For Phuket property buyers watching tourism demand, the government’s new Two-Coast Strategy matters because it positions the island as the Andaman anchor in a unified national cruise network designed to attract higher-spending visitors.
The plan was unveiled during the Thailand Cruise Port Infrastructure Prioritization Forum 2026, held on May 14 at the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa in Mai Khao. The forum brought together senior government officials, tourism executives, cruise industry representatives and private-sector leaders to map out Thailand’s future cruise infrastructure.
The strategy aims to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea into a single marine tourism network, linking key ports including Phuket, Laem Chabang and Songkhla while developing smaller emerging destinations such as Krabi, Satun, Ranong and Trat.
What the Two-Coast Strategy involves
Under the plan, ports will be categorised by capability into three tiers: Home Ports, Ports of Call and Boutique or Expedition Ports intended for smaller luxury cruise vessels.
Phuket is positioned as a central hub within this network, connecting cruise passengers arriving on the Andaman coast with wider regional itineraries.
The forum was organised by the Senate Committee on Tourism and Sports and chaired by committee chairman Pisut Rattanawong. Attendees included Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau Deputy Director Dr Suratchanu Thongmee, Songkhla Deputy Governor Chucheep Thammapetch, Prachuap Khiri Khan Deputy Governor Preeda Sukjai, Thai Chamber of Commerce Honorary President Klin Sarasin, Thai Cruise Business Association President Wattana Choksuvanich, Ministry of Transport Inspector General Puripat Teerakulphisut and Thalang District Chief Wilailak Ruangphol.
Pisut Rattanawong said Thailand was entering “a crucial period” in defining a new role in the global cruise industry. He said the country aimed to move beyond simply being a tourist destination and become a strategic regional partner driving long-term cruise industry growth.
“The cooperation of all sectors will help strengthen competitiveness, create economic opportunities and support sustainable tourism growth,” he said.
Why this matters for Phuket property
Cruise tourism generates a different visitor profile than traditional resort tourism. Cruise passengers typically spend on shore excursions, dining, retail and transport during port calls. Higher cruise volumes can increase demand for marina services, waterfront hospitality and commercial property connected to tourism infrastructure.
The plan also integrates cruise tourism with Thailand’s MICE industry — meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. TCEB representatives at the forum highlighted plans to position cruise ships as platforms for international business events and incentive travel.
For Phuket, this could mean more business-focused group travel, longer stays and higher per-visitor spending. Property segments that serve extended-stay visitors, business travellers and high-value tourists may see increased relevance if the strategy delivers measurable growth in cruise arrivals.
The infrastructure and sustainability focus
Forum participants stressed that infrastructure development must be matched by environmental protection, upgraded tourist attractions and stronger community participation.
The official report of the event said the forum would help create a national roadmap for cruise port development and identify investment priorities, public-private partnership opportunities and the lead agencies responsible for implementing the strategy.
The long-term goal is to establish Thailand as a regional cruise infrastructure hub capable of attracting high-spending international visitors while promoting sustainable tourism development nationwide, according to the report.
What remains unclear
The forum did not announce specific timelines, budget allocations or confirmed infrastructure projects. The report described the event as part of creating a national roadmap, suggesting the strategy is still in the planning stage.
It is also unclear how quickly new port infrastructure will be developed, which private-sector partners will participate, or how cruise volumes are expected to grow over the next five years.
For property buyers, the relevance of the plan depends on whether it translates into measurable increases in cruise arrivals, longer port calls, or expanded marina and waterfront development in Phuket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Two-Coast Strategy?
It is a national plan to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea into a unified marine tourism network, linking key ports including Phuket, Laem Chabang and Songkhla. The strategy categorises ports by capability and aims to position Thailand as Southeast Asia’s leading cruise hub.
How does this affect Phuket property?
Higher cruise volumes could increase demand for commercial property, marina services and hospitality infrastructure connected to tourism. Business-focused group travel and high-value tourists may also drive demand for extended-stay and luxury property if the strategy delivers measurable growth.
Has the plan been confirmed or funded?
The forum was described as part of creating a national roadmap. Specific timelines, budget allocations and confirmed infrastructure projects were not announced. The strategy appears to be in the planning stage.
What does integrating cruise tourism with MICE mean?
MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. The plan includes using cruise ships as platforms for international business events and incentive travel, which could bring more business travellers and corporate groups to Phuket.
What should property buyers watch for next?
Buyers should watch for announcements on specific infrastructure projects, confirmed private-sector partnerships, budget allocations and actual growth in cruise arrivals and port calls. The strategy’s impact on property demand depends on whether it moves from planning to implementation.
Sources
- The Phuket News — ‘Two-Coast’ plan to make Phuket regional cruise hub — link
