Koh Samui is set to become even more attractive to tourists and cruise ships following the announcement of a THB 12 billion-plus cruise terminal project scheduled to begin construction in 2029. This new large cruise terminal, set to open in 2032, aims to enhance the island’s tourism industry and increase the volume of cruise traffic.
Koh Samui’s tourism industry is preparing to welcome an influx of visitors and cruise ships with the recent announcement of a cruise terminal project valued at over THB 12 billion (RM1.6 million), slated to begin construction in 2029. This expansive terminal, expected to commence operations in 2032, aims to strengthen the island’s tourism sector and increase the amount of cruise traffic it receives.
While the plan has been in the pipeline for months, a government spokesman announced the project’s approval on March 9 during an assessment of the port development, which received approval during a cabinet meeting last month.
Of course, the current port in the Don Sak district, which accommodates tourist vessels and boats, is already capable of ferrying visitors to Koh Samui. However, the newly planned cruise terminal is expected to represent a significant improvement to the industry. Once operational, the terminal is projected to handle 120 cruise ship arrivals annually, bringing in at least 180,000 visitors each year.
The new mega project will cover 47 rai of land, and its pier will be designed to accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously, each with capacities of 4,000 and 2,500 passengers. It is anticipated to manage 120 cruise routes each year and generate a minimum of THB 8 billion in revenue. According to the Transport Ministry, this new terminal will be critical to supporting the development of Koh Samui as a premier cruise destination on an international scale.
The initiative aims to enhance both provincial and national revenue, as well as elevate cruise tourism in Koh Samui, which already attracts considerable traffic annually, contributing significantly to the income of Surat Thani and the nation. Research conducted by the Marine Department predicted the new terminal could see economic benefits of at least THB 46 billion over a 37-year duration.
The studies also identified the Laem Hin Khom area in Taling Ngam Subdistrict, situated around 15 kilometres from the district centre, as the most appropriate location, noting its natural wave protection, proximity to deep-water zones, and ample space for port development. Regarding environmental and social implications, the project is expected to improve access, avoid sensitive areas, and have minimal impact on the local community, who are said to be in support of the plans.
Koh Samui’s port is not the only facility undergoing transformation. Last year, Bangkok Airways, which owns and operates Samui International Airport, unveiled plans to boost flight frequencies on the island from 50 to 73 per day. The strategy includes expanding the passenger terminal and airport facilities, including the implementation of a common-use self-service system within the next three years. The operator also intends to increase the number of boarding gates, check-in counters, and luggage carousels while expanding the commercial areas by 4,000 square metres.
Koh Samui is already witnessing a tourism boom following the filming of The White Lotus season 3 on the island. Searches for accommodation in Koh Samui have surged, with booking platform Agoda seeing a remarkable 40 percent rise in luxury hotel bookings since the show started airing. Dedicated to boosting Thailand’s tourism, it was the efforts of the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand that convinced the show’s producers to film the third season in Thailand, which has successfully put the region firmly in the international spotlight.
This story first appeared here.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
