A new floating pier is being planned at Sirinat National Park in Thailand to provide boat services as an alternative transportation method for air travelers commuting to and from the nearby Phuket International Airport.
The coastal park covers 90 square kilometers and is situated about 30 kilometers north of Phuket township along the road leading to the airport, according to an article by Bangkok Post.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin discussed the pier proposal during an inspection visit to the park on Sunday.
Chomklin reviewed development plans aimed at supporting eco-tourism and encouraging community participation through tourism initiatives that align with safety and environmental standards.
The proposed site for the floating pier and the local fish market are under consideration as part of a broader plan to transform the park into a transport and tourism hub for the Andaman coast.
The pier is expected to alleviate road congestion in Phuket by offering an alternative sea route to coastal destinations.
Chomklin noted that Sirinat National Park has tourism development potential, but visitors traveling between Patong Beach and the airport frequently face heavy traffic that extends journeys to one or two hours.
A floating pier at the park could offer a faster alternative route by sea, reduce pressure on the road network, and allow visitors to view the west coast during transit.
Regarding ongoing land encroachment issues within the park, Chomklin stated that authorities have reclaimed illegally occupied blocks of land and initiated legal proceedings.
He acknowledged that some land buyers may have been misled by invalid land title documents, but emphasized that all parties must adhere to the same laws.
“We live in Thailand and must respect Thai law. Ultimately, those who encroach on forests, beaches, or coastal areas will be left with nothing, because these are national assets,”
Chomklin said. “It is the Ministry’s duty to reclaim them, restore order, and return them to the people so they can be used sustainably for generations to come.”
This infrastructure development highlights the importance of balancing accessibility with land conservation.