UN/LOCODE: THLKR📍 Thailand
Port of Lat Krabang (UN/LOCODE THLKR)
❖ UN/LOCODE: THLKR
## About the Port
Lat Krabang (UN/LOCODE: **THLKR**) is the principal seaport serving the Greater Bangkok metropolitan area in central Thailand. Located on the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya River, approximately 30 km from the Gulf of Thailand, the facility operates under the management of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT). The port’s strategic position makes it the gateway for inbound and outbound cargo destined for the capital’s bustling commercial districts and the surrounding central plains.
The facility operates on **UTC+7 (Indochina Time)**, aligning with the national timezone. Its geographic coordinates are roughly **13.7333° N, 100.7333° E**, placing it in the province of Bangkok, district of Lat Krabang. The harbor is a multi‑purpose complex that handles containerized freight, dry‑bulk commodities, and general cargo, supporting both domestic intermodal traffic and international shipping lines.
## History
The origins of Lat Krabang trace back to the early 20th century when the Thai government recognized the need for a deep‑water terminal to relieve congestion at the older Bangkok Port situated nearer the city centre. Construction began in the 1930s, but World War II halted progress until the 1950s, when the United States Navy funded upgrades to support logistical operations.
The post‑war period saw the port expand its berthing capacity, initially focusing on timber and agricultural exports. In the 1970s, the first container terminal was commissioned, coinciding with Thailand’s rapid industrialization and opening to global trade. The 1990s brought automation and the introduction of ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes, positioning Lat Krabang as one of the most modern facilities in the region.
Today, the port continues to evolve, with recent investments in inland container depots and a digital customs clearing system to improve dwell‑time efficiency. For further historical context, the Port Authority of Thailand provides a detailed chronicle on its official portal — Port Authority of Thailand↗.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Container Operations
The Port of Lat Krabang features two dedicated container berths capable of accommodating vessels up to 12 000 TEU, with ship‑to‑shore cranes offering lifting capacities of 40–65 tons. The container handling area is equipped with automated stacking, RFID‑enabled yard management, and a 30‑acre inland container depot (ICD) linked by rail and road to the Bangkok hinterland.
### General Cargo Handling
General cargo facilities include six conventional berths with depth ranging from 9.5 m to 12 m, suitable for bulk carriers, ro‑ro vessels, and dry‑cargos. The quayside is fitted with diverse loading gear, including forklifts, reach stackers, and conveyor systems, enabling rapid handling of manufactured goods, automobiles, and construction materials.
### Bulk Cargo & Dry‑Bulk Terminals
The port’s dry‑bulk terminal comprises three berths with a depth of 10 m, designed for commodities such as coal, cement, sugar, and rice. Cement silos with a capacity of 200 000 tons and a pneumatic conveyance system minimize spillage and enhance safety.
### Supporting Services
A modern dry‑dock facility, a ferry terminal for riverine connections, and a comprehensive maritime safety system (AIS, VTS) ensure operational continuity. The PAT has also implemented an electronic data interchange (EDI) platform for customs clearance, aligning with International Maritime Organization standards — see the IMO’s guidelines on port efficiency — International Maritime Organization↗.
## Economic Importance
Lat Krabang contributes significantly to Thailand’s trade balance. In 2023, the port handled **≈ 12.5 million TEU** and **≈ 45 million tons** of general and bulk cargo, representing **over 70 % of Bangkok’s seaborne trade volume**. The facility serves as the primary gateway for **imported consumer electronics, automotive parts, and capital equipment**, while export cargoes include **agricultural products (rice, rubber, tropical fruits), textiles, and petrochemical derivatives**.
The port’s hinterland covers the central statistical region, encompassing 22 provinces and a population of more than 13 million. By reducing inland transportation costs and dwell times, Lat Krabang enhances the competitiveness of Thai exporters in global markets and supports the country’s “Thailand 4.0” manufacturing strategy.
Moreover, the port underpins regional logistics networks, hosting major logistics operators and free‑trade zones that facilitate value‑added services such as labeling, repackaging, and kitting. These activities generate employment for an estimated **30 000 workers** directly and indirectly, contributing substantially to local economic development.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Shipping Lane Connectivity
Lat Krabang enjoys direct links to major Far‑Eastern and trans‑Pacific routes. Vessel calls from East Asian gateways (Singapore, Shanghai, Busan, Yokohama) are routine, with alliances such as **MAERSK, CMA CGM, MSC, and Evergreen** operating weekly services. Trans‑Atlantic routes connect the port to **Hamburg, Rotterdam, Antwerp, New York, and Long Beach**, while Middle‑Eastern destinations include **Dubai and Jeddah**.
### Containerized Freight
Exports dominated by **electronics, automotive components, and manufactured goods** flow primarily to North America and Europe. Conversely, **consumer durables, industrial machinery, and petrochemical feedstock** are imported, supporting Thailand’s manufacturing sector.
### Bulk Commodities
The bulk sector is anchored by **cement shipments to neighboring countries**, **coal imports** for power generation, and **rice and sugar exports** to the Middle East and Africa. Phosphate rock and mineral ores also transit through Lat Krabang, catering to regional processing plants.
### Emerging Trades
In recent years, the port has seen growth in **renewable‑energy components**, such as solar panels and wind‑turbine parts, aligning with global sustainability trends. Additionally, **pharmaceutical raw materials** have become a notable import, spurred by Thailand’s expanding biotech industry.
Overall, Lat Krabang stands as a pivotal node in Southeast Asia’s maritime network, balancing traditional cargo flows with emerging sectors while continuously upgrading its infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global trade environment.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
THLKR
Country
Thailand
Province / Region
Bangkok
Latitude
Unknown
Longitude
Unknown
Timezone
Unknown
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Lat Krabang?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Lat Krabang is THLKR.
Where is Port of Lat Krabang located?
The Port of Lat Krabang is located in Thailand, Bangkok.
What time zone is Port of Lat Krabang in?
Port of Lat Krabang operates in the local time zone.
Weather unavailable: Missing coordinates
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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