Thai PM sees hope in Land Bridge megaproject to lure overseas Thais back

Acknowledging the lack of attractive job opportunities in Thailand, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed hope that the Land Bridge megaproject would allure high-calibre Thais working abroad to return home. The prime minister made this remark during a meeting with the Thai community members in the US at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke provided a summary of the discourse held by the prime minister, during which he expressed his desire for his two sons working overseas to return to their home country.

The 61 year old Thai PM acknowledged that Thailand currently lacks the lucrative offers that could draw Thais working overseas but hopes to change that in the future.

“We must work towards enhancing and promoting the country’s capabilities. This is one of the government’s main tasks.

“There is no better time than now to invest in Thailand. I believe that if Thailand can offer something superior, several of you may wish to return home.”

The government’s earnest efforts to uplift the quality of life for Thais and enable them to escape the middle-income trap were also mentioned by the Thai PM. He expressed optimism that the Land Bridge megaproject, which is yet to materialize, would enhance investor confidence and provide the younger generation with a promising future, reported Bangkok Post.

Trillion baht megaproject

This megaproject, worth 1 trillion baht is aimed at establishing a logistics network that connects Ranong province along the Andaman Sea to Chumphon along the Gulf of Thailand. The project involves the development of deep-water ports in Ranong and Chumphon, a motorway to connect the two provinces, and a railway system. It is also being promoted by the government to attract foreign investment.

On the same day, Prime Minister Srettha also delivered an address titled, Interconnectedness and Building Inclusive and Resilient Economies at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Retreat in San Francisco.

In his speech, the prime minister asserted Thailand’s commitment to multilateralism and APEC amidst global uncertainties. He emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and advancing the Bangkok Goals on the Bio-circular and Green (BCG) Economy.

The Bangkok-born prime minister further noted that Apec had made substantial progress this year with over 280 projects responding to the goals. The APEC Business Advisory Council also made significant strides, notably through the BCG pledge and the inaugural Sustainable Future Forum to engage businesses and other stakeholders.

“Open trade and investment are required to foster growth and prosperity. APEC’s support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core, is key. Thailand also advocates for continued efforts on the Free Trade Area for Asia Pacific agenda work plan to advance regional economic integration.”