The Thai government has confirmed that the construction of a large cruise terminal on Koh Samui, Surat Thani, will be completed by 2032, marking a significant boost to the island’s tourism infrastructure and economy. The project, which was initially approved during a mobile cabinet session in Songkhla last month, is part of a broader plan to enhance the southern region’s connectivity and tourism potential, especially along the Gulf of Thailand.
On March 9, 2015, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, advisor to the Prime Minister, visited Surat Thani as part of an official delegation tasked with reviewing the port development and associated tourism infrastructure. The visit came in response to the Prime Minister’s directive to improve key tourist destinations in the Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Samui, Songkhla, and surrounding provinces.
The Marine Department confirmed that the current ferry port at Don Sak district is already equipped to handle the influx of visitors to Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination. However, the new cruise terminal is expected to significantly enhance the island’s capacity to accommodate larger international vessels, providing direct access to tourists traveling from other major cruise destinations, such as Singapore and Pattaya. According to government plans, construction on the new terminal is set to begin in 2029, with completion targeted for 2032.
The project is a central part of the government’s broader strategy to develop infrastructure in the southern provinces, stimulate economic growth, and improve the sustainability of natural resource management. Mr. Jirayu emphasized that the new cruise terminal will elevate Koh Samui’s standing as a premier destination for international cruise tourism, with large cruise ships able to dock directly at the new facility. The terminal, located in the Laem Hin Khom area of tambon Taling Ngam, will cover 47 rai of land and feature piers capable of accommodating two large cruise ships, one with a capacity of 4,000 passengers and the other with 2,500.
The terminal is expected to cost 12.172 billion baht and is projected to handle 120 cruise routes annually, generating at least 8 billion baht in revenue each year. With a lifespan of 30 years, it will play a critical role in supporting the island’s economy and boosting tourism across the region.
In addition to the cruise terminal, officials have also been monitoring Koh Samui’s water management and wastewater treatment systems, which are crucial for sustaining the island’s growing tourist population. Mr. Jirayu and other government representatives met with local officials, including Koh Samui District Chief Mr. Chatchai Manee and Koh Samui Regional Marine Office Director Mr. Adul Raluekmoon, to discuss the ongoing wastewater management efforts and explore potential solutions for the island’s seasonal water shortages.
The meeting concluded with discussions on water supply improvements, including plans to expand the water pipeline from Surat Thani to ensure a stable water supply during peak tourist seasons. Compensation packages are also being finalized for locals whose land is to be expropriated for the cruise terminal project, with initial reports indicating widespread support from the affected residents.
