12

The Thai government had initially planned to construct the Map Ta Phut and Lsam Chabang ports, but the World Bank, which had been providing structural adjustment loan to Thailand, proposed that investment in these projects were not economical and recommended the continued use of Klong Toei Port, Thailand's largest port at the time, and the Sattahip Port, which had been built as a military port. In contrast, Japan respected the intention of the Thai government and supported by means of providing yen loans for both ports. Finally, the Thai government made a cabinet decision to construct both the Map Ta Phut and Leam Chabang ports, thereby demonstrating ownership toward its own development policy.