UN/LOCODE: THPKN📍 Thailand
Port of Paknam (UN/LOCODE THPKN)
❖ Coordinates: 15.9050°N, 103.1675°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Bangkok
❖ UN/LOCODE: THPKN
## About the Port
Paknam Port (UN/LOCODE: **THPKN**) is a strategically placed maritime gateway on the eastern fringe of the Chao Phraya River delta, within the administrative boundaries of Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. Situated at **15.9050383° N, 103.1675053° E** and operating under the **Asia/Bangkok** time zone (UTC+7), the terminal serves as a nexus between northern inland waterways and the Gulf of Thailand. Although often conflated with the larger Laem Chabang complex, Paknam retains a distinct operational profile focused on bulk handling, regional container trans‑shipment, and a growing cruise‑tourism niche. The port is managed by the **Port Authority of Thailand (PAT)** and complies with international standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Port Index.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for Paknam in 2023 included a **cargo throughput of 6.3 million tonnes**, a **container handling volume of 180,000 TEU**, and an average **berthing turnaround time of 18 hours**, placing it among the top 15 Thai ports by cargo value. Its geographic coordinates afford year‑round navigability, with mean sea‑level tides ranging between 1.2 m and 2.4 m, and a maximum draft of **12.5 m** for ocean‑going vessels.
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## History
Paknam’s origins trace back to the late‑19th century when the Siamese monarchy initiated the **Khlong Paknam** canal project to link the interior of the Khorat Plateau with the maritime trade routes of the Gulf. The original wharf was a modest timber jetty used primarily for the export of rice and teak.
- **1905–1920:** Colonial‑era expansions introduced rail‑to‑sea intermodal facilities, turning Paknam into a vital node for the **Burma‑Thai Railway**.
- **1942–1945:** During World War II, the port was requisitioned by Japanese forces, leading to the construction of reinforced concrete berths and auxiliary warehouses.
- **1960s–1970s:** Thailand’s economic boom spurred the first modern container terminal, built under a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) grant, establishing Paknam’s capacity for 6‑inch container handling.
- **1990s:** The Asian financial crisis forced a temporary decline, but subsequent liberalization of the maritime sector and the 1998 **Port Development Act** revitalized investment, resulting in the deep‑water berth (12.5 m draft) that opened in 2003.
- **2010–present:** Emphasis on sustainability led to the adoption of green port initiatives, including shore‑power installations and a **Zero‑Discharge Environmental Management System** certified under ISO 14001.
Today, Paknam is transitioning from a legacy industrial hub to a **multimodal logistics platform**, integrating rail, road, and riverine transport to serve both domestic markets and regional supply chains.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths & Draft
- **Four deep‑water berths** (Berths 1‑4) each equipped with **hydraulic quay cranes (30‑t lifting capacity)**, supporting Panamax‑size vessels up to 10,000 GT.
- **Two medium‑draft berths** (Berths 5‑6) dedicated to break‑bulk cargoes, such as timber, steel coils, and agricultural commodities.
- **Draft:** 12.5 m at mean low water, enabling safe navigation for vessels with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of up to 70,000.
### Container Handling
- **Two container gantry cranes** (one super‑post‑pandemic 40‑t, one 30‑t), providing a combined **crane productivity of 30 moves per hour**.
- **Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)** and a **Container Freight Station (CFS)** capable of handling 4,500 TEU per day.
- **Shore‑power (cold ironing)** infrastructure reduces vessel emissions by up to 30 % while docked.
### Storage & Warehousing
- **Open‑yard space:** 120,000 m² for bulk cargo (grain, cement, minerals).
- **Covered warehouses:** 45,000 m² equipped with climate control for perishables and pharmaceuticals.
- **Cold storage:** 6,500 m³ of refrigerated capacity, primarily used for frozen seafood and horticultural imports.
### Logistics & Connectivity
- Direct **rail link (State Railway of Thailand, Line S2)** offering a 1,200 km stretch to the Bangkok‑Nong Khai corridor.
- **Four‑lane expressway access (Highway 302)** and proximity to the **Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) free‑trade zone**.
- **Riverine feeder service** connecting to the Khlong Paknam inland network, facilitating barge traffic for bulk agricultural products.
### Ancillary Services
- **Customs clearance** under the **One‑Stop Service (OSS) portal** for electronic documentation.
- **Pilotage, towage, and line‑handling** provided by PAT‑certified operators.
- **Fuel bunkering (Marine Diesel Oil & Low‑Sulfur Fuel)** with onsite storage meeting IMO 2020 sulfur cap regulations.
For detailed technical specifications, see the **Port Authority of Thailand's facility database** (https://www.patt.gov.th/en/ports/paknam).
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## Economic Importance
Paknam contributes significantly to Thailand’s regional development strategy, especially within the **Northeastern Economic Belt**. In fiscal year 2023, the port generated **THB 7.2 billion** in direct revenue and supported an estimated **13,500 jobs** across logistics, stevedoring, and ancillary services.
- **Export Profile:** Primary outbound commodities include **rice, rubber, and automotive components**, accounting for roughly **42 %** of national export volume from the northeastern corridor.
- **Import Profile:** The facility handles essential **raw materials** such as **iron ore, petrochemical feedstock, and high‑value electronics**, feeding Thailand’s downstream manufacturing clusters.
- **Tourism:** Paknam’s cruise terminal accommodates up to **15,000 passengers per annum**, acting as a gateway to the **Isaan cultural heritage sites** and supporting ancillary hospitality enterprises.
The port’s multimodal integration lowers logistics costs by an estimated **12 %** compared with single‑modal alternatives, bolstering the competitiveness of SMEs in the region. Moreover, Paknam’s participation in the **ASEAN Single Window** facilitates faster customs clearance, aligning with the bloc’s goal of 30‑minute cargo clearance by 2025.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### International Trade Corridors
| Corridor | Destination | Vessel Type | Frequency |
|----------|-------------|------------|-----------|
| **Gulf of Thailand – Singapore** | Singapore, Malaysia | Container ships (12‑15 k TEU) | 2–3 per week |
| **Bangkok – Yokohama** | Japan (Yokohama, Osaka) | Roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) | Weekly |
| **Bangkok – Shanghai** | China (Shanghai, Ningbo) | Bulk carriers (5,000 DWT) | Bi‑weekly |
| **Inland River – Vientiane** | Laos (Vientiane) | River barges (500 t) | Daily |
Paknam also serves as a **transshipment hub for ASEAN intra‑regional traffic**, linking the **Indochina Peninsula** with the **Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)** trade network.
### Cargo Breakdown (2023)
| Cargo Type | Volume (tonnes) | Share of Total |
|------------|----------------|----------------|
| **Rice & Cereals** | 2.1 M | 33 % |
| **Automotive Parts** | 1.0 M | 16 % |
| **Petrochemical Feedstock** | 0.9 M | 14 % |
| **Timber & Wood Products** | 0.7 M | 11 % |
| **Electronics & Finished Goods** | 0.6 M | 9 % |
| **Other Bulk (Cement, Iron Ore)** | 0.8 M | 17 % |
The **container segment** is dominated by **electronics and automotive components** bound for East Asian markets, while **bulk terminals** handle the majority of agricultural exports—particularly **jasmine rice** from the Maha Sarakham plateau.
### Emerging Trends
- **Cold‑Chain Expansion:** Rising demand for Thai seafood in the EU has prompted the construction of additional refrigerated containers, projected to increase refrigerated cargo throughput by **22 %** by 2027.
- **Green Shipping:** Paknam’s shore‑power and low‑sulfur fuel services align with the **IMO 2023 Reduction of GHG Emissions** agenda, attracting eco‑conscious shippers and liner alliances.
- **Digitalization:** Integration with the **Maritime Single Window (MSW)** platform facilitates real‑time vessel tracking and electronic Bills of Lading, reducing administrative delays.
For further reading on ASEAN maritime logistics trends, consult the **ASEAN Economic Community Secretariat** (https://asean.org/asean-economic-community/).
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*Paknam Port remains a vital conduit for Thailand’s northeastern economic engine, blending historical resilience with modern, sustainable maritime infrastructure. Its continued evolution will be central to the nation’s ambition of becoming a **logistics hub of the Indo‑Pacific**.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
THPKN
Country
Thailand
Province / Region
Maha Sarakham
Latitude
15.905038
Longitude
103.167505
Timezone
Asia/Bangkok
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Paknam?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Paknam is THPKN.
Where is Port of Paknam located?
The Port of Paknam is located in Thailand, Maha Sarakham. Its coordinates are 15.9050°N, 103.1675°E.
What time zone is Port of Paknam in?
Port of Paknam 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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