Ranong Port Expansion Booms: Thailand Capitalizes on Myanmar Crisis
Ranong Port, a vital gateway on Thailand’s Andaman coast, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in activity, fueled by political instability and criminal activity in neighboring Myanmar. This unexpected growth has prompted the Thai Transport Ministry to invest in expanding the port’s capacity and upgrading its facilities, solidifying its role as a key player in the Southern Economic Corridor.
The catalyst for this maritime boom is the ongoing unrest in Myanmar. According to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, escalating turmoil, compounded by call center scam operations in border towns like Myawaddy and Tachileik, has disrupted traditional overland trade routes. Businesses have increasingly turned to Ranong Port as a safer and more reliable alternative for transporting goods to and from Myanmar. This shift has rerouted cargo that would typically flow through land checkpoints like Mae Sot in Tak and Mae Sai in Chiang Rai, leading to a dramatic increase in maritime traffic through Ranong.
This redirection of trade is not merely a temporary phenomenon; it represents a significant economic opportunity for maritime shipping on the Andaman coast, aligning perfectly with the government’s strategic vision for the Southern Economic Corridor. Recognizing this potential, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has been tasked with enhancing the port’s infrastructure. Plans are underway to expand container yard areas and modernize facilities to handle the escalating volume of shipments efficiently.
The numbers illustrate Ranong Port’s remarkable growth. PAT Director General Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk revealed that since January 2024, the port has witnessed a substantial upswing in imports and exports. Key commodities driving this growth include imported animal feed maize, reflecting Thailand’s burgeoning livestock industry, and exported cement, crucial for Myanmar’s development. These trade flows have translated into a staggering increase in port activity. In fiscal year 2024 (October 2023–September 2024), ship dockings surged by 69% to 281 vessels; container throughput more than doubled, increasing by 111% to 2,796 containers; and cargo volume skyrocketed by 251% to approximately 324,933 tonnes. This upward trend continued into the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 (October–December 2024), with ship dockings up by 91%, container throughput soaring by 458%, and cargo volume increasing by 26%.
Currently equipped with a multi-purpose pier for cargo ships up to 500 gross tonnes and a container pier accommodating vessels up to 12,000 deadweight tonnes, Ranong Port is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Its strategic location and expanding capabilities are transforming it into a vital maritime commercial hub, not just for Thailand but also for the broader Andaman region. While the circumstances driving this expansion stem from its neighbor’s challenges, Ranong Port is seizing the opportunity to solidify its position as a key maritime gateway, fostering economic growth and connectivity in a dynamic and evolving geopolitical landscape. This development underscores the crucial role ports play in adapting to regional shifts and ensuring the continued flow of vital goods and resources.
