Thailand's Transport Ministry To Built River Ports.

Thailand's Transport Ministry to built river ports.

BANGKOK, March 11 (TNA) -- The Transport Ministry's Marine Department is preparing to spend about Bt200 million to build three or four river ports, aimed at reducing costs for smaller-scale marine goods transporters.

Prasong Tanmaneewattana, director-general of the Marine Department, yesterday led a group of journalists and senior executives of state-run Thai Maritime Navigation Co. to inspect existing facilities along the Chao Phraya and Pasak rivers and also to find suitable locations for the new ports to be constructed in line with the ministry's policy.

It is necessary to construct more river ports because waterborne transport is about eight times cheaper than land transportation, he said. Marine transport of agricultural products such as rice and tapioca, and construction materials such as cement and sand has become increasingly significant, especially along the two rivers.

Mr. Prasong said his department had conducted a feasibility study in which an hired advisory firm had recommended proper sites for a construction of between seven to eight ports, but his department found that only three to four locations were suitable for building.

Some of the suitable sites are in Ayutthaya province, near Bangkok. (TNA) - E111

Last Update : 2007-03-11 / 15:01:16 (GMT+7:00)

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