The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) celebrated its 72nd anniversary by organising a ceremony and granting 3 million baht to support charitable activities.
During the event, Mr. Parinya Saengsuwan, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of PAT, presented the donation to The Foundation for The Crown Prince Hospitals, Catholic Association of Thailand, Indarulmeena Mosque, PAT’s Foundation for the Elderly, and PAT’s state enterprise union. Additionally, a contribution of 50,000 baht was given to Wat Khlong Toei Nok for the “Sharing Love to the Elderly and Bedridden Patients” project and the “Helping Bodies of the Homeless in Khlong Toei District” project.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, Director General of PAT, along with PAT’s executives, staff, and representatives from government and private sectors, stakeholders, community leaders, tenants, and media.
PAT, a public utility enterprise overseen by the Ministry of Transport, plays a vital role in supporting the economy as the primary trading gateway and driving force behind the country’s economic system. It provides environmentally friendly logistics and port management services to foster sustainable development. PAT’s upcoming focus will be on the development of 3T: reducing traffic congestion (Traffic), supporting transhipment businesses (Transhipment), and facilitating cross-border goods transportation (Transit). This initiative aims to establish a hub connecting transportation networks and logistics systems within and outside the country.
Furthermore, PAT is committed to implementing green port policies aligned with the government’s vision, aiming to transform ports into low-carbon environments. Efforts include the use of electric forklifts for operations at Bangkok Port and the development of a 90-rai truck parking area at Laem Chabang Port to alleviate traffic problems both inside and outside the port.
PAT has also undertaken various measurable social assistance projects, such as the PAT Sustainable Scholarship project and Occupational Development and Income Promotion Projects for communities surrounding the central and provincial areas. Other projects include the construction of weirs for water collection, mangrove planting and forest conservation projects around Ranong Port and Chiang Saen Commercial Port, and initiatives to support those affected by the Laem Chabang Port Development Project, Phase 3. These endeavours demonstrate PAT’s commitment to generating economic and social profits to foster sustainability.
PAT is currently undertaking several projects, including the establishment of a national shipping line and the development of inland ports (Dry Ports) in Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima. These initiatives aim to enhance the efficient transportation of goods and connect the country’s logistics network. PAT is also studying the Super Port model in collaboration with private ports to improve transportation capabilities, including the development of the Land Bridge connecting the two coasts of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea in Ranong and Chumphon. Additionally, the port development project of Laem Chabang Phase 3 is underway.
Regarding the progress of the project, Part 1, which involves marine construction, has adjusted its operational plan to achieve the specified goals. Part 2, involving the construction
of buildings, piers, road systems, and utilities, is in the process of accelerating the bidding process. Part 3 focuses on the construction of the railway system, and Part 4 involves the procurement of machinery and IT installation. The scope of work for these parts is being drafted to expedite the bidding process within the contract period. PAT is closely monitoring and supervising the project to ensure timely development in accordance with the contract.
In terms of PAT’s performance during the 6-month period of the 2023 fiscal year (October 2022 to March 2023), there was a decrease in berths at Bangkok Port and Laem Chabang Port by 5%, port cargo by 2.4%, and containers through the port by 3.3%. This decline can be attributed to the lower growth of the international trade economy in 2023 compared to the previous year, affected by factors such as the economic situations of superpowers like the United States, the European Union, and China, as well as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. However, the number of automobiles passing through Laem Chabang Port has steadily increased over the years.
Despite the decrease in cargo transportation, PAT’s income from operations in other areas remained strong. During the 6-month period, PAT achieved a net income of 7,972 million baht, an increase of 3.12%, and a net profit of 3,387 million baht, an increase of 13.41% compared to the previous year. The projected profit for the fiscal year 2023 is approximately 6,600 million baht, the highest in the 72-year history of the organisation.
Moreover, PAT is recognised as one of the top 10 state-owned enterprises contributing to the state’s income. Currently, PAT sends around 70% of its net profits to the government. In 2022 alone, PAT contributed 4,879 million baht to the government, and over the past decade (2012-2022), it has contributed a total of at least 48,300 million baht as income for the land. This solid mechanism plays a crucial role in maintaining the country’s fiscal and economic stability moving forward.
