Comparison of Trade Facilitation at Four International Ports in Thailand

Abstract

This paper presents the comparison of trade facilitation at four international seaports in Thailand. Trade facilitation in this context includes operation processes, management of goods by port operators and customs officers. These four sampled ports are owned either by Port Authority of Thailand or by private companies. At each port, port operations and custom procedures are observed, as well as key related stakeholders are interviewed. The findings show some pros and cons of port operations due to different owners. For Port Authority of Thailand's ports, more flexibility in terms of service costs and closing time for customers, as well as faster procurement process for assisting customs officers, are needed. For private ports, the government would support their access infrastructure, utilities, and customs equipment for better efficiency. Lastly, some recommendations were proposed for better trade facilitation at the port to prepare for entering into ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.