New Andaman Marine Ring to Slash Phuket-Krabi Travel by 90 Minutes

[snoop1130]

 

In a bold move to improve marine transport, the Thai Marine Department is fast-tracking the construction of four piers that will form the new Andaman marine ring route. This initiative is expected to cut travel time between Phuket and Krabi by a remarkable 90 minutes.

 

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that the project supports Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s vision to enhance infrastructure, making transport smoother for both goods and passengers. "This project is vital to boosting our economy and tourism," stated Manaporn, underscoring the significance of the development.

 

With a projected budget of 740 million baht, the Andaman marine ring will connect Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi, reshaping the regional transport landscape. The current 145-kilometre road journey between Krabi and Phuket airports takes three and a half hours. The new marine route will reduce this to a two-hour, 97-kilometre sea voyage. This reduction in travel time is anticipated to be a catalyst for tourism growth in Phang Nga, a province poised to benefit from the increased traffic.

 

 

 

 

Kritphet Chaichuay, Director-General of the Marine Department, confirmed that initial efforts will focus on upgrading two existing piers - Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi and Chong Lard Pier on Koh Yao Yai. These upgrades, with an allocated 360 million baht, are expected to start this year and finish by 2026. "These piers are in dire need of renovation," Kritphet added, emphasising the necessity of these improvements.

 

The renovations will introduce modern facilities, including a new service building, passenger lounge, larger car parks, and enhanced docking capabilities. Plans are underway to secure an additional 380 million baht for the construction of two more piers in Phuket and Krabi, aimed to be operational by 2027.

 

This strategic development marks a significant step in transforming marine transport in Southern Thailand, positioning the Andaman marine ring as a game-changer for the region's connectivity and tourism.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-10
 

 

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[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This reduction in travel time is anticipated to be a catalyst for tourism growth in Phang Nga, a province poised to benefit from the increased traffic.

 

A 740 million baht budget (that will over-run) to save tourists 90 minutes for a once in a lifetime trip.

From what I have seen with tourists heading to Krabi, cost is more important than time. 2 hours v 3.5 hours - they will not care.

Will the boat trip (in dodgy seas at times?) be cheaper than the bus ride?

Example - Tourists can fly to Samui in less than an hour from Bangkok (BKK).

To save money, they will fly from DMK to URT in Suratthani - flight time is the same, then take a bus, ferry, bus (3 extra hours) to save money.

Oh, and if they are on an International flight to Bangkok, the transfer from BKK to DMK can take 1 - 3 hours depending on traffic.

Another white elephant project in the offing.

[stoner]

37 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

A 740 million baht budget (that will over-run) to save tourists 90 minutes for a once in a lifetime trip.

From what I have seen with tourists heading to Krabi, cost is more important than time. 2 hours v 3.5 hours - they will not care.

Will the boat trip (in dodgy seas at times?) be cheaper than the bus ride?

Example - Tourists can fly to Samui in less than an hour from Bangkok (BKK).

To save money, they will fly from DMK to URT in Suratthani - flight time is the same, then take a bus, ferry, bus (3 extra hours) to save money.

Oh, and if they are on an International flight to Bangkok, the transfer from BKK to DMK can take 1 - 3 hours depending on traffic.

Another white elephant project in the offing.

 

find out who gets the rebar contract and invest. 

[Patong2021]

44 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

A 740 million baht budget (that will over-run) to save tourists 90 minutes for a once in a lifetime trip.

From what I have seen with tourists heading to Krabi, cost is more important than time. 2 hours v 3.5 hours - they will not care.

Will the boat trip (in dodgy seas at times?) be cheaper than the bus ride?

Example - Tourists can fly to Samui in less than an hour from Bangkok (BKK).

To save money, they will fly from DMK to URT in Suratthani - flight time is the same, then take a bus, ferry, bus (3 extra hours) to save money.

Oh, and if they are on an International flight to Bangkok, the transfer from BKK to DMK can take 1 - 3 hours depending on traffic.

Another white elephant project in the offing.

 

I believe you are missing the point. The route is also intended for logistics. The road is often subject to tailbacks and during rainy season, washouts that can  tie up traffic for days. During high season  trucks and buses make the route a nightmare. If the cargo and some tourists can be moved by boat is is a win  for everyone.

 

And btw Krabi attracts a wealthier  and older demographic than Ko Samui. Krabi has daily air service from BKK from 4 airlines. No need to go to  DMK.  In respect to ko Samui, there are approx. 36 daily flights to BKK, 24 of which are direct. They are often sold out during tourist season. This is one of the reasons why  people go to Surat Thani. Taking the bus and ferry is a miserable experience and  adds more than an hour or two.

 

[stevenl]

9 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

 

I believe you are missing the point. The route is also intended for logistics. The road is often subject to tailbacks and during rainy season, washouts that can  tie up traffic for days. During high season  trucks and buses make the route a nightmare. If the cargo and some tourists can be moved by boat is is a win  for everyone.

 

And btw Krabi attracts a wealthier  and older demographic than Ko Samui. Krabi has daily air service from BKK from 4 airlines. No need to go to  DMK.  In respect to ko Samui, there are approx. 36 daily flights to BKK, 24 of which are direct. They are often sold out during tourist season. This is one of the reasons why  people go to Surat Thani. Taking the bus and ferry is a miserable experience and  adds more than an hour or two.

 

There's ferries from Phuket to ao nang already. Upgrading piers at koh yao's and expanding car park facilities there, please.

If there's washouts on the roads, when do these happen on this route btw, i would not want to be on the seas.

[anrcaccount]

59 minutes ago, stevenl said:

There's ferries from Phuket to ao nang already. Upgrading piers at koh yao's and expanding car park facilities there, please.

If there's washouts on the roads, when do these happen on this route btw, i would not want to be on the seas.

 

This article makes zero sense.

 

How does upgrading piers on Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi reduce the travel time from Phuket to Krabi? 

 

To do that, they need to upgrade piers in Phuket and Krabi, and put car ferries on that route. 

[Chalong circle]

"The current 145-kilometre road journey between Krabi and Phuket airports takes three and a half hours."

 

That must be on a bicycle. Phuket Airport to Krabi, via the short cut near Ao Luk is about one hour and a half, Two hours if raining heavily.