TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government of Thailand has approved the construction of a new cruise ship terminal in Koh Samui, a popular island in Surat Thani Province. The project is worth more than 12 billion baht (approximately Rp6.38 trillion) and will begin in 2029. The goal is to be fully operational by 2032.
The terminal, as reported by Lifestyle Asia, will be built on approximately 7.5 hectares of land in the Laem Hin Khom area of Taling Ngam District, on the southwest coast of Koh Samui. The location was chosen based on natural deep-sea conditions and good wind protection, allowing for the accommodation of large cruise ships.
According to the Ministry of Transport of Thailand, this facility is crucial to positioning Koh Samui as a major international cruise ship destination. The new terminal is designed to accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously, each capable of carrying up to 4,000 and 2,500 passengers, as well as dozens of yachts and ferries. The project is expected to accommodate approximately 120 cruise ship routes per year, transporting up to 180,000 passengers and generating a minimum annual revenue of 8 billion baht (approximately Rp4.25 trillion).
This initiative aims to boost the province's and the country's income, and advance the cruise tourism sector in Koh Samui, which has attracted many tourists annually, making a significant contribution to the economy of Surat Thani and Thailand as a whole. Research from the Department of Marine Affairs estimates that the terminal could generate economic benefits of at least 46 billion baht (approximately Rp24.45 trillion) over 37 years.
The study also identified the Laem Hin Khom area in Taling Ngam District, approximately 15 kilometers from the main area, as the most ideal location, considering natural wave protection, proximity to deep waters, and adequate space for port development. From an environmental and social standpoint, the project is expected to improve accessibility, avoid sensitive areas, and minimize its impact on the local community, which has expressed support for the plan.
In March 2025, government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated that the government anticipates the Samui terminal will attract large cruise ships from Singapore. These ships could then continue to Pattaya and other eastern coastal destinations, as reported by Nation Thailand.
With this modern terminal, Koh Samui is expected to cement its position as a world-class cruise ship destination, while supporting the recovery and growth of the tourism sector post-pandemic. The project will be carried out through a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme, with investment interest from various domestic and international parties.
Putri Az zahra Suherman contributed to this article
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