KOH KUT, Thailand – A new state-funded ferry terminal costing hundreds of millions of Baht is intended to facilitate visitor access to the island.
Bagger und Baustopps
Construction on the new ferry terminal on Koh Kut was halted for three months due to contractor issues, severe monsoon weather, and security concerns. However, the Marine Department has since extended the contract, and work has resumed at Ao Salad. The logistically challenging transport of building materials to the island is ongoing, with officials targeting completion by the end of next year.
Hunderte Millionen für mehr Komfort
Dechathorn Chan-ob, head of the Koh Kut Tambon Administration Organization, defended the expenditure of several hundred million Baht. He stated the new pier is meant to provide the comfort that an island receiving 500,000 to 600,000 visitors annually deserves. Currently, all ferry services rely on private jetties, which become unusable during rough seas, posing a significant safety risk.
Speedboat-Chef winkt ab
Attapol Klintap, manager of Boonsiri Speed Boat, expressed no intention of relocating his operations. His company utilizes a leased pier in Ao Salad that functions year-round and includes on-site staff accommodation. He articulated that a move would incur new costs for passenger facilities and related transport services, expenses he is unwilling to undertake.
Vier Fährdienste, viele Fragezeichen
Four ferry operators currently shuttle passengers between Laem Sok Pier in Trat and Koh Kut. The new, state-funded pier was envisioned as a comprehensive solution for all. However, it remains uncertain how many of these companies will actually transition to the new facility, leaving significant questions about the project’s ultimate utilization and the interest from taxpayer-funded initiatives.