Private sector offers to invest on Thailand's expanding Laem Chabang Port

BANGKOK, April 18 (TNA) - The private sector has offered to invest about 83 billion baht for the phase 3 development of the Laem Chabang Deep Seaport in the Thai East on the condition that it could hold a 60-year concession and has full rights in managing it. Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittyapaisith told journalists of the update on Monday, after holding a meeting at Bangkok's Government House with Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees economic affairs, Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) Board Chair Admiral Apiwat Srivardhana and representatives of the private sector on attempts to turn Thailand to be a regional seaports hub in the future. Arkhom said the Thai government wants to construct and develop the Laem Chabang Deep Seaport within the next one year and it is now conducting a study on an environment and health impact assessment if the planned development is to be implemented. Under the phase 3-development plan for the Laem Chabang Deep Seaport, several construction activities will be implemented, including a development of rail and road links to the seaport and facilities for bulk goods transportation to Laos and Cambodia. (TNA)