Transport
Government Reaffirms Laem Chabang Expansion Amid Port Dispute
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed the government's commitment to closing Khlong Toei Port and expanding Laem Chabang, while rejecting a 4-billion-baht compensation claim from contractors.
On September 18, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited Laem Chabang Port to address delays in the Phase 3 development project. The project is currently facing technical challenges regarding soil density variations in the seabed, which have hindered the handover of 'Port F' and raised safety concerns.
Addressing reports of a 4-billion-baht compensation claim filed by private contractors, Minister Phiphat stated that the government has not entered negotiations and will not pay what he termed 'stupid money.' He has instructed the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the source of the technical errors and determine accountability. Despite these setbacks, the government remains committed to its policy of fully closing the Khlong Toei Port and shifting logistics operations to Laem Chabang.
For residents and travelers, this development is significant as it signals a long-term shift in Thailand’s maritime logistics infrastructure, which may eventually impact traffic patterns and urban development in Bangkok. What remains to be confirmed is the timeline for resolving the technical soil density issues and the final outcome of the dispute between the state and the private contractors regarding the project's financial liabilities.