The Thai government has issued an order to relocate the 32-rai Bangkok Port situated near the Chao Phraya River in the Klong Toey district. This move is aimed at renovating the area for the benefit of the public. The directive, which was communicated in a letter signed by Thawatchai Chanpaisansil, acting secretary-general of the cabinet and advisor to the Cabinet Secretariat, on April 4, was addressed to key authorities including the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Interior, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT). The decision to relocate the Bangkok Port out of the capital was a resolution made during a recent cabinet meeting.
During the meeting held on April 2, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin suggested the relocation of the PAT’s port, commonly known as Klong Toey Port, highlighting the potential benefits for the residents of Klong Toey and the greater capital region. One of the key reasons behind this decision was the government’s endeavor to address the dust pollution caused by the regular movement of freight trucks to and from Bangkok Port.
In line with the cabinet’s decision, the Ministry of Transport was tasked with coordinating a feasibility study for the relocation in collaboration with the PAT and other relevant agencies. The relocation order encompasses the transfer of all existing facilities, including depots and oil storage units.
Post-relocation, the Ministry of Transport, PAT, BMA, and associated bodies are required to jointly devise a comprehensive development plan to tackle various challenges in the area, such as issues related to slum communities, traffic congestion, and dust pollution. The focus is to ensure that the area serves the best interests of Bangkok residents, with prompt reporting of the study’s findings to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on enhancing the quality of life for Klong Toey residents and the broader community in Bangkok by addressing challenges like dust pollution stemming from container trucks at the port is underscored by the source. This decision comes after discussions between Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt and the Prime Minister at City Hall in February.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration aims to facilitate the relocation of Bangkok Port to Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Chon Buri as part of efforts to curb air pollution and transform the area into a green space for urban dwellers.
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