Transport Minister Denies Link to Ranong Land Purchases
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn denied involvement in allegations that a family-linked company purchased land in Ranong province ahead of a planned land bridge project, though he acknowledged the company's CEO is his younger bro
BANGKOK — May 12, 2026: Thailand's deputy prime minister and transport minister has denied any involvement in allegations that a family-linked company purchased land in Ranong province in anticipation of the government's proposed land bridge project.
At a 3 p.m. press conference at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn responded to questions about Ama Marine Plc., which recently issued a statement after being linked to reports of land acquisitions in southern Thailand.
"I don't see how this has anything to do with me, and the company has already issued a clarification," Phiphat told reporters.
When pressed about whether a company director shares the Ratchakitprakarn surname, Phiphat acknowledged that the company's chief executive is his younger brother, then challenged reporters: "Do you have any problem with that?"
Opposition parties have alleged the company was acquiring Ranong land to capitalize on the planned land bridge project, a major infrastructure initiative designed to link the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea.
Phiphat rejected the allegations, stating the company had already publicly denied involvement and said it had not purchased any land.
"The company has already clarified that it has no involvement and did not buy any land," he said, encouraging reporters to contact the company directly for verification.
Phiphat concluded by declining further comment, saying that "the more I speak about it, the more it could affect me."
