The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has implemented a series of emergency and long-term measures to relieve escalating truck congestion at Laem Chabang Port, following a marked increase in container traffic during the first half of 2025.
As of June 2025, container volume at the port has risen by over 10 percent compared to the previous year. According to the PAT, the surge is largely due to exporters expediting shipments to the United States in anticipation of upcoming import tariffs. This has resulted in daily truck traffic reaching an average of 15,000 vehicles, occasionally spiking to 20,000—placing significant strain on the port’s logistics and infrastructure.
In response, PAT Director Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk led an on-site assessment and outlined a set of immediate interventions. These include designating additional land as temporary truck waiting areas and working with customs authorities to enable off-site container storage. The authority also plans to enforce mandatory use of a digital truck queuing system by August to better manage vehicle flow.
Further measures involve expanding buffer zones outside the port’s customs area, where trucks can be held before being cleared for entry. These efforts are intended to prevent road gridlock around the port and streamline cargo handling operations.
Looking ahead, the PAT is finalizing a revised master plan to expand port infrastructure and accelerate development of Laem Chabang Port’s Phase 3. The expansion, which includes enhanced docking and storage capacity, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
Kriengkrai emphasized that no additional fees will be levied on port users as part of these efforts. He noted that close coordination with logistics providers, customs officials, and related agencies will be essential to resolving the situation sustainably.
