Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party has issued a detailed statement clarifying facts about the proposed Land Bridge project, emphasizing that no construction or investments have received approval.
Project Goals and Safeguards
The initiative seeks to establish Thailand as a key regional logistics hub. It aims to shorten maritime transport times, boost national competitiveness, generate employment opportunities, and drive sustained economic expansion.
A 90-day impact assessment committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, will thoroughly evaluate the project. Officials stress that the plan will only advance if studies confirm its economic feasibility and if local communities support it. Public sentiment remains the ultimate deciding factor.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
The party firmly denies several circulating rumors. There are no provisions for foreigners to lease land for 99 years, no plans to legalize casinos or illegal operations, and no allocation of one trillion baht in investment funds. Funding is limited solely to feasibility studies.
Proponents describe the project as a good-faith effort to foster development in southern Thailand while fully respecting local residents’ perspectives and broader public input. The party has warned that it may pursue legal measures against those disseminating false or defamatory claims.
Senate Examines Southern Economic Corridor
On the same day, the Senate reviewed a feasibility study for transport infrastructure under the Southern Economic Corridor, which connects the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea via the Land Bridge.
The Senate Committee on Transport, chaired by Senator Wuttichai Kanlayanamitr, presented findings analyzed from policy, technical, economic, and operational angles. A subcommittee formed in August last year gathered insights from government agencies, private sector representatives, and academic experts.
Senator Wuttichai emphasized that the committee’s recommendations prioritize factual data and academic rigor over political or social influences.
Historical Context and Key Insights
Phamorn Chowsirikul, chairman of the subcommittee on water transport and maritime commerce policy, noted that the Land Bridge concept originated in 2001 during former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration to stimulate southern growth.
He outlined the project as an integrated multimodal logistics network encompassing port operations, container management, rail systems, and shipping routes. Success hinges on effective management, rapid operations, and rivalry with global ports and hubs.
However, Senator Prapan Lohaviriyasiri, another subcommittee member, highlighted concerns over optimistic projections. Claims of reducing shipping times by four days and cutting costs by 15% lack robust supporting evidence, he argued.
The debate coincided with a motion from Senator Noraset Pratchayakorn calling on the government to reassess the project.
