The Ministry of Transport has approved 30 million baht to launch the blueprint for a landmark pier that integrates Malay pierced motifs with World Geopark designs, with pile driving scheduled for late this year.
On 4 July 2026, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, accompanied by Mr. Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, and Mr. Worasit Liangprasert, Deputy Minister of Interior, visited Tan Yong Po Subdistrict, Mueang Satun District, Satun Province to monitor progress on the Tan Yong Po Pier construction project. Mr. Kanit Khongchuey, Governor of Satun Province, senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Marine Department, local leaders, and community members warmly welcomed the delegation and shared infrastructure needs.
Mr. Phiphat revealed that the government recognizes Satun Province’s limitless potential, rich with natural resources and world-class marine attractions such as Tarutao National Park, Adang Islands, Lipe Island, and Kho Khai Island. The Ministry of Transport is committed to developing infrastructure that links these tourist sites with the urban center to solve overcrowded tourism and genuinely distribute income to local communities, including shops, restaurants, accommodations, and local boat operators.
“Today we inspected the site to prepare, as the project budget has already been allocated. The goal is to make Tan Yong Po Pier an important new option for tourists to board boats directly to various islands without detouring to Pak Bara Pier, significantly reducing travel time and increasing convenience,” Mr. Phiphat said.
Regarding the Tan Yong Po Pier project details, the Marine Department has prepared a 30 million baht annual budget for 2027 to develop a pier at least 150 meters long. A key highlight is designing the pier’s end to maintain about one meter of water depth at the lowest tide, removing previous limitations so speedboats can dock and depart 24 hours a day without waiting for the tide.
Additionally, the pier’s architecture will serve as a new landmark prominently reflecting local identity by blending traditional Malay pierced motifs with the value of Satun’s World Geopark through ammonite fossil patterns. Contract signing and construction are expected between December 2026 and January 2027.
The Minister of Transport added that in the future, Tan Yong Po Pier has the potential to develop into a maritime route connecting to Langkawi Island, Malaysia, opening new tourism markets and attracting Malaysians crossing the Wang Prachan checkpoint, as well as tourists from Songkhla Province and southern border areas, thereby increasing spending in Satun’s urban area.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport is also preparing an integrated plan to connect land transport networks by pushing for a new road route from Sadao District, Songkhla Province, through Baroy area directly to Kuan Kalong Industrial Estate in Satun Province. This will shorten travel distance by up to 60 kilometers compared to the current route through Hat Yai city. Efforts are also underway to restore the capacity of Tamalang Pier after the Marine Department dredged a 3-meter-deep channel, with plans to initiate talks with the state of Perlis, Malaysia to increase international maritime activities soon.