At today’s public hearing, Phuripat Theerakulpisut, Director of the Marine Office explained that the pier and onshore facilities, which will be build right at the southern end of the airport, will cost an estimated B180 million. If the budget is forthcoming, construction could be completed in two years.
“We have studied the project and its possible effects for a long time and I’m quite positive that it will receive good feedback,” he said.
“Once we have finished building the pier, we will hand it over to Mai Khao OrBorTor to manage it. The boats will come from private companies, which will be able to bid for the right to provide services.”
There was no outright opposition to the project at the meeting, attended mostly by people from the Mai Khao area. Rather, there was caution mixed with doubt.
Manoch Saithong, Head Man of Mai Khao Moo 4, wondered whether the project would actually get off the ground. “I worry that this project will end up like the International Convention & Exhibition Centre, which failed,” he remarked. “I’m not sure that it will happen the way the Director of the Marine Office says it will.”
One legitimate worry over the project was pointed out by Noppathorn Hongsa, Assistant Head Man of Moo 5 in Tha Chat Chai, who said he was concerned about the effect it would have on the income of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers.
Mr Phuripat said he was sure it would have no effect. “The idea is not to ‘steal’ passengers from the taxis or tuk-tuks,” he said. “The idea is to help lighten the load on the roads and at the same time allow tourists to enjoy the sea view.”