Sea
Thailand has eight major ports, five of which are operated by the Port Authority of Thailand - Port of Bangkok (at Klong Toey), deep-sea port at Laem Chabang on the east coast, Ranong in the south, and Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong on the Mekong River serving trade with China. The others are at Map Ta Phut in Rayong, Phuket and Songkhla in the south, which are playing increasing roles in international and coastal trade.

While the majority of Thailand’s trade goes through Port of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River, there are limitations on the draft of vessels plying the river. To accommodate large sea-going vessels, the Port Authority of Thailand has expanded and modernized facilities at Laem Chabang deep-sea port in order to serve as a gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-region and a hub port of the region, in addition to servicing factories at the numerous industrial estates along Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard.

Inland Waterways
The Chao Phraya River runs through the center of Bangkok, offering alternative transportation of people and produce. Speedy boat taxis are a good way of avoiding traffic jams, with scheduled services along the Chao Phraya River, and along major city canals. Numerous ferries carry passengers from one side of the river to the other.