UN/LOCODE: THSGZ📍 Thailand
Port of Songkhla (UN/LOCODE THSGZ)
❖ Coordinates: 7.2000°N, 100.6000°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Bangkok
❖ UN/LOCODE: THSGZ
## About the Port
The Port of Songkhla, designated by the UN/LOCODE **THSGZ**, is a pivotal maritime gateway located on the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula in Southern Thailand. Situated at coordinates **7.2° N latitude and 100.6° E longitude**, the port operates within the jurisdiction of Songkhla Province, Thailand, under the administrative purview of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT). The facility resides within the Asia/Bangkok timezone (UTC+7), ensuring synchronized operations with regional ASEAN logistics networks. Unlike the deep-water facilities on the Andaman Sea coast, Songkhla interfaces directly with the Gulf of Thailand, providing critical maritime access for both commercial shipping and one of Southeast Asia’s most prolific fishing fleets. The port complex encompasses a multi-functional harbor system, integrating a commercial cargo terminal with an extensive adjacent deep-sea fishing port. Its strategic geographical positioning near the Strait of Malacca trade chokepoint—though accessed via the Gulf of Thailand—allows it to serve as a secondary yet vital node in the regional supply chain, complementing the mega-ports of Laem Chabang and Bangkok.
## History
The historical evolution of Songkhla is deeply intertwined with the maritime trade networks of the Malay Archipelago and the broader Indian Ocean. Known historically as "Singgora" (Lion City), the settlement emerged as a prominent trading entrepôt as early as the 11th century, heavily influenced by the Srivijaya Empire. It served as a crucial conduit for the exchange of spices, textiles, and agricultural commodities between the Siamese kingdom and regional powers. During the colonial era, Songkhla maintained its commercial significance, acting as a strategic coastal outpost for the Kingdom of Siam to project economic influence into the southern peninsula.
The formal establishment of modern port infrastructure accelerated in the mid-20th century. The Thai government, recognizing the need to decentralize maritime trade from the congested Bangkok port, initiated substantial dredging and breakwater construction projects. By the late 20th century, the Port Authority of Thailand had transformed Songkhla into a structured commercial and industrial harbor, balancing traditional fishing activities with modern containerized cargo handling. Its resilience was tested by regional geopolitical shifts, yet it consistently adapted to serve as the logistical backbone of Southern Thailand.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Songkhla features a hybrid infrastructure model designed to accommodate diverse vessel classes and cargo profiles. The commercial harbor is protected by substantial rubble-mound breakwaters, mitigating the seasonal monsoon swells of the Gulf of Thailand. The approach channel is maintained to a draft of approximately 9 to 11 meters, allowing Panamax-size vessels and medium-sized feeder container ships to berth safely.
### Cargo Terminals
The port boasts multiple quay configurations, including general cargo berths, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) facilities, and dedicated bulk handling piers. Warehousing capacity includes both open yards and climate-controlled transit sheds, essential for the storage of perishable goods. Recent modernization initiatives have introduced semi-automated gantry cranes and reach stackers to improve vessel turnaround times and optimize yard density.
### Fishing Port Complex
Adjacent to the commercial terminals lies one of Thailand’s largest fishing ports. This complex includes ice-making plants, cold storage facilities with massive refrigeration capacity, and fuel bunkering stations specifically tailored for trawlers and purse seiners. The integration of the fishing fleet with commercial logistics allows for seamless export of processed and frozen seafood. For further technical specifications on Thai port operations, refer to the Port Authority of Thailand official portal↗.
## Economic Importance
The economic footprint of the Port of Songkhla extends far beyond its provincial borders, acting as the primary catalyst for socio-economic development in Southern Thailand. The port is the linchpin of the regional agro-industry, facilitating the export of natural rubber and palm oil—two commodities central to the local economy. Furthermore, its massive fishing infrastructure supports a multi-billion-baht seafood processing sector, providing employment to tens of thousands of residents in Songkhla and neighboring provinces such as Pattani and Yala.
From a macroeconomic perspective, THSGZ alleviates congestion at primary national hubs by handling regional cabotage and short-sea shipping. It strengthens Thailand’s trade connectivity with Malaysia, particularly via cross-border road-rail linkages feeding into the port. The port also underpins the burgeoning tourism sector in Hat Yai and Samila Beach by managing the import of construction materials and hospitality supplies. As Thailand pursues its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) expansion and Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) initiatives, Songkhla is poised to attract increased foreign direct investment in logistics and free-trade zones.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
The navigational routes emanating from Songkhla primarily traverse the Gulf of Thailand, linking to Singapore—the world’s busiest transshipment hub—and the major Malaysian ports of Port Klang and Penang. These connections integrate THSGZ into the global containerized shipping network via feeder services.
### Dominant Cargo Streams
The port’s cargo manifest is dominated by frozen seafood, including squid, tuna, and shrimp, which are exported to markets in East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Dry bulk imports consist mainly of fertilizers, cement, and industrial machinery, while exports feature raw rubber, palm kernels, and agricultural produce. Container traffic, though moderate compared to Laem Chabang, exhibits steady year-on-year growth driven by regional manufacturing. The port also handles significant volumes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and petroleum products through dedicated jetties. For global maritime trade statistics and route analysis, the UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport↗ provides authoritative datasets contextualizing Songkhla’s role in international commerce.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
THSGZ
Country
Thailand
Province / Region
Songkhla
Latitude
7.200000
Longitude
100.600000
Timezone
Asia/Bangkok
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Songkhla?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Songkhla is THSGZ.
Where is Port of Songkhla located?
The Port of Songkhla is located in Thailand, Songkhla. Its coordinates are 7.2000°N, 100.6000°E.
What time zone is Port of Songkhla in?
Port of Songkhla 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.
📍 Nearby Ports
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