PM Anutin: Land Bridge Project Still on Hold, Ready to Revive

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed reports that the government had shelved the Land Bridge project, clarifying that the project has not been abandoned but is being managed according to current conditions. He noted that focusing first on the "Missing Link" railway connection project would allow faster implementation before upgrading ports on both sides. Once conditions are right and it becomes necessary or strategically appropriate, the Land Bridge can be dusted off and revived at any time, he said.

When asked whether the Ranong port would be rebuilt or developed at its existing location, Anutin said details still require study and upgrading but he has not yet discussed findings with Ekniti Nitithamaraprasit, chairman of the committee overseeing the transport infrastructure project linking the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Anutin also said many other projects are planned for the region and that improving both ports, along with the Missing Link railway, would create valuable connectivity since current rail routes do not serve the western region.

Regarding the high-speed rail project linking three airports and his role as chairman of the Eastern Economic Corridor board, Anutin said a meeting is expected soon, likely after July 28, when he will invite EEC Secretary-General Chula Sukmanop for discussions. On whether there are plans to actually cancel the contract, Anutin cautioned that such large-scale contracts cannot be terminated easily and require careful study. He noted that contract cancellation requires mutual agreement from both parties, and the government is rarely the defaulting party; even when it is, there are remedial and compensation mechanisms. He said he has seldom seen public-private partnership contracts terminated because they are tightly drawn, with details to be discussed later.