After a months-long delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a new ferry service with a long-haul route from eastern Chon Buri to southern Songkhla will officially launch today.
Seahorse Ferries Company, which invested 200 million baht in acquiring Japan’s three-story “Blue Dolphin,” operates the ferry. It was scheduled to start its services in May, but its launch was delayed due to Covid-induced travel restrictions.
The Marine Department said the long-distance ferry’s services aimed at reviving the tourism industry and the pandemic-affected economy in Songkhla and Chon Buri provinces.
The three-story ferry was renewed to accommodate 80 trucks or lorries, 20 cars, and up to 586 passengers. It also features several rooms, a restaurant, a lobby, and an entertainment area.
According to information found on the Marine Department’s website, the route will depart from the Chuk Samet pier in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, expecting to arrive at Songkhla port around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
Authorities explained that the one-way trip, which spans 611 kilometers, lasts about 20 hours, meaning that it offers a significantly faster trip than road transport, which takes about 24 hours.
However, TPN media reported that some Covid-19 rules and controls might apply when using the ferry’s services, especially to people traveling to Songkhla, as it remains a dark red zone based on the latest Covid-19 zoning announced by the Thai government. The province still faces many pandemic restrictions, including a nighttime curfew.
Passengers interested in booking the ferry services should check with Chuk Samet pier’s officials for travel requirements. But the Marine Department has not confirmed rates, and its website has not listed bookable services yet.
Meanwhile, a new company called Marine Passion has launched a new route from Chumphon Main Pier to Koh Tao’s Mae Head Pier with continuous service to Koh Phangan and then Koh Samui. The full service is set to be available next month.
People can book trips and get more information by calling 082-554-797 or messaging on LINE at @marinepassion
