Bangkok to Host 50th Annual Interferry Conference

Bangkok is set to host the 'Interferry 2026 – The 50th Annual Interferry Conference' from October 31 to November 4, 2026, at the Shangri-La Hotel. This milestone event brings together global maritime industry leaders to discuss innovations in ferry technology and strategies for environmentally friendly waterborne travel.

Chao Phraya Express Boat, a long-standing provider of water transport in Thailand, is serving as the host for this year’s conference. Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram, Chairperson of Chao Phraya Express Boat and head of the organizing committee, highlighted the event's importance in positioning Thailand as a global hub for sustainable water transport.

For residents and travelers, the conference underscores a significant shift in how Bangkok manages its river transit. Supapan noted that daily ridership on the Chao Phraya has evolved, dropping from 30,000–40,000 passengers to approximately 15,000–20,000 as the riverfront transitions from a hub for government and educational institutions to a commercial and luxury hotel district. This shift necessitates new approaches to waterborne mobility. While the conference aims to foster international collaboration and technological advancement, it remains to be seen how these global insights will be specifically integrated into Bangkok’s local transit infrastructure to better serve the changing needs of commuters and tourists.