Land Bridge Project Undergoes Feasibility Review
A subcommittee will review the land bridge project's commercial and operational feasibility on July 3, assessing cargo demand, port competition, and costs alongside legal framework requirements for the proposed infrastructure.
On July 1, 2025, Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, discussed progress on the land bridge project committee. A subcommittee meeting scheduled for July 3 will evaluate the project's value and feasibility as a continuation of earlier discussions. The committee is reviewing and updating project assumptions based on requests from subcommittee members, and will assess whether cross-border transportation services are practically viable. The evaluation includes input from shipping industry experts and executives.
Danucha stated the subcommittee focuses on three main assessment areas: commercial viability, including cargo volume and service demand feasibility; the feasibility of attracting shipping lines and handling transshipment cargo, given competition from existing efficient regional ports; and operational feasibility, including cost, timeline, and management logistics.
Regarding concerns about the land bridge project's connection to the proposed EEC law, Danucha said the subcommittee will evaluate legal requirements and consider alternative development approaches, including gradual development with public consultation. The legal framework assessment will accompany the project evaluation.
When asked if the government would proceed without the original draft law, Danucha noted that Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn and the Transport Minister agreed to discuss development models in detail with gathered citizens. The subcommittee will evaluate both the project and the appropriateness of the existing draft law. If current legislation can be adapted, new laws may not be necessary, though community consultation on development format is essential. Legal and development recommendations will be included in an August report to the Prime Minister.
