Thai Government Moves to Close Transport “Missing Links” and Upgrade Ranong Port for International Trade

On 9 August 2026 during his visit to Ranong Province, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul outlined plans to strengthen transport infrastructure in southern Thailand by closing remaining “missing links” in the network, particularly connections between the Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand.

The Government also plans to enhance Ranong Port’s capacity to handle containerized cargo, laying the groundwork for stronger regional transport and trade connectivity. Development will be carried out in phases, taking into account cargo volumes, market demand, and investment viability.

Improved connectivity could strengthen Ranong’s role as a regional trade gateway. Goods arriving from Europe could enter through Ranong and be distributed across Thailand and onward to China, while Thai exports could use the route to reach India, the Middle East, and Europe.

The Prime Minister said that future expansion of transport capacity would depend on economic opportunities and local needs, considering public feedback and national interests.

Source: PR Thai Government