The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) provides port and harbor support services to its flagship Bangkok and Laem Chabang ports and a handful of regional ports across the country. Established in 1951 by government decree, the Thai Port Authority provides services and facilities to vessels, conducts dredging and maintenance of bar channels and basins, and supervises cargo handling. The authority also supports domestic coastal shipping as well as international maritime transport to the Far East, Asia, Europe, Africa, India, and the US. Strategic alliances with the likes of the Port of London Authority and the government of Belgium have helped the authority expand its marketing efforts.