“Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, Chiang Saen Port serves as a critical geostrategic asset. Historically, total trade handled through the Chiang Saen Customs House has consistently shown a stark trade surplus for Thailand, with full-year export values typically hovering between 5,300 million and 7,500 million baht, while imports have remained low at roughly 300 million to 400 million baht annually.”
“Recent ten-month performance figures show total border and cross-border trade at Chiang Saen Custom House hitting 5,962 million baht. Outbound shipments dominated the balance sheet at 5,650 million baht (over 94 per cent of total trade), driven by fuel, cement, livestock, and consumer items. In contrast, imports accounted for just 312 million baht.”
“During the 2026 fiscal year, the port logged 2,737 vessel calls and processed 195,574 tonnes of general cargo. Crucially, container volumes witnessed an explosive 73.95 per cent year-on-year surge, climbing from 4,030 TEU in 2025 to 7,010 TEU in 2026.”
“This rapid growth is the direct result of targeted marketing campaigns conducted jointly with China’s Guanlei Port in Yunnan Province. A major catalyst occurred when Chinese customs authorities formally approved Guanlei Port as a designated entry checkpoint for imported fruit.”
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40068587
See also: Thailand Advances Shiang Saen Port as Mekong Logistics Hub
“At Chiang Saen Commercial Port, the deputy minister reviewed cargo operations and the port’s role in linking Thailand with the Lao PDR, Myanmar, and southern China via the Mekong River. The port’s connection to the R3A and R3B road networks further strengthens Chiang Rai’s status as a key northern trade gateway.”
https://thailand.go.th/issue-focus-detail/thailand-advances-shiang-saen-port-as-mekong-logistics-hub