Phuket Deep Sea Port: The newly renovated port is a hybrid hub with passenger facilities, serving as both a major port for large international cruise ships visiting Phuket and a general cargo port. Locally known as Ao Makham Port, located near Cape Panwa in Tambon Wichit, Mueang Phuket District.
Its primary function is to serve as a gateway for affluent international travelers, accommodating leisure vessels from around the world (including Royal Caribbean, Genting Dream, Spectrum of the Seas, Zuiderdam, Superstar Gemini, and Amerigo Vespucci).
As the main maritime arrival point, this commercial facility is a hub for sea activities and the first large-scale cruise ship port on Thailand’s Andaman coast (the second in Thailand after Laem Chabang Port).
Phuket Island has one of the best coastal locations in the Andaman Sea, allowing mega-cruise vessels to dock and disembark tourists without using smaller tender boats.
For cargo handling, the port functions as a center for international freight transport, supporting local economic and social development. As the largest general cargo port on Phuket’s coast, it provides suitable, efficient services to facilitate transport and supply chain operations in Phuket and nearby provinces.
Additionally, it offers general commercial cargo transportation services, including bulk shipments of items such as rubber, MDF boards, frozen seafood, and consumer goods.
In 2026, the Thai government plans to enhance infrastructure, expand the docks, deepen the channel, and widen the turning basin to welcome more large cruise ships globally (Preferred Cruise Destination). The new development will become a multi-purpose home port and marina hub for the Andaman Sea and “Asia’s top-10 port of call” for mega-ships, with a capacity of up to 4,900 passengers per vessel.
Construction began during the 5th National Economic and Social Development Plan (1982–1986). The Phuket Deep Sea Port currently has 26 hectares of facilities and two berths, can handle 400,000 tons per year, and is available for lease to a single private operator.
Phuket Deep Sea Port Co., Ltd. has invested in and managed the port since 2018 and operates the facility under a 30-year concession granted by the Treasury Department, which owns the land. The company manages and maintains land-based facilities, including the port, loading areas, roads, utilities, and other amenities. The harbor department maintains ports and coastal areas, including buoys, channels, and other related structures.
Currently, the island is undergoing comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and redevelopment to provide more varied transportation connections. Phuket Port, near the Cape Panwa area, will include a seaplane landing and takeoff point, linking to Phuket Airport, Patong Beach, Krabi and nearby provinces. The seaplane operation plans to launch the inaugural flight by the end of 2026; the pilot route will connect Phuket Deep Sea Port and Krabi International Airport.
Source: Phuket Deep Sea Port Co., Ltd., Marine Department, Ministry of Transport
Reporter: BusinessBangkok.com’s Staff – Photo Generated by AI
