Pipat Cancels Southern Visit, Hands Landbridge Study to Ek Niti; Confident Project Won't Stall Like Thai Canal
Deputy PM Pipat canceled his southern site visit to the proposed landbridge project, handing leadership of a 90-day study to Finance Minister Ek Niti while expressing confidence the infrastructure initiative won't face delays like Thailand'
At a government house briefing on May 5, 2569, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakij announced that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has tasked Deputy PM and Finance Minister Ek Niti Thammasat with leading a comprehensive study of the proposed landbridge project. Pipat said he is canceling his planned May 8 site visit to await the results of Ek Niti's 90-day research, reasoning that visiting now could be premature and potentially misguided.
Pipat emphasized that the landbridge study must comprehensively re-examine all aspects, including environmental impacts and benefits to Thailand. He clarified the project encompasses not just rail systems but also roadways and energy pipeline networks. When asked about public opposition, Pipat said the government must understand both positive and negative consequences, particularly for residents of Chumphon and Ranong provinces regarding their livelihoods and occupational alternatives for affected fishing communities.
Pipat acknowledged that public protests in front of government house cannot be prohibited, as this constitutes individual rights, but the government must ensure clear communication about the project's national benefits. He declined to make premature judgments on the project's success, repeatedly deferring to the ongoing study. Regarding criticisms from NGOs, Pipat noted uncertainty about whether opponents are local or external groups.
Drawing comparisons to the controversial Khlong Thai (Thai Canal) project, Pipat stressed that the landbridge differs fundamentally—it avoids canal excavation by using roads, rails, and pipelines instead. Where mountains are encountered, modern tunnel construction methods would minimize ecosystem damage. He reiterated that the landbridge has been a Bhumjaithai Party policy since 2019 and represents a flagship initiative under his current transport ministry role, now being pursued to drive economic recovery.
