International trade continues to grow rapidly, with seaports playing a vital role in connecting transportation networks and driving economic development. Thanks to its strategic geographic location, Thailand is home to numerous key seaports that have helped establish the country as a leading logistics hub in Southeast Asia. Join GoTHL as we explore the major seaports in Thailand in detail in the article below.
Brief Introduction to Thailand
Thailand is located at the heart of Southeast Asia and is often referred to as a gateway for trade and commerce between countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion and the global market. Thanks to its strategic location, continuously modernized infrastructure, and open trade policies, Thailand has developed a strong logistics sector that serves as one of the key pillars of its economy.
In addition to its well-developed road and air transportation networks, Thailand has placed significant emphasis on investing in seaport infrastructure. This crucial component has enabled the country to become a major cargo transshipment and logistics hub in the region. The most significant developments in maritime infrastructure have taken place in Central and Southern Thailand, while other regions are focusing on expanding railway and road networks in line with the government’s long-term transportation development strategy.
Complete List of Major Seaports in Thailand
Currently, Thailand’s seaport system is relatively dispersed, with only Songkhla Port being recognized as an international container port. Most ports operate independently, while some are managed by private enterprises. Although Thailand’s seaport network holds significant potential for supporting economic growth and international trade, it still faces several challenges. One of the key limitations is the delayed development of the Kra Canal project, which has been affected by political uncertainties in the region.
Below is an updated list of major seaports in Central and Southern Thailand as of 2025:
Seaports in Central Thailand
| Port Name | Port Code | Location | Key Features | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Port | BKK | Located approximately 40 km from the Gulf of Thailand on the Chao Phraya River | • An inland international port situated within the capital city. • Large and ultra-large vessels cannot access the port due to navigational limitations. • Frequently experiences congestion because of heavy cargo traffic. |
3–5 |
| Laem Chabang Port | LCH | Located on the eastern coast of Bangkok Bay, southeast of Bangkok | • Thailand’s most modern international seaport. • Currently undergoing expansion and capable of accommodating some of the world’s largest vessels. • Serves as a key supporting port for Bangkok Port. |
3–5 |
| Lat Krabang Port | LKB / LKR | Approximately 30 km east of Bangkok | • Functions as a major inland container depot and logistics hub. • Features extensive container yards dedicated to international transshipment cargo. • Also contributes to local tourism and economic development. |
3–5 |
| Sattahip Port | SAT | Located on the northern coast of the Gulf of Thailand | • A medium-sized port primarily serving the fisheries industry and regional maritime transportation. • Plays an important role in domestic cargo handling and coastal shipping activities. |
4–6 |
Seaports in Southern Thailand
| Port Name | Port Code | Location | Key Features | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Songkhla Port | SGZ / SGK | Located at the entrance to Songkhla Lake in Southern Thailand | • A major gateway for exporting Thailand’s agricultural products to international markets. • Managed by Chao Phaya Terminal International. • Serves as an important logistics hub for southern Thailand. |
8–12 |
| Phuket Port | HKT | Situated on the southeastern coast of Phuket Island along the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) | • An artificial deep-water port primarily used for petroleum transportation. • Provides support services for long-distance maritime voyages and offshore operations. • Plays a strategic role in regional marine logistics. |
7–14 |
| Pattani Port | PAN | Located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Thailand | • A small-scale port mainly serving local cargo transportation and regional trade activities. • Supports economic development within Pattani Province and nearby areas. |
N/A |
| Kantang Port | KAN | Located in Trang Province on Thailand’s southwestern coast | • Historically known for exporting rubber and tin products. • Currently serves mainly fishing vessels and acts as a supporting port for Phuket Port. • Maintains an important role in local maritime and fisheries industries. |
N/A |
Top Popular Seaports in Thailand
Bangkok Port
Bangkok Port, also known as Khlong Toei Port, is one of Thailand’s most important international trade gateways. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Khlong Toei District, the port plays a vital role in regional transportation and cargo distribution across Southeast Asia. It currently operates two container terminals with nine berths, providing sufficient capacity to handle medium-scale import, export, and cargo transportation activities.
The Khlong Toei terminal covers an area of more than 168,000 square meters and is equipped with modern cargo-handling facilities, including four 8-ton cranes, eight 3-ton cranes, and two 100-ton floating cranes. In addition, a railway line running alongside the terminal enables efficient inland cargo transportation, reducing logistics costs and improving connectivity.
Due to its location on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok Port can only accommodate small and medium-sized vessels with capacities below 12,000 DWT. However, this limitation allows the port to specialize in short- and medium-haul shipping routes within the ASEAN region, maintaining its long-standing role as Thailand’s traditional trade gateway.
Laem Chabang Port
Although Laem Chabang Port was originally developed to relieve congestion at Bangkok Port, it has since grown into Thailand’s largest deep-sea port and ranks among the world’s top 20 container ports by cargo throughput.
The port has been planned and developed in three major phases, each serving specific operational functions:
Phase 1: Covers approximately 1.4 square kilometers with a berth depth of 14 meters. The area is equipped with 11 berths capable of accommodating vessels ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 tons. It also includes shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair facilities to support maritime operations.
Phase 2: Expanded to an area of 2.05 square kilometers with a berth depth of 16 meters. The phase includes seven berths capable of handling vessels of up to 80,000 tons, significantly enhancing Thailand’s import and export capacity.
Phase 3: Currently under construction, this phase covers more than 2.56 square kilometers and features a berth depth of 18 meters. Once completed, it will add nine new berths and increase the port’s total handling capacity to approximately 8 million TEUs annually, further strengthening Laem Chabang’s position within the global logistics network.
Songkhla Port
Songkhla Port is strategically located at the entrance to Songkhla Lake and serves as one of the most important maritime transportation hubs in Southern Thailand. It is also the only international container port in the region, primarily supporting agricultural exports, one of Thailand’s key economic sectors.
The port is privately managed and operated by Chao Phaya Terminal International, providing greater operational flexibility and efficiency. Its proximity to major international shipping routes connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean makes Songkhla an important transshipment point for cargo moving to ASEAN countries, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Today, Songkhla Port is capable of handling substantial volumes of both containerized and bulk cargo. It plays a crucial role in supporting the export of seafood and agricultural products from Southern Thailand, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development and international trade activities.
