UN/LOCODE: THLCH📍 Thailand
Port of Laem Chabang (UN/LOCODE THLCH)
❖ Coordinates: 13.0800°N, 100.8800°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Bangkok
❖ UN/LOCODE: THLCH
## About the Port
Laem Chabang Port, designated under UN/LOCODE **THLCH**, is Thailand's premier deep-sea port and a cornerstone of Southeast Asian maritime commerce. Located in **Chon Buri Province** approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, it operates within the **Asia/Bangkok timezone (UTC+7)**. The port's strategic coordinates at **13.08°N, 100.88°E** position it along the Gulf of Thailand, optimizing access to international shipping lanes via the South China Sea. Spanning over 1,600 hectares, Laem Chabang serves as a critical gateway for Thailand's industrial heartland in the Eastern Seaboard, handling over 75% of the nation’s maritime cargo volume. Managed by the **Port Authority of Thailand**, it is a joint venture between public and private entities, including global terminal operators like **PSA International** and **DP World**.
## History
The port’s origins trace back to the early 1980s, when Thailand initiated a landmark urban planning project to relocate maritime trade activities from Bangkok’s congested inner port. Designed as a satellite city to Bangkok, Laem Chabang was developed under the **Eastern Seaboard Development Plan**, aligning with the country’s shift toward export-oriented industrialization. Phase one of the port was completed in **1986**, with subsequent expansions in the 1990s and 2000s to accommodate growing cargo volumes. A significant milestone occurred in **2013** with the opening of its third container terminal, which bolstered capacity to over 10 million TEUs annually. The port’s growth has paralleled Thailand’s emergence as a manufacturing hub, particularly in automotive and electronics sectors.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Laem Chabang’s infrastructure is engineered for efficiency, featuring **seven container terminals** with over 20 deep-water berths, capable of accommodating vessels exceeding 10,000 TEUs. Advanced crane systems, including ship-to-shore and rubber-tyred gantry cranes, enable rapid cargo handling. Key facilities include:
- **Container Terminals**: Operated by PSA and DP World, these terminals are equipped with automated yard management systems.
- **Bulk Cargo Terminals**: Handle agricultural products, minerals, and construction materials.
- **Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Facilities**: Serve vehicular and machinery imports/exports.
- **Oil and LNG Terminals**: Including a **600,000 DWT oil terminal** and **LNG regasification plant** for energy security.
- **Free Zone and Logistics Parks**: Integrated areas for cargo consolidation and light manufacturing.
The port’s **17-meter draft depth** allows access to major global shipping routes. A dedicated railway line connects it to the **Bangkok Port and Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate**, streamlining inland transportation. Investments exceeding **$1.5 billion** in recent decades have modernized its infrastructure, integrating digital systems for real-time cargo tracking and operational optimization.
## Economic Importance
As Thailand’s largest port, Laem Chabang directly contributes **3-4% of the country’s GDP** and supports over **200,000 direct and indirect jobs**. It anchors the nation’s **Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)**, a $45 billion initiative to develop high-tech industries and smart cities. The port’s efficiency reduces logistics costs for Thai manufacturers, particularly in the automotive sector, where around **70% of Thailand’s vehicle exports** transit through Laem Chabang. Additionally, its proximity to industrial zones like **Rayong and Chon Buri** fosters seamless supply chain integration.
The port’s economic influence extends beyond Thailand. It serves as a transshipment hub for neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, enhancing regional connectivity. Its role in the **ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan** underscores its strategic importance in linking mainland Southeast Asia to global markets. During the **2023 global supply chain disruptions**, Laem Chabang maintained a 98% operational uptime, highlighting its resilience.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Laem Chabang’s cargo flows are dominated by containerized trade, reflecting Thailand’s status as a global manufacturing hub. Key trade routes include:
- **Trans-Pacific Services**: Linking Thailand to the U.S. West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, Long Beach).
- **Intra-Asian Routes**: Connecting to China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
- **Middle East and Europe**: Via the Suez Canal for energy and manufactured goods.
Primary cargo categories include **electronics, machinery, textiles, and automotive parts**. In 2023, container throughput reached **~10.2 million TEUs**, with leading trading partners such as **China, Japan, and ASEAN nations**. Bulk cargo, particularly **rice and rubber**, underscores Thailand’s agricultural trade, while **steel and petrochemicals** cater to industrial sectors. Energy products, including **crude oil and refined petroleum**, remain critical for Thailand’s energy security, with LNG imports supporting its transition to cleaner fuels.
The port’s positioning on the **Maritime Silk Road** further amplifies its role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating infrastructure investments and bilateral trade. Its capacity to handle diverse cargo types ensures adaptability to evolving global trade dynamics, solidifying its status as a linchpin in Thailand’s economic infrastructure.
For further details, the Port Authority of Thailand↗ and UN/LOCODE database↗ provide authoritative insights into Laem Chabang’s operations and global maritime profile.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
THLCH
Country
Thailand
Province / Region
Chon Buri
Latitude
13.080000
Longitude
100.880000
Timezone
Asia/Bangkok
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Laem Chabang?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Laem Chabang is THLCH.
Where is Port of Laem Chabang located?
The Port of Laem Chabang is located in Thailand, Chon Buri. Its coordinates are 13.0800°N, 100.8800°E.
What time zone is Port of Laem Chabang in?
Port of Laem Chabang 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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