Pipat to Submit Land Bridge Project to Cabinet in June, Worth 1 Trillion Baht, Seizing Strait of Hormuz Crisis Opportunity

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn announced on April 25 at Thai Pride Party headquarters that the Land Bridge project should move forward, citing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's earlier support. Pipat emphasized that potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz make this an opportune moment for Thailand to develop dual-coast ports on both the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, connecting trade across two oceans.

Addressing criticism that container transshipment delays would eliminate benefits, Pipat countered with data showing over 90 percent of containerized cargo involves transshipment—meaning goods are consolidated from multiple ports rather than traveling 100 percent from origin to final destination. He explained that international shipping increasingly relies on transshipment hubs, and Thailand would benefit from attracting this traffic to its own ports.

When asked about timing, Pipat indicated the project would begin this year pending cabinet approval expected between June and July. The Transport Ministry's policy and planning office has completed surveys, with further site inspections planned. Investment opportunities will be open to both domestic and international bidders through a competitive bidding process, with investors choosing initial development locations.

Regarding funding, Pipat stated the project is estimated at approximately 1 trillion baht, but Thailand will contribute only land concessions, with private investors covering all development costs. Environmental and health impact assessments will be conducted, though Pipat acknowledged existing opposition and committed to clarifying factual concerns with local communities. He plans to visit the Land Bridge site in May and open investment opportunities beginning in the third quarter of this year.