Land Bridge Study Committee Establishes Three Subcommittees to Complete Research Within 90 Days, Confirms Comprehensive Impact Assessment

The Land Bridge study committee has established three subcommittees to accelerate research completion within 90 days, confirming comprehensive impact assessment covering project feasibility, environmental concerns, and public participation from all groups. On May 15, 2569 at 14:50 at Government House, Donucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Council for Economic and Social Development (NESDB) and secretary to the committee studying implementation of the transport infrastructure development project linking the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea (Land Bridge Project), gave an interview following the first meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayab and Finance Minister.

Donucha stated that the meeting discussed basic data for the work within a 90-day timeframe, making it impractical to conduct studies from scratch. The committee will therefore use existing research results from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the most recent and detailed available study, along with previously prepared Senate reports.

Donucha further explained that the assessment criteria will examine current and future problem trend assumptions, the Land Bridge Project's cargo transportation connecting both regions, and business feasibility, while confirming that the work will assess all-dimensional impacts including environmental aspects and will include public consultation.

The meeting approved establishment of three subcommittees: (1) the Land Bridge Project Implementation Guideline Consideration Subcommittee, including experts from the private sector and academics; (2) the Environmental Impact Assessment Subcommittee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment, including environmental experts and agency representatives; and (3) the Public Participation and Communication Process Promotion Subcommittee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Transport, which will disclose information to the public and conduct public consultations, considering concerns and local community input.

Donucha stated that all three subcommittees will report their progress to the main committee for consideration at the next meeting in June. When asked whether academics and NGO voices would be included, he confirmed all perspectives would be considered. Regarding whether this would take the form of legislation like the Eastern Economic Corridor Special Development Zone Act, Donucha noted this is a separate issue that depends on whether the project has commercial characteristics, saying the focus initially is on project development feasibility rather than legal mechanisms. He confirmed economic and geopolitical considerations will be included, examining how circumstances have changed since the 2566 OTP study and updating accordingly. When asked if 90 days is sufficient, Donucha said the committee will make its best effort, but will request the Prime Minister for an extension if needed.