PHUKET (NNT) – Phuket province is experiencing a major increase in yacht and cruise liner traffic, with a total of 159 vessels entering and leaving its waters in 2023 alone, a rise from previous years. The trend has prompted the Transport Ministry to kick-start an accelerated development of a large port through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project to cater to the growing demand.

Three foreign yachts dock in Phuket

Statistics from the Transport Ministry show fluctuating yacht traffic over the past five years, with numbers peaking in 2019, declining during the pandemic, and rebounding strongly in 2023. In response, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that the Marine Department is now tasked with enhancing Phuket as a premier maritime destination capable of accommodating various sizes of yachts from around the world.

Full story: National News Bureau of Thailand

Krajangwit Johjit
National News Bureau of Thailand