reducing transportation time and costs. This effort is expected to enhance the potential of the South's transportation sector, fostering rapid growth and long-term economic stability.
In the past year, 2024, Ranong Port reported a total of 324,933 tons of containers passing through, marking a 251% increase from the previous year. This trend of growth is expected to continue. Consequently, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has been tasked with accelerating improvements at Ranong Port to boost its capacity for facilitating freight transport services to BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries. This development offers freight forwarders a viable alternative to the Strait of Malacca, potentially reducing transportation time and logistics costs. The aim is for Ranong Port to evolve into a regional transportation hub, aligning with the assigned policy.
Mr. Kriangkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, Director of the Port Authority of Thailand, commented on the collaboration between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port, emphasizing the mutual goal of establishing a commercial shipping route that benefits the logistics sector and related industries. This cooperation extends to port management, IT operations, communications, and coastal transportation, aiming to create tangible benefits for all stakeholders involved.
The workshop, an extension of the joint operations between the two ports, serves as a vital mechanism to instill confidence in proactive operations and the ongoing development of this partnership. It is expected to fortify Ranong Port's capabilities in the maritime transport sector, positioning it as Thailand's trade gateway and a sustainable regional logistics hub.
Recently, the Port Authority of Thailand organized a workshop under the MOU framework between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port for the second time, discussing strategies to promote the transportation route between the two ports. The meeting saw participation from key figures, including the Chairman of the Port Authority of Chittagong, representatives from the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thailand, and the Chairman of the Thai-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce. Officials from the Port Authority of Chittagong and the Department of South Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also joined online. The meeting concluded with the decision to establish a Joint Working Group Committee to facilitate regular information exchange and increase the frequency of joint meetings to an annual event, marking an enhancement in the joint operations' intensity and tangibility.