The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) expressed concern that the private sector might not be interested in participating in the bidding for the Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Phase 3 project, with only 18 private companies purchasing bid envelopes, which is fewer than Laem Chabang Port, which had 32 companies.
The Map Ta Phut Port Phase 3 project is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), valued at 55,400 million baht. It aims to accommodate 4 million tons of liquid cargo per year and will involve 1,000 rai of land reclamation.
IEAT has set February 6, 2019, as the deadline for submitting technical and price proposals and aims to sign a joint venture agreement with the selected private company by this May. The Director of the Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Office stated that even if only one private company submits a bid, it would be a relief.
The private sector's lack of confidence in investing may stem from resistance from local residents and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which has not yet been approved. Local residents and fishermen remain concerned about the 1,000 rai of land reclamation, which could lead to coastal erosion and a decrease in fish populations.
Mr. Thanom Mingmaen, a fisherman who may be directly affected by this project, stated that even though IEAT officials have engaged in discussions multiple times, from past experience, he knows well that nothing can stop the impacts of construction, and as a local fisherman, he has few options.
Therefore, it remains to be seen whether any private company will submit a bid for Map Ta Phut Port Phase 3 on February 6 and how the environmental impacts that concern local residents will be managed.
