86% of national freight is carried by trucks, which use a high quality 180,000km network of roads. The government intends to continue to develop the National Highways and the “Interconnecting roads” (with Laos and Cambodia) to intensify its network.

The train network is rather limited with 4,129 km. These carry only 2% of freight in Thailand. Rail, as a means of transportation, should benefit from the increase of the cost of oil as the Thai government intends to support investments to develop the train network.

River transportation, represents about 12% of Thailand’s transportation and is especially developed in the Central provinces, with a key export being rice to be exported from Bangkok’s ports. The development of river ports on the Mekong River now allows shipping of containers to South China. The total river and canal network counts more than 2500 km. The government wishes to increase the use of sea transportation between Bangkok and the Eastern Seaboard and the Southern provinces.

Air transport still represents less than 0.5% of Thailand’s freight, but the government intends to intensify such mean, using Suvarnabhumi airport’s facility, the 5 other international airports and the 30 national airports.

Thailand’s main deep water ports are Klong Toey on the Chao Praya River, next to Bangkok, and Laem Chabang, between Bangkok and the Industrial area of Chonburi (Eastern Seaboard). Klong Toey carries 85% of Thailand’s trade. Other ports such as Ma Ta Phut (Eastern seaboard), Songkla and Phuket (South Thailand) are playing an increasing role in Thailand’s international and coastal trade.

These ports benefit from modern logistics platforms, such as Lat Krabang container depot next to Laem Chabang port.

All international and regional shipping lines operate to and from Thailand; depending on the port of destination.

If you are interested in learning more about doing business in Thailand, please feel free to contact here for more information.