Ministry of Transport Advances Smart Pier 29 Project to Enhance Chao Phraya River Travel, Integrating Road, Rail, and Boat Transport

"Sannapetch" is accelerating development of Smart Pier 29 along the Chao Phraya River, having completed upgrades at 13 piers and piloting intelligent management systems at 8 key piers, integrating road, rail, and boat transport for a safe, modern, and comprehensive network.

Sannapetch Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed plans to develop 29 piers along the Chao Phraya River to elevate waterway travel from Pak Kret to Sathorn Piers. The Marine Department (MD) has completed infrastructure upgrades at 11 piers with a total budget of 297.76 million baht, including the Marine Department Pier, Phut Bridge Pier, Nonthaburi Pier, Tha Chang Pier, Sathorn Pier, Queen's Pier, Payap Pier, Bang Pho Pier, Tha Tien Pier, Phra Pinklao Pier, and Rama 5 Pier.

In 2025, an additional five piers were improved with a total budget of 177.5362 million baht. Pak Kret and Rama 7 Piers have been fully completed. Kiek Kai Pier is under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's responsibility. For Oriental and Thewet Piers, currently temporarily suspended, the Marine Department has been instructed to resolve obstacles promptly to avoid service disruption for the public.

Budget push for 2026-2027 to improve 13 more piers and launch new bidding rounds.

For fiscal years 2026-2027, the Marine Department received funding to develop infrastructure and facilities for 13 additional piers, totaling 200.34 million baht, divided into two projects:

• The first project (6 piers, budget 95.34 million baht) Includes Rajwongse Pier, Si Phraya Pier, Pran Nok Pier, Krung Thon Bridge (Sang Hi) Pier, Railway Pier, and Wat Tuek Pier. Contracts were signed on 26 Aug 2026 with a 540-day timeline, ending on 17 Feb 2028.
• The second project (7 piers, budget 105 million baht) Includes Wat Soi Thong Pier, Wat Khema Pier, Khiao Khai Ka Pier, Pibulsongkram 1 Pier, Wat Thepnari Pier, Wat Thepakorn Pier, and Pibulsongkram 2 Pier. The second bidding round is underway, with oversight assigned to ensure transparency and expedite progress.

Piloting intelligent management system at 8 main piers using AI and travel planning apps to enhance safety.

Sannapetch added that alongside physical upgrades, the Marine Department is implementing the first phase (2026-2028) of a smart pier management system with a budget of 64.80 million baht. This pilot covers eight key piers: Marine Department Pier, Nonthaburi Pier, Queen's Pier, Sathorn Pier, Bang Pho Pier, Tha Chang Pier, Tha Tien Pier, and Phra Pinklao Pier. Progress currently stands at 10.28%.

The project will install smart devices such as information kiosks, sensors monitoring pier tilting, CCTV with AI data analysis, travel planning apps (Trip Planner), real-time boat tracking, weather alert systems, AED life-saving equipment, and SOS emergency notifications.

Plans for phases 2 and 3 (2028-2030) with a budget of 85 million baht will expand the smart system to all 29 piers and develop a Mobile Super App, Line Official Account, and passenger data analytics system.

"Smart Pier makes water travel easier, safer, and more reliable for the public. Passengers can accurately check boat locations, schedules, and weather conditions, while officials receive data to monitor and respond swiftly to incidents. When fully integrated, the system will reduce accidents, increase travel options, and boost tourism and the economy along the Chao Phraya riverside communities," Sannapetch concluded.

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