The Harbour Department is likely to choose Chao Phraya express boat service as the only investor for the commercial development of nine piers along the river to link up with the other public transport systems.

Harbour Department chief Mr Chula Sukmanop disclosed today (Monday) that, initially, an open auction was to be staged to allow all potential investors to bid for the development project but later it was discovered that this method might be difficult because there must be a signal connection between the piers and the express boats.

Since Chao Phraya express boat company is already operating the boat service, it is logical and more suitable if the company also develops the piers.

Mr Chula said that the designs of the nine piers had been completed with the feasibility study yet to commence. He expected development work of the piers could start in October.

After the completion of the piers development, Chao Phraya express boat company will bring in new boats to be put into service.

The piers to be developed will each have the capacity to accommodate 50-150 passengers at a time. Nonthaburi, Bang Po, Thewes, Pin Klao, Sathorn and Si Phraya piers are currently capable of accommodating up to 150 passengers each. About 20,000 passengers now use the Sathorn and Nonthaburi peirs each day.

Nine river piers to be developed to link up with mass transit systems - Thai PBS English News