Officials at Thailand’s Marine Department have put forward a proposal to develop dedicated cruise ship terminals in Phuket, Pattaya and on Koh Samui. The Bangkok Post reports that the department says the terminals would enable these key destinations to tap into a fast-growing tourism market.

 

Department figures show that in pre-pandemic times, Thailand was one of the most popular stops on cruise liner routes through the region. Figures from 2018 show that 219 cruise ships stopped in Phuket, 149 in Bangkok’s Port and Laem Chabang in Chon Buri, and 89 at Koh Samui.

 

Officials believe that having dedicated cruise terminals in each of these areas would attract yet more ships, generating more revenue for local economies. The data shows that the average cruise ship passenger spends more than passengers arriving by air or overland. Cruise ship passengers spend an average of 7,000 baht a day in Bangkok and Pattaya, 6,400 baht a day in Phuket, and 4,200 baht a day on Koh Samui.

 

By Peter Roche

Caption: Facebook/Phuket Sumo Transfer Service

 

#news

Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/marine-department-pushing-for-cruise-ship-terminals-in-phuket-pattaya-samui/

 

-- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-07-05

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Can we also think about nature instead of money? 

Just now, rvdk said:

Can we also think about nature instead of money? 

No no no, rubbing together of sweaty palms in anticipation of easy money pouring in is what they do best!

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the terminals would enable these key destinations to tap into a fast-growing tourism market.

And cash in on lucrative building contracts.  Why would Pattaya need another terminal 40 kms from Laem Chabang?

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Officials believe that having dedicated cruise terminals in each of these areas would attract yet more ships, generating more revenue for local economies. The data shows that the average cruise ship passenger spends more than passengers arriving by air or overland.

Thus the Marine and fisheries department can ask for a larger budget and more personnel for inspections.

The seas are pretty shallow around Samui. especially Nathon. That would involve some serious dredging to build a deep water terminal. for those big  cruise liners. I doubt they could use the current ferry terminals.

Again the Thai government puts tourism ahead of modern manufacturing and services. What happened to Thailand 4.0? What happened to education?

This dependence on tourism will lead to more concrete, fewer clean beaches and degradation of the environment over time.

It is so frustrating to only read about tourism as the key source of income. 

Obviously no sea cucumbers would be harmed during the construction of these terminals…

Meanwhile in other parts of the world, cruise ships are being restricted, so as to reduce the impact on local populations.