Laem Chabang Port, located in the eastern part of Thailand, covered an area of 2,572 Acres, is the main deep sea port of Thailand that offers universal services in order to exchange goods worldwide. It consists of several minor ports that provide services as follows:
- Seven container terminals
- One multipurpose terminal
- One Ro/Ro terminal
- One passengers and Ro/Ro terminal
- One general cargo terminal
- One shipyard terminal
Laem Chabang Port can also handle extra large ships (Super Post Panamax). The Port Authority of Thailand is responsible for the whole port, while it lets private sectors to contract the operational function which is called “Landlord Port”. Laem Chabang Port is one of the highest (trading) growth rates in the world; rated World Top Container Port by the world’s leading magazine such as Loylld List etc. The rating had leapfrogged from the twenty-third in 1998 – 1999 to the twentieth and eighteenth in 2002 and 2003 accordingly.
With the intention to develop Laem Chabang Port to be entitled one of the World Class Port; all requirements to meet the high standard service provision have to be implemented. Some of the implementations are as follows:
- Increase the service capacity to ensure all services as mentioned are achieved.
- Utilize port area to also support other relevant activities.
- Increase productivity.
- Employ modern technology to function docking field and yard operation.
- Initiate new projects and activities to fulfill and cover all services requirements such as Container Care Centre Project.
The geographical location of Thailand is bonded with neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia and also has the access to China and Vietnam. It acts as a gateway to South East Asia region. It has an advantage of its large hinterland, therefore, the port has high capacity to develop to be a gateway port by inviting those neighboring countries to be its hinterland.
Laem Chabang Port has the modern state-of-art infrastructure and hi-technology facilities to support all services. It is capable to handle largest vessels (Post Panamax). It has sufficient supporting areas for docking operations and related activities. Moreover, the port is nerved by network of highways, railways, and waterways; connecting both the country regions and neighboring countries.
Furthermore, Laem Chabang Port has sufficient areas to extend related business such truck terminals, distribution centre, free trade area, etc. and also to include other crucial facilities such as hazardous bulks warehouse and fire damage prevention centre. These facilities are approved for international standard to be ready to provide all services.
Laem Chabang Port has a professional administration and flexible management to service customers. It is due to the port operational functions are given priorities to private sectors to sub-contract; granting most benefits to the customers from competitive private port operators.
Laem Chabang Port is promoted by the Government to be the country’s main port replacing the Bangkok Port which was limited the freight containers not to exceed 1.0 million TEU since 1996.