Now open! Rama VII Smart Pier with energy efficiency, enhancing seamless transportation
8 April 2025The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with Nonthaburi Province, EGAT, and Marine Department, has officially opened Rama VII Smart Pier. Equipped with modern technologies, it is designed to better serve the public and tourists. It is expected that when all 29 smart piers are open in 2027, they will accommodate an average of 53,000 passengers per day and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 280,230 tons CO2 per year.
On April 4, 2025, Mrs. Manaporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, presided over the opening ceremony of Rama VII Pier. Also in attendance were Mr. Kritpetch Chaichuay, Director-General of the Marine Department; Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT); and Mr. Apichai Aramsri, Deputy Governor of Nonthaburi Province. The ceremony took place at Rama VII Pier, Bang Kruai Sub-district, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province.
Mrs. Manaporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, stated that the Ministry of Transport and the Marine Department have been assigned by the government to upgrade piers along the Chao Phraya River to ensure convenience, safety, and seamless transport connectivity, while also promoting sustainable economic and tourism growth. In collaboration with EGAT, they have upgraded Rama VII Pier into a smart pier to enhance tourist safety, promote marine tourism, and generate income for the country.
Mr. Kritpetch Chaichuay, Director-General of the Marine Department, said that the department is upgrading 29 piers along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and the metropolitan area into smart piers. At present, the construction of 12 piers has been complete, while the remaining 17 piers are scheduled for completion by 2027. It is expected that all 29 smart piers will serve an average of 53,000 passengers per day and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 280,230 tons CO2 annually.
Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, Governor of EGAT, added that the “Rama VII Smart Pier” project is the outcome of collaboration between EGAT and the Marine Department. The project aims to develop Bang Kruai into a modern, environmentally-friendly city that supports the New Normal lifestyle. The new technologies have been integrated with water transportation to provide a new travel experience based on the 5-Smart concept, namely 1) Smart Energy – Apply solar power innovations combined with battery energy storage system to enable continuous electricity generation and efficient energy management within the building through a smart energy management system, 2) Smart Safety – Upgrade safety standards of the pier, such as installing CCTV surveillance and drowning alert systems, 3) Smart Lighting – Install automatic lighting system to reduce unnecessary power consumption, 4) Smart Digitalization – Implement intelligent digital information system to improve service efficiency, and 5) Smart Service – Provide the passengers with boat schedules, news, and tourist information in Bang Kruai District via the Smart Pier application, along with EV charging stations and smart charging booths for electric motorcycles.
Mr. Apichai Aramsri, Deputy Governor of Nonthaburi Province, stated that Nonthaburi Province is situated in the metropolitan area and traversed by the Chao Phraya River. It has key piers that serve as transportation links between provinces, and it is known for Koh Kret, a major tourist attraction that draws both Thai and foreign tourists who enjoy cruising along the Chao Phraya River. Therefore, ensuring the safety of waterway travel for tourists is a top priority. Various agencies have collaborated to develop transport infrastructure, aiming to increase travel options and enhance convenience for the public and tourists.
Rama VII Pier is designed under the concept of “smart pier,” using the reflection of light on the building’s surface to change its color throughout the day. The building uses electricity generated from solar cells and incorporates various technologies, such as automatic passenger counting system. It also features ramps and restrooms for disabled people as well as EV charging stations. The pier aims to encourage people to use waterway transportation, helping reduce traffic congestion, and improve transportation convenience in Bangkok and the metropolitan area.