Pattaya City is moving forward with significant infrastructure and environmental initiatives on Koh Lan Island in an effort to establish the area as a model for sustainable tourism. The local government, led by Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, recently reviewed the redevelopment of the Koh Lan Na Baan pier, a project valued at 241.55 million baht and funded by the Marine Department. Although the pier reconstruction is not directly managed by Pattaya City, the municipality remains actively involved in overseeing the progress.
Construction on the pier began on March 6, 2025, with completion expected by August 22, 2027. The current 1,341-square-meter pier is being demolished and replaced with a new reinforced concrete structure measuring 19.4 meters in width and 64 meters in length, connected by a 198.24-meter access bridge. The project also includes a temporary jetty to maintain ferry operations during construction. Planned improvements encompass covered waiting areas for passengers and concrete pontoons designed to enhance both safety and operational efficiency. Mayor Poramet emphasized that upon completion, the upgraded pier will alleviate congestion, improve convenience for visitors, and serve as a new landmark to support tourism on both Koh Lan and the nearby city of Pattaya.
Located about 7.5 kilometers from mainland Pattaya, Koh Lan attracts approximately 5 million visitors annually. Alongside the pier project, authorities are addressing the island’s ongoing environmental challenges, particularly waste management. A newly launched integrated waste incineration center has been established to tackle more than 150,000 tonnes of accumulated refuse, which continues to increase by over 10,000 tonnes each year. Mayor Poramet described waste control as a critical issue for a global tourist destination like Koh Lan, noting that the facility will help improve the island’s cleanliness and overall appeal.
The incineration plant is operated by Smart Waste Management Co., whose chairman, Vasu Klomkliang, stated that the technology employed is designed to be environmentally friendly, producing negligible odors and low pollution. The company also plans to open a waste separation learning center aimed at educating both tourists and residents about sustainable waste practices. Vasu highlighted that these steps are integral to preserving the island’s natural environment and fostering a green tourism model that could serve as an example for eco-tourism development nationwide.
Together, these infrastructure upgrades and environmental initiatives signal a concerted effort by Pattaya City and its partners to enhance visitor experience while promoting long-term sustainability on Koh Lan.