Thailand’s Samui cruise terminal is due to be completed by 2032, boosting tourism and connectivity along the Gulf of Thailand.
Government officials have confirmed that construction will begin in 2029, with plans to attract major cruise ships from Singapore to Pattaya and beyond.
Government spokesman, Jirayu Houngsub, expressed confidence that the Koh Samui cruise terminal would be completed and open to international cruises by 2032, as scheduled, local media reported.
He led a working panel in his capacity as an advisor to Thailand’s Prime Minister. The delegation visited Koh Samui in Surat Thani to monitor the progress of the cruise terminal project.
Jirayu’s panel has been tasked with evaluating tourism projects and facility management along the coasts of Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
This follows last month’s Cabinet meeting, held in Songkhla, where a resolution was passed to develop additional ports in the area and other coastal provinces along the Gulf of Thailand.
During his visit to Surat Thani, Jirayu and his team inspected the Don Sak ferry pier, which serves as the main transportation link between the mainland and Koh Samui.
A Marine Department representative said that ferry services at Don Sak Pier were sufficient to meet the increasing demand from tourists travelling to and from Koh Samui, local media reporting on the tour said.
Later, Jirayu attended a briefing at the Samui Municipality office, where he received updates on the terminal project and other tourism-related concerns on the island.
Following the briefing, Jirayu said that the Samui cruise terminal would enhance connectivity along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, allowing cruise ships to operate between Songkhla’s Mueang district and Koh Samui.
Adul Raluekmul, Samui Marine Office Director, confirmed that the project was progressing as planned.
Jirayu explained that the government anticipated that the Samui terminal will attract large cruise ships from Singapore. They could then continue their voyages to Pattaya and other eastern coastal destinations.
During the meeting, local officials warned Jirayu that the municipality lacked sufficient funds to construct large-scale wastewater treatment facilities.
In response, he pledged to co-ordinate with the Interior Ministry’s wastewater treatment authority to secure the necessary budget for wastewater management on the island.
In addition, concerns were raised about the inadequate tap water supply for both residents and tourists.
Again Jirayu assured those present that he would liaise with the regional water supply office to facilitate the construction of a large undersea water pipeline to improve water access on Koh Samui.
