Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, during his visit to Ranong Province on 9 August 2026, stated that the Government would accelerate the development of "missing link" transport networks in southern Thailand, connecting the Andaman coast with the Gulf of Thailand, to boost international trade.

The Government also plans to expand Ranong Port’s capacity for containerized cargo, laying the groundwork for stronger regional transport and trade connectivity. This development will be carried out in phases, taking into account cargo volumes, market demand, and investment viability, so that it will further economic growth.

The Prime Minister explained that improved connectivity could strengthen Ranong’s role as a regional trade gateway. Goods arriving from Europe could enter through Ranong and be distributed across Thailand and onward to China, while Thai exports could use the route to reach India, the Middle East, and Europe.

The Prime Minister said that future expansion of transport capacity would depend on economic opportunities and local needs, considering public feedback and national interests.  

He said that Ranong’s existing infrastructure adequately met current transport demands. However, the Government plans to expand it to accommodate future economic and trade growth.