Southern Thailand: Locals unite to halt Land Bridge project

People’s networks from Ranong and Chumphon provinces rallied yesterday in front of the Lang Suan district office, vehemently opposing the controversial multi-billion baht Land Bridge project planned for their region.

Protesters issued a powerful statement demanding the immediate cancellation of the project, arguing it would deplete vital resources better preserved for future generations.

“Our children and grandchildren deserve a sustainable future, not a devastated landscape.”

The colossal land bridge initiative, which includes several sub-projects worth billions of baht, proposes deep-sea ports on both the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand coasts, a motorway, a dual-track railway connecting the ports, an expansive industrial estate, container yards, a power plant, and a reservoir for industrial water needs.

According to studies cited by the protesters, the project would require approximately 1,120 hectares of coastal land and sea in Ranong for the deep-sea port and another 928 hectares in Chumphon. Additionally, significant land expropriation would be necessary for the motorway, railway, and reservoir construction. The estimated total cost for the Land Bridge project stands at a staggering 1 trillion baht.

Investors are set to receive 99-year concessions to operate the ports and other facilities, raising concerns about long-term local control and benefits.

Promoted as a flagship policy by the Pheu Thai party, the Land Bridge aims to shorten shipping times between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bypassing the Straits of Malacca. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been actively courting international investors for the project during his numerous overseas trips, reported Thai PBS World.

However, local communities remain resolute in their opposition, prioritising environmental preservation and sustainable development over short-term economic gains.

ORIGINAL STORY: Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project

In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors.

Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting serious international attention.

“Over 30 companies, including the Chinese giant China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), have shown interest during Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit’s recent visit to China.

“Japanese investors are also keen, sending representatives to assess the project’s potential.”

These investors are expected to commit formally once the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) law is finalised. Manaporn assured that the Transport Ministry aims to complete the SEC law by the fourth quarter of this year, with investment invitations slated for the end of 2025.

The Land Bridge project, designed to connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans via deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong, is just one of several grand investment schemes the government is promoting. However, critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact, financial burden, and lengthy timeline, with the first phase not expected to finish until 2030.

Kritchanon Aiyapanya, assistant minister attached to the Transport Ministry, countered Samart’s criticisms, arguing they misrepresent the project’s viability and could mislead both investors and the public, reported Bangkok Post.

“The project has undergone extensive studies. Multiple agencies have confirmed that it will significantly reduce travel time and costs, providing a strategic alternative to the congested Strait of Malacca.”

Kritchanon added that interest isn’t limited to Asia. Potential investors from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East are also eyeing the project, signalling global confidence in its prospects.