Cambodia's Funan Techo Canal to Boost Laem Chabang Port Logistics
Cambodia's Funan Techo Canal, connecting Phnom Penh's port with the Gulf of Thailand, aims to improve regional logistics. The one-point-seven billion US dollar project, starting next month, will increase traffic to Thailand's Laem Chabang Port and is set to open in early 2028. This will also support Thailand's Land Bridge project, cutting shipping time across the region.
Cambodia's proposed Funan Techo Canal, stretching 180 km and linking Phnom Penh Autonomous Port with Kep city and the Gulf of Thailand, aims to reduce reliance on Vietnamese ports.
Expected to start construction next month with a budget of 1.7 billion US dollars, it is scheduled to open in early 2028.
Thailand's Transport Ministry projects this canal will increase traffic to Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province, enhancing its current expansion to handle 18 million TEU of containers annually.
This boost in logistics is also likely to drive demand for Thailand's proposed Land Bridge project between Chumphon and Ranong provinces, intended to alleviate congestion in the Malacca Straits and reduce shipping time from 9 to 5 days.