Cabinet Acknowledges NHRC Proposal on Land Bridge Project, Urges Southern Voices to be Heard; Transport Ministry Given 30-Day Deadline

At 2:00 PM on May 5, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Laksameesang revealed after the Cabinet meeting that the Cabinet acknowledged recommendations regarding the Land Bridge project, a transportation infrastructure initiative to develop the southern economic corridor and connect shipping routes between the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea in Chumphon and Ranong provinces, as proposed by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The NHRC's recommendations include:

1. Directing the Office of the National Council for Peace and Order (NESDC) to conduct public hearings in Ranong and Chumphon provinces on development direction at both structural and comprehensive levels, recognizing residents' right to self-determination regarding their future, economic, social and cultural development. This input will inform the assessment of the Land Bridge project's feasibility and allow all community members and occupational groups to participate in developing provincial plans for Chumphon and Ranong that align with areas' potential as identified in feasibility studies conducted by NESDC in 2021-2022.

2. Using public hearing results and research reports to assess the Land Bridge project's continued feasibility, ensuring alignment with local potential and community needs.

The Cabinet assigned the Transport Ministry as the lead agency to coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Interior, NESDC, and relevant organizations to study the appropriateness of these recommendations. The Transport Ministry must submit a comprehensive summary of its findings to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary within 30 days for Cabinet consideration.