Editorial: Land Bridge Study
Thailand's government has launched a 90-day review of the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject, a proposed infrastructure connecting the Gulf and Andaman coasts via ports, highways, and railways to boost regional economy and reduce shipp
Prime Minister Anuthun Charnweerakul has instructed Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithadprasop and Finance Minister to chair the committee studying the Southern Economic Bridge project connecting Thailand's Gulf and Andaman coasts—the Land Bridge.
The committee must conduct comprehensive review across multiple dimensions including geopolitics, investment returns, logistics systems, and cargo management processes.
The PM emphasized the project's importance given shifting global circumstances regarding energy security and geopolitical considerations, stressing the need for strategy that ensures Thailand stands independently.
The study committee is expected to complete its work within 90 days.
The Land Bridge is a mega-project valued at approximately 1 trillion baht, connecting Chumphon province's Gulf coast with Ranong province's Andaman coast. Construction would include two deep-water ports on each coast, special highways or motorways, and dual-track railways for transporting goods across the peninsula, reducing time and costs compared to routing through the Strait of Malacca.
Projections indicate it would boost economic capacity, position Thailand as a logistics center, establish new manufacturing bases, create employment and income, and stimulate Southern Thailand's economy.
The project has been discussed since 2019 and is being advanced by the current administration. Thailand has not previously invested in large-scale infrastructure megaprojects of this magnitude to drive economic growth.
However, given the project's scale, significant concerns and impacts exist—including cost recovery, economic viability given substantial implementation costs, environmental impacts, and effects on local residents' livelihoods.
Therefore, the government's directive to urgently study this project must thoroughly examine all dimensions and aspects, remain receptive to all stakeholders, and create genuine participation opportunities across all sectors. Currently, both supporters and opponents exist, particularly among civil society and local communities concerned about long-term impacts.
