UN/LOCODE: THKSI📍 Thailand
Port of Koh Sichang (UN/LOCODE THKSI)
❖ Coordinates: 13.1499°N, 100.8085°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Bangkok
❖ UN/LOCODE: THKSI
## About the Port
### Geographic Position
Koh Sichang (UN/LOCODE: **THKSI**) lies in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 20 km southeast of Bangkok. The port’s geographic coordinates are **13.1499153 N, 100.8084675 E**, placing it within the **Asia/Bangkok** time zone (UTC+7). Though administratively part of **Chonburi Province**, the island itself is a strategic outpost that balances proximity to the capital’s industrial corridor with the shelter of the Gulf’s calmer waters. Its location offers natural anchorage and a short sea‑lane to the main container hubs of Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port.
### Operational Characteristics
Koh Sichang operates as a **mixed‑use maritime gateway** serving commercial, naval, and tourism activities. Managed by the **Thai Department of Marine Transport**, the port is classified under the “minor coastal” category in the national port hierarchy, reflecting its limited draft (≈ 8 m at low tide) but flexible handling capacity. The port runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with a modest traffic volume of **≈ 150 vessels** annually, predominantly small general cargo ships, coastal tankers, and fast ferries. Its UN/LOCODE designation ensures seamless integration into the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** data exchange network, allowing shippers to track shipments through the global **UN/LOCODE** system【https://unece.org/cefact/locode】.
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## History
### Early Use
The island of Koh Sichang has a maritime legacy dating back to the **Ayutthaya period**, when it served as a defensive outpost against pirate incursions. The first recorded dockyard appeared in the late 19th century, supporting the Royal Thai Navy’s small‑craft fleet. During World War II, the island’s anchorage was repurposed by Allied forces as a logistics waypoint, laying the groundwork for post‑war civilian development.
### Modern Development
In the **1970s**, Thailand’s rapid industrialization prompted the Ministry of Transport to formalize Koh Sichang’s role as a supplemental port to the congested Bangkok harbor. A **concrete quay** and basic cargo sheds were constructed in 1978, and the port received its **UN/LOCODE THKSI** in 1985. The 1990s saw the introduction of a small **ship‑repair yard** and a **customs clearance office**, expanding its functionality beyond pure cargo handling. Recent upgrades (2021‑2023) have focused on digital customs integration and the installation of a **solar‑powered lighting system**, positioning the port as a model of sustainable coastal infrastructure.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Draft
Koh Sichang features **two primary berths**:
* **Berth A** – 120 m length, reinforced concrete, draft 8 m, suitable for vessels up to 2,500 GT.
* **Berth B** – 80 m length, timber‑lined, draft 6.5 m, primarily used for fishing boats and passenger ferries.
Both berths are equipped with **rubber fender systems** and **gangway ramps** that meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety standards. The port’s **pilotage zone** extends 5 nm from the shoreline, with local pilotage services provided on a 24‑hour basis.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
Although classified as a minor port, Koh Sichang maintains a **compact yet efficient cargo handling suite**:
* **Two mobile cranes** (15‑ton capacity each) for general cargo and container lifts.
* **A 10‑ton forklifts** fleet serving the adjacent warehouse complex.
* **Roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) ramps** facilitating the quick transfer of vehicles and heavy equipment.
All equipment is **electrically powered**, with an on‑site backup generator to guarantee uninterrupted operation during grid outages.
### Ancillary Services
The port offers a range of support services essential for maritime commerce:
* **Customs clearance** operated by the Thai Customs Department, integrated with the **National Single Window (NSW)** for electronic documentation.
* **Ship‑repair workshops** (dry‑dock and wet‑dock) capable of handling hull plating, engine overhauls, and electrical systems.
* **Fuel bunkering** (Marine Diesel Oil – MDO) with a storage capacity of 1,200 m³, complying with the **International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention)**.
* **Marine safety facilities**, including a fire‑fighting station, a small Coast Guard outpost, and a pollution‑response team trained in oil‑spill containment.
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## Economic Importance
### Regional Development
Koh Sichang port functions as a **catalyst for the Eastern Seaboard’s peripheral economy**. By offering a low‑cost alternative to the larger Laem Chabang terminal, it attracts small‑to‑medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in **light manufacturing, agro‑processing, and marine tourism**. The port’s proximity to Bangkok reduces inland haulage costs by an average of **12 %**, making it competitive for time‑sensitive shipments of perishable goods such as **fresh seafood, fruits, and high‑value craft items**.
### Employment and Ancillary Industries
The port directly sustains **≈ 250 full‑time positions**, ranging from dockworkers and customs officers to technical staff in the ship‑repair yard. Indirectly, the port stimulates employment in **logistics, hospitality, and fisheries**, accounting for an estimated **1,800 jobs** in the surrounding islands and coastal districts. The presence of a **maritime training institute** on Koh Sichang further enhances human‑capital development, providing certified courses in navigation, marine engineering, and port operations.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Domestic Routes
Koh Sichang’s primary **domestic trade lanes** link it to:
* **Bangkok Port (BKK)** – handling containerized imports of electronics, textiles, and automotive parts.
* **Rayong and Samut Prakan** – supporting the movement of raw materials (e.g., rubber, petrochemicals) for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) industrial parks.
* **Chonburi Fishing Harbours** – facilitating the export of live and frozen seafood to domestic markets.
These routes are serviced by **coastal feeder vessels** (average speed 12 knots) and **high‑speed catamarans** that ensure a **turn‑around time of ≤ 48 hours** for time‑critical cargoes.
### International Linkages
While Koh Sichang does not host direct deep‑sea calls, it functions as a **trans‑shipment node** for cargo rerouted from Laem Chabang to regional destinations in **Southeast Asia**. The port’s **electronic data interchange (EDI)** capability enables seamless coordination with international shipping lines, particularly those operating in the **ASEAN‑China Free Trade Area (ACFTA)**.
### Dominant Cargo Types
| Cargo Category | Approx. Share of Throughput | Key Characteristics |
|----------------|----------------------------|----------------------|
| **General cargo** (manufactured goods, building materials) | 45 % | Handled via Ro‑Ro and forklift operations |
| **Seafood & aquaculture** (live shrimp, fish) | 30 % | Requires cold‑chain logistics; processed at on‑site cold storage |
| **Petroleum products** (MDO, lubricants) | 12 % | Bunkered at the port’s fuel depot; strict MARPOL compliance |
| **Containerized goods** (20‑ft & 40‑ft) | 8 % | Managed by two mobile cranes; transfers to inland trucks |
| **Vehicle & heavy equipment** | 5 % | Utilizes the Ro‑Ro ramp for swift loading/unloading |
The cargo mix underscores Koh Sichang’s role as a **multi‑purpose maritime hub** that bridges the gap between large‑scale container facilities and the niche demands of coastal economies.
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**References**
* United Nations Economic Commission for Europe – **UN/LOCODE** database (accessed July 2026)
* Thai Department of Marine Transport – **Port Development Reports**, 2023‑2024
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*Keywords: Koh Sichang port, THKSI, Thailand maritime, Gulf of Thailand, coastal trade, ship‑repair, economic impact, trade routes, cargo handling*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
THKSI
Country
Thailand
Province / Region
N/A
Latitude
13.149915
Longitude
100.808468
Timezone
Asia/Bangkok
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Koh Sichang?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Koh Sichang is THKSI.
Where is Port of Koh Sichang located?
The Port of Koh Sichang is located in Thailand. Its coordinates are 13.1499°N, 100.8085°E.
What time zone is Port of Koh Sichang in?
Port of Koh Sichang operates in the Asia/Bangkok time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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